Sara’s posterous

Quick breakfast in room and got in the car. We drove straight to Twin
Falls, ID, where we stopped into the Visitor’s Center and made the day
of the people working there who were super happy to help us. We
walked along the canyon rim there, and watched a base jumper fold up
his parachute for the next jump (but didn’t get to see him jump –
bummer).

We drove over to Shoshone Falls – the “Niagara of the West” (although
I’m not sure if that’s the west’s name for it or just Idaho’s), and
had a great picnic next to the falls. It almost rained on us too, but
then after a few drops the clouds broke and we even had some sunshine!

From Twin Falls we parted briefly from I-84 to take the Hwy 30 scenic
byway through to Bliss, the road follows along the Snake River, and is
quite pretty but not overly exciting (or maybe we just still hadn’t
recovered from scenic overload).

Out of curiosity – when the GPS navigation diverged from city signs -
we followed the GPS to Boise City Center. A lovely, quiet, downtown
without crowds, I’ve included a picture of the cul-de-sac which –
according to TomTom – is the Boise city center.

Shut off TomTom and navigated ourselves to the city center, and walked
around ‘old town’ downtown a little. Aba made chow notes for the next
visit, and I insisted on including the chocolate shop that we missed
by 15 minutes – it looked glorious!

We had a great meal at Bardenay. Aba ranked it right up at the top of
his list with the Luling BBQ place, and admitted it was also because
of the overall experience there, not just the food. It was definitely
a fun place, and the Spaghetti Puttanesca, and Trout were both really
good. The clams appetizer was the only food item that blew us both
away – really good, and I don’t even like clams – I was just using
them as an excuse to get at the sauce. Drinks: awesome! The place is
also a distillery, so I guess that’s really what you come for. Aba
had a martini, which was the first martini I found drinkable, and I
had a huckleberry drink, that was good to start and excellent when
they doctored it for me! (Needed more Prosecco! And they were so nice
about it!)

After dinner we drove on to Ontario (m6 again!) to spend the last
night on the road.

         

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Day_24_1019_tag_Idaho_Pub_Food.zip (713 KB)

Up early again and into the Kolob Canyon section of Zion park (the NW
section does not connect by road to the rest of the park). Hiked the
Taylor Creek trail to Double Arch Alcove. Walk didn’t have the same
sort of overwhelming grandiose aura of the main canyon, but much
greener walking along the river, and very beautiful. Once we hit the
alcove, though, that really was stunning. Probably the easiest hike
we’ve done even though it was the longest. You’re actually following
the river, so it’s fairly flat – about 5 miles round trip. It’s also
significantly less crowded than the main area.

By the end of the hike, though, we realized that we were totally
burned out of Big Damn (Beautiful) Rocks. After getting back in the
car and driving through the rest of the route in the NW park, I felt
absolutely no need to enjoy any more scenic views. Good timing I
guess – the rest of the drive home is mainly Interstate.

Taco Bell for lunch!!! I was craving fast food… then on to Salt Lake
City, and one of the best meals of the trip! Red Iguana in Salt Lake
City is a great Mexican place. I had Enchilada Suiza, an avocado and
sour cream chicken enchilada with poblano mole, which was soooo
good!!! Aba had red pinion mole and coloradito mole – both over
chicken (they were relatively slow – meaning there was only a 15
minute wait and not an hour+ wait – so they indulged his request to do
a half and half plate), and an appetizer of papdzules (some
egg-and-other-stuff enchilada with mole verde). Aba wants to point out
that what’s really unique there are the moles, and they offer a free
mole sampler plate with all 6 or 7 moles they offer on it, but
whatever he says that enchilada was the best I’ve ever had.

Kept moving a little further to Ogden, and stayed the night there
(another nice Motel 6!)

           

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Up early (we learned fast that that’s the way to do it –
parking/crowd/temperature-wise), sandwiches for breakfast and packed
some away for lunch. Drove into the park and parked at the Visitor
Center, then took the shuttle to the Weeping Rock stop. Summer (high)
season, you can’t drive through the canyon, but they have a shuttle
running every 7-10 minutes all day – nice system.

We took the shuttle to the Weeping Rock stop. First item was the
Observation Point hike, although not the whole way - our destination
was just to go through Echo Canyon, but I was enjoying it so much I
made Aba go a little further. We stopped when we made it into the sun
- at the turn-off to the East Entrance (2 mile marker), where we ran
into the same backpackers we'd seen take off the day before. Had
lunch at the junction, then returned. Really beautiful trail, next
time I go back I'm taking the time to do the whole thing.

Back at the trailhead we walked up to Weeping Rock – one of the more
prominent rocks with heavy seepage and hanging gardens – put my hood
on so I wouldn’t get rained on! Also very pretty, but by then the
park was really filling up - big change from the morning.

Back on the shuttle to Temple of Sinawava stop and walked the
Riverside Walk. Beautiful but also much more crowded. Would like to
come back in summer and hike the Narrows up the canyon through the
water, but as it was we weren’t interested in renting dry pants to
keep us warm so we just dunked our toes in the (freezing) water and
hung out a bit by the river.

Next shuttle stop was Big Bend. Nice view, and Aba promptly made
himself comfortable on a rock to take a nap. Prying him off of his
scenic resting spot was not easy.

Went back to the Lodge in the park, and rested on the lawn there for a
bit (and got a souvenir!), then moved on to check out the museum on
the way out.

Checked out both Oscar’s and Bit and Spur for dinner options in
Springdale, and stuck with Bit & Spur, probably more because we didn’t
feel like driving back to the other than that it stuck out as better,
but food was good. Beautiful view from the porch (I don’t think you
can find a spot without a view in the town). I had a stuffed poblano
pepper with mushroom, polenta, and goat cheese – pretty damn tasty.
Also a chocolate lava cake that didn’t measure up to any lava cake in
Portland but was exactly what I needed. Oh and as we were leaving the
couple next to us asked if we were from Portland and liked the
restaurant on Aba’s shirt… hah! Shout out to Toro Bravo! That was
pretty funny.

Got back on the road, and stayed the night in a AAA 2-star rated Motel
6 in Cedar City – classy!!

               

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More scenic driving! Took Hwys 160 and 89 heading west through
Arizona towards Zion National Park. Changed it up a little and I
drove most of way.

We stopped at a cool looking bridge over the Colorado river. The
double bridges are the main highway, and a pedestrian bridge, which
was the original highway bridge, before they upgraded to better handle
heavier loads.

We entered Zion from the east on SR 9 - incredible drive, and not to
be missed on any trip to the park! We stopped for a picnic lunch as
soon as we entered the park, watched some backpackers set off, and had
some dynamite sandwiches. The road is nice before the park, but it
becomes wildly impressive once you're inside. We wound our way down
at about 20 mph and stopping whenever there was a pullout (and
sometimes when there wasn't...) AND we saw bighorn sheep!!! I thought
they were mountain goats until we popped into the museum the next day.

Right before the tunnel we parked and took the Canyon Overlook Trail.
It's immediately east of the tunnel, and was fairly short, but pretty
cool. I'm writing this a little late, so it seems less impressive
after seeing the rest of the park the next day, but it was really
quite stunning at the time. We were back to hot weather again too,
which was nice but we definitely worked up a sweat on the walk!

After the Overlook, we got back in the car and went through the
TUNNEL!!! I guess that whole SR 9 road that connects the park to the
east entrance is considered an incredible feat of engineering - I
don't have any basis for judging that but it sure looked cool! The
tunnel itself is a mile long, and from the 1930s, and, although it's a
two-lane tunnel, any wider vehicle (i.e. trailers or RVs), can't fit
in the one lane, so they have to stop traffic on one side to let them
through. So they have rangers stationed on either side and handle it
like a relay... we were the last car to go through on our side and got
to hold the baton!!!

We made it to Visitor's Center just before it closed! Ranger Ron gave
us some nice tips. Hahaha. Then went on to a hotel in Springdale (we
had wanted to camp, but didn't think we'd be early enough to get a
campsite - hotels were mostly filled up as well - book early next
time! or come early in the morning and can probably get a site) -
Bumbleberry Inn. Jumped in the pool to cool off, then went to dinner
at the Switchback Grille. We were recommended the wood burning pizza
but that turned out to be the worst part. Good steak, though, and a
lovely bottle of Cook's Champagne for $14... I was craving bubbles and
wouldn't you know they've got a bargain offering on the menu for
cheapskates like us!! Awesome.

               

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Day_21_1016.zip (1130 KB)

We got up early but made our way slowly out of Durango. Drove through
the town which was pretty cute, and stopped at the Natural Foods store
to stock up. We headed out of the city to Mesa Verde National Park.
Beautiful drive up to the top of the mesa, and stopped at the
visitor's center to sign up for a guided tour of Cliff Palace. There
are a couple of the larger sites that are only viewable by tour, and
although I'm not a huge fan of signing up for the tours, it was
actually pretty good, and the pueblos were very cool.

We did a picnic lunch (dynamite sandwiches!!!), and stopped into the
museum (and gift shop!) before heading out of the park. We drove East
into Utah and down into Arizona through Monument Valley. Crazy
landscape, and beautiful - desert and enormous rock formations. Drove
up to Mexican Hat (the picture of the rock that looks like... a
sombrero!), and checked out the larger monoliths, but skipped the park
itself.

Spent the night in Kayenta, AZ, and went for dinner at the Blue Coffee
Pot Cafe. Low-key, inexpensive place, with food that I was
unimpressed by, but Aba would probably jump in to defend them here -
he said it was satisfying, and good, simple food for the money.

             

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Day_20_1015_tag_Colorado_Utah_.zip (1004 KB)

Spent a leisurely morning in Santa Fe - breakfast at Pasqual's which
was super good!!! I had a breakfast quesadilla which I've never
actually seen before, but thought it was delicious. Walked around a
bit more, than headed off on a scenic drive to Taos.

Didn't spend much time in Taos, but enjoyed it. Wandered around the
plaza a bit, and then had lunch at Graham's ("yuppie eclectic
southwestern" is how Aba describes it - they did have a falafel tamale
pie). Best dessert of the trip!!! I stuck to soup and salad (both
good) to save room for molten chocolate cake with chocolate and
raspberry sauce. YUM!! (although weakest part was the raspberry
sauce which couldn't hold a candle to Papa Haydn).

Stopped at Taos Pueblo as well. Pretty cool to see all the building
structures, but both Aba and I were pretty turned off by the attitude
there - after the $5 "camera fee" (in addition to an entry fee), we
were chased down by the tour guide for not tipping her when we tried
to leave halfway through ("the tour is not free - it's by gratuity"
anyone see the contradiction here?).

We then kept moving on towards Durango, CO, passing over a bridge
crossing a massive canyon (Rio Grande running through below), which
had an incredible view. The majority of the rest of the drive was
again via scenic backroads, which were beautiful (especially the
latter part of the section between Taos and Pagosa Springs). Aside
from the picture at the Pueblo, all the pictures are shots from along
the drive (including the lovely "historic marker" haha). We also
drove through Pagosa Springs, and didn't have time to stop, but Aba is
already planning his return trip to the area, and is determined to
stop by there next time.

             

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Day_19_1014_Tag_New_Mexico_Col.zip (787 KB)

Got up and out of the room fairly quickly and were on the road to Santa Fe.

GREAT city! We really enjoyed ourselves here so far (and there's still
tomorrow morning!). First checked into hotel (Motel 6! Nicest one
we've stayed at yet...), then went downtown. Spent the afternoon in
the plaza: walked through the shops (bought my favorite souvenir so
far!) and the outdoor market, saw the Cathedral Basilica (sp?), walked
down Alameda along the river, drove up to Canyon road with all the art
studios (although didn't really get out to actually check them out -
by then I was pretty wiped).

We had coffee and some treats at La Fonda hotel pastry shop - a
raspberry tart there hit the spot... it was sooo good! We also
grabbed some soup at an ice cream shop off the plaza (although I can't
remember the name), and it was surprisingly good - tasted home-made.

Went back to the hotel for a bit, then went for dinner at Horseman's
Haven - great enchiladas, and also some dynamite sopapilla (sp?). Aba
says he's only ever had sopapilla when it's sweet before, and having
it savory like this was great - I'd never had it before at all but I
loved it! Aba was less enthusiastic about the adovada (?), but said
it was good. The real problem was that the portions were enormous.
After I'd stuffed myself, the damn dish looked like I hadn't touched
it (See photo evidence - but I swear I was going to town on that
plate!). Oh well it was still good, even if I had an embarrassing
performance. (Thanks for the rec CT!)

After dinner - as full as we were - we headed back into town to get a
drink at the Cantina of Coyote Cafe (the Cantina is the cheaper
spin-off of the more upscale Coyote Cafe). I had a lemon drop with
POP ROCKS on the rim!!! Haha that was hilarious. We also tried the
chips (Aba just wanted to taste them because they looked so good) and
had a lemon tart for dessert - both were very good, and I think Aba
was also impressed with the overall value of the place.

           

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Day_18_1013_tag_New_Mexico_Sou.zip (884 KB)

On the road again! And on the way home...

Went out to breakfast with grandma at a Jewish Deli "Deli-News" near
the house. I had challah french toast and it was good! The portions
were so huge, though, that I didn't have the energy to taste anyone
else's food...

Said good-bye to Grandma back at Kelly's (and took a fair well picture
with one of the bizillions of halloween decorations that they have
"only just started" to put up), and kept trucking!

Drove straight up to Amarillo and stopped for the most disappointing
meal we've had yet: "The Big Texan" is known more for it's 72 oz.
steak challenge than the quality of its food, but it seemed like a fun
place so we checked it out. Oddly enough I was mostly disappointed by
the food - Aba was more disappointed by the service. If there is a
steak equivalent of a mealy apple that's what it tasted like. Aba
claims that happens and still enjoyed it but I thought it was gross.
And the burger bun was made out of something less substantial than
wonderbread - burger overdone too (although that really bothered me
less than the bun...) Anyways have to have at least one bad egg!
Hopefully that was the last one...

Kept driving after dinner and made it to Tucumcari, NM for the night.
Motel heaven - small town which seems to be made up entirely of
hotels. And cheap!

     

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Day_17_1012_tag_Texas_New_Mexi.zip (400 KB)

Back to the Renaissance Festival for the morning (after a quick
Shipley donuts stop)! We saw the last few areas we hadn’t gotten to
the day before. It was raining most of the day, though, so the
covered attractions had more of an appeal... highlights today:

- Belly dancing
- Printing press demo
- Polish food!
- Bawdy jokes/songs from a female duo (Iris & Rose?)

Also, Aba had ANOTHER turkey leg! He's a turkey leg all-star.
Definitely the best food at the fair (and most appropriate) but I was
all turkey legged out after yesterday's... haha

After the fair we got back in the car and headed to Aunt Kelly's in
Dallas. Grandma was staying there too so we got to see her on the
road! And Chrissy and her kids were hanging out, which was pretty
cool - I hadn't seen them in long enough that if I'd met the kids
before they certainly weren't going to remember it. Had some catch-up
time and a bomb turkey(!) & bean soup for dinner.

   

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The Renaissance Festival!!!

OK there were some hilarious costumes (including a centaur!).  They
looked great!  And I was super jealous that I didn’t have an excessive
costume.  But anyways, some highlights from the day:

-          SHOPPING!!! It was super expensive but they had so much
cool stuff – I spent most of the day looking through all the booths,
and trying on the crazy hats/costumes
-          My first Scottish egg
- Saw Aba's old booth (and his neighbors who were still
working there! The hat people...)
-          Saw a falconry show (birds of prey but complete with
costumed performers)
-          An organ-type instrument that played bells of various
sizes.  I have no clue what it was but it was so cool AND he played
Carol of the Bells! (my favorite)
-          A jousting match between four knights
-          Turkey leg and beer!!!! (Note the "before and after" pictures)
-          Fireworks at dusk!  Accompanied by a crazy bagpipe/drummer
band that was the best group I heard at the festival – really enjoyed
them.

PS. We had a surprise when we got back in the room – a cat!  We heard
meowing and found it under the bed against the wall. I’m guessing it
snuck in while they were cleaning the room, but it took a good 5
minutes to coax that cat out of the room.

             

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