Slow to wake up, slow to get moving, and slow to find food ensured that we missed breakfast, and affirmed the fact that Utah hospitality is nothing compared to Texan hospitality. After two tries for a short stack and some sunny-side up goodness, we settled for a knock-off of a Philly cheese steak and a Cinnabon -and they didn’t even come close.  Don’t worry Philadelphians, your cheese steaks have no match in Utah.

After an interesting lunch we ran into rain, snow, and pounding hail as we headed south. And I have to say, screw Utah and Arizona and their damn national parks. We drove to Zion N.P. (A’s most favorite national park), ohhhing and ahhing as we went through, greatly anticipating our overnight hiking and camping in the backcountry, only to be told that there are no permits left for any of the areas, and there won’t be any for the whole weekend. And the region called “The Narrows,” a beautiful trail up a narrow gorge through a river, was closed for undetermined amount of time due to possible flash flooding. A and I turned and looked at each other and just groaned.

Granted, its mostly our fault for not planning ahead and realizing that as the summer season has begun, the national park system would be flooded with every imaginable type of person, couple, and family, not to mention tons of foreigners, trying to camp and hike. But nevertheless, quite a bummer not to see one of the prettiest parks in the US.

So, we are on the way to LA, with a stop in Las Vegas to see a good friend of mine. A called his Aunt and uncle who live just outside of LA, asking if we could occupy a bed or two for the evening. And despite our probable late night crashing, they said they were thrilled to have us. A little Guster and convenience-store-coffee will carry us through the night.