We started the day with a wonderful FREE breakfast at Oscar’s Cafe. Dick had the Cake Combo with scrambled eggs, pancake, and bacon. I had the Green Chili Horseshoe with potatoes on the bottom (I asked for just a little), pulled pork, cheese, egg over easy, salsa verde, with guacamole and sour cream on top. So delicious! Didn’t finish mine.
Then, off to Cortez, CO by way of Zion. Saw park sights only from the other direction. Went through the Zion Mt. Carmel tunnel again only on the way out. The tunnel was completed in 1930 and is 1.1 miles long. It was the longest bridge of its kind in the U.S. at that time. Its purpose was to create direct access to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon from Zion.
Also, going through the tunnel we got NO cell SERVICE. Very common in the park as we were walking.
After the drive from leaving the park, we saw a sign, “Thunderbird Restaurant Home of the Ho-Made Pies.” Not sure what the Ho-Made meant. It was across the street from the Shell and the Subway we ate on the way to Zion.
We went through 4 states on our travels: UT, AZ, NM, and CO. More about that later.
For lunch, nothing exciting except that we stopped at a McDonald’s where we spent $16+ for something we’d normally spend maybe $10-11. Dick’s quarter pounder meal was $10.99 + tax. An Asian threesome were surprised to spend $35+ for 3 meals. Looks like they are paying $14/hour to start. Not sure why the food is that expensive unless it’s the wages or cost of ingredients. Either way, it’s expensive!
We took the Navajo Scenic Highway with beautiful scenic rock formations.
We got gas at Shell gas station operated by Navajos with Navajo words above the restroom sign. The price was the best we’ve seen in a long time. Regular - $3.19, Premium - $3.79.
We entered New Mexico for a nanosecond.
We came across the sign for Four Corners where New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona meet. So, we decided to go there if it wasn’t too far often from the highway. It was about 1/2 mile from the highway, owned and operated by the Navajos.
$5@ to go to the site. No cremation remains can be scattered there. It’s a desecration of Navajo grounds.
Shortly after leaving, we entered Colorado. Another 40 miles and we were at our hotel.
Dinner at the Farm Bistro. Very good. Dick had Mesa Chicken which was cooked with green chilis, asparagus, and Mexican rice. I had a roasted beet and fennel salad with chèvre and greens topped with grilled chicken.
To top the evening off, we are doing laundry. This is the fourth laundry load: one at Kim’s, two at Leikhims, and the fourth, here. I’m sure it won’t be the last!
Tomorrow, we go to Mesa Verde National Park which is the only park dedicated to human works!
So, as the laundry is spinning, I’ll say good night
2025-02-17