Zion National Park

After leaving Bryce Canyon Tyson was feeling spontaneous and suggested we turn left and head towards Zion National park instead of turn right and make the 5 hour drive home like we had intended. 

I was surprised by his suggestion and said, "Why not."

It is fun being spontaneous. And like I've mentioned before, we both love road trips and neither of us were quite ready to head home just yet. Luckily Lydia is easy going and fine with the fact that her parents love exploring and seeing new places. She is our dream traveler and we love that about her. 

The last time I had been to Zions I was 12 years old. You'd think I would have more memories than I do. But I don't. What it really comes down to is I don't think as a pre-teen that I fully appreciated the beauty that was surrounding by.

At every turn in the road I was blown away. 

We were driving about 20 miles an hour behind some slow vehicles and I was snapping away with my camera. 

This particular tunnel is mind boggling. You drive straight through a mountain for what seems like miles. 

Then you come out to see even more jaw dropping views. 

Right???

We had picture perfect weather and hiking conditions. 

It was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever experienced. 

Since we only had a few hours of day light left we found a hike that my Dad suggested and it turned out to be just perfect for Lydia. 

Not sure what these two were up to.....who knows?

While Lydia was perched up on this rock some Chinese college aged students came and took her picture.

That is a record for us. 

We hit 3 National Parks in under 24 hours. 

It was quick and we didn't get to see and do everything we would have liked, but we soaked in what we could and made some great memories to last for a long time. 

Tyson would have loved to hike Angels Landing if we had 4 more hours to spare in the park. 

I would like to say I'd want to join him on that one, buuuuut I don't. :) So if anyone is ever up to that hike let him know.

Our trip didn't end there. 

We booked another hotel room for the night. 

More on that tomorrow.