Time Marches!

Today, as we leave Zion National Park, is Peter’s 18th birthday. And I can’t think of a better place to celebrate the passage of time than Zion. Every mountainside layer of sandstone, every pile of fallen boulders, every peak reminds you that time is a major component of this place. I remember Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption saying that geology is the study of pressure and time. And this is a place where that really comes alive.



Of course, Peter’s 18 years – or Kate’s 54 or my 53 – are just the blink of an eye. But not completely so. In 1965 there was a major change in a mountain called the Sentinel that changed the canyon. Not completely, but materially. And 40 years later it’s really easy to see the effects.

Still, Zion has a humbling quality. Yesterday we hiked to a place called Observation Point. A hike of four miles each way that took us from the canyon floor to about as high as any point in the canyon. In a sense, from where the Virgin River is now to the place or time where the River started to create this amazing canyon.



Not as death defying a hike as Angel’s Landing. But to me a very satisfying one. Part of the hike through Echo Canyon was just beautiful. The view from the top was breathtaking (if a little cool).



In honor of Peter’s birthday and to honor the stratification of Zion Canyon, Peter and I each brunched on a Down Under Burger at Oscar’s in Springdale. A half-pound burger, with layers of egg, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and onions, barely surrounded by a whole-wheat bun.



Quite a fitting sendoff from Zion. I can think of few places that are more amazing.

Now it’s on to Vegas.

Postcard from the Edge

Las Vegas is the polar opposite of Zion, and the three of us like the Zion pole much more than the Vegas pole. And I know, what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. Still, I would note a few facts.

I am now officially too old for roller coasters, especially the one at the New York, New York casino. If you see me about to get on a roller coaster, please stop me.



The Blue Man Group is very cool. An amazing experience. While the three of us may not be "Vegas People" - we all loved the Blue Men. In fact, they are so cool that Peter joined the band.



Casinos are easier to walk into than out of. We were sucked into the Caesar's Palace Casino, Swirling Vortex and Time Warp last night and barely made it back to the street.

Las Vegas people watching is tremendous - especially as the day moves on into the night.

A good cup of coffee is very hard to find in Las Vegas. I find this a truly amazing fact. This seems like a place where a great morning coffee is essential. I long for the Mean Bean (Springdale, Utah) or Dunn Brothers or Caribou. We did find one Starbucks, but the length of the line showed that many others are also in search of a fine cup of seed.



Penn and Teller are also cool (in a non-Vegas act sort of way - as Penn is quick to note). We can only assume that Teller agrees.



And if you want a great place to eat - try Olives at the Bellagio. Just a wonderful sendoff from Las Vegas.



Now it's back to our nice Minnesota reality. I don't need regular doses of Las Vegas. But Zion, that is a worthwhile destination. To say the least.