Delicious Memories

Zion National Park ~ Utah ~ May, 1991

            It all started out with a snow-cone. After driving for hours we were all hot, tired, and cranky. We have always maintained that vacations are a priority as time away from life’s pressures is meant to de-stress, re-energize, and relax your body and soul. Of course, traveling in a hot car with two young children might actually raise your level of stress rather than decrease it. We also tend to be over-achievers in our family and there is a definite level of competitive perfectionism tied to our hectic existence. I expect a faultless campsite close to bathrooms and showers, with a suitable picnic table, a good fire ring, and sun and shade where our children could play safely within my line of sight. Entering a campground with this heavy list on his plate challenges my husband to deliver the perfect campsite every time. As luck would have it, most every single campsite in the Zion Canyon Campground was perfect. But, I digress... The snow-cone. We headed into the little Zion Market where we found colorful and cooly inviting snow-cones. We bought two, and headed to our campsite so the kids could enjoy a treat while we set up the tent. Erin and Zach had these darling little camp chairs that we pulled out first to get them settled in their ring-side seats. There is always a tense hurriedness, along with the sensation of a comedic production as we set up the tent and filled it with our all of our gear. So when they were younger, it was easier to let our kids watch our wacky maneuvers rather than participate in them. Finally we began our little waltz only to realize that we had tears, and more tears. Plop, plop… Zach had licked the top of his icy treat right into the dirt, and in that 100 degree heat it was rapidly melting. On top of that, as he grabbed for the snow-cone he slipped and skinned his knees which were both bleeding down his little legs. Lest you begin to think we’re perfect parents, I will only say that increased tension and hilarity ensued. To a hot and tired four year old, losing a snow cone is a big disappointment. But to our son, Zachary, who rarely found himself with a treat this delightful, it was absolutely painful. Our son was allergic to just about every food group on the planet. He was not able to have any dairy products, wheat or glutens, eggs, nuts, soy, corn, or shellfish. The list of what he actually could have as a treat was very short indeed. So what did we do? We dropped everything to run ourselves right back to the store for a replacement. Life was good… and the campsite was perfect.

            I grew up believing that Paul Newman and Robert Redford were the most gorgeous leading men of our time. My infatuation had led me to see the movie, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” many many times, and I became fascinated by their story. While researching the Zion area, we read that parts of the movie were filmed in the area, and one of the original structures could be found in nearby Grafton. Well, I just had to see it. After locating a map highlighting the trail, we set out.  The area was a blessedly gorgeous canyon surrounded by the loveliest of mountains and I could delightedly imagine Butch and Sundance racing through on their own two horses. We drove for miles and the road continued to narrow as it turned into a dusty trail. We drove over a creek and back, weaving and circling while bouncing off rocks that I just knew would gouge the bottom of our van, leaving us hopelessly stranded. My persistence kept us pressing on until unexpectedly the trail ended. Yes, you read that correctly. The trail just ended. Additionally, a thunder-storm had blown in and it was dark and windy. The kids were bored and scared and we felt completely alone in that isolated canyon. My indulgent and intelligent husband finally convinced me that we were not going to find the little house that The Kid and Etta had shared. So we turned around and headed back to Springdale only to find out from one of the locals that the little house had been washed away in a flood the year before. So much for all of my research!

            All of Zion National Park was striking, and for fun we went horse back riding; waded in the river; hiked through the Narrows and up to Weeping Rock, The Court of the Patriarchs, and The Great White Throne. We visited nearby Springdale and poked into their little shops, but will never be able to think of Zion without remembering an incredibly delectable piece of homemade Bumbleberry Pie. There were so many families camping at the Zion Canyon Campground and along with our kids we made a few new friends, which reminded us that you’re never too old to make new friends.

            There are many campgrounds, cozy inns, and little motels throughout Zion Canyon and you will be both amazed and delighted by the scenery throughout the area. Zion is about 150 miles outside of Las Vegas and about 45 miles from St. George, Utah. If you are driving an over-sized vehicle, be aware that you will require an escort through the very narrow (and very dark) Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. If you choose to avoid this tunnel, head into Zion through Springdale on the south side of the park itself. Check out Zion Canyon Campground’s website at www.zioncamp.com to find more information on the RV/Tent campground where we stayed. You will find tons of information at www.nps.gov/zion and http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion.htm on Zion National Park and all there is to do in this magnificent canyon. Zion National Park has an amazing shuttle system that operates to keep the tranquility and beauty alive within the park. And lastly, if you want to check out that delicious piece of pie, head to the Bumbleberry Inn in Springdale.  Their website and other info can be found at www.bumbleberry.com.  Believe me; you don’t want to miss a slice of this very unique and delicious pie!

Keep in Mind …

Do your homework ahead of time, and research the area you will be visiting to collect helpful information for your vacation. And, when plans don’t work out perfectly… don’t lose your cool, just go with the flow.

Most National Parks have an excellent Junior Ranger Program for children from 6 to 12 years of age. There are usually hands-on activities, hikes, and lessons designed exclusively for children. We’ve participated in these types of activities at many of the places we have camped and our kids thoroughly enjoyed them all.


May all your adventures be filled with memories.
Till next time,
Deb :)