Zion, Grand Canyon and Flagstaff

I am sitting on the top bunk. Damn. Really was hoping to get a bottom (and somewhat claimed one), but alas, I returned to find my scarf moved to a top bunk. So here I sit. It is strange to be back in the 'real world.' 

This morning I left the Center for True North. It was amazing how hard it was to say goodbye, and I didn't even have to say goodbye to the people (as they were all out), but just saying goodbye to such an amazing place was difficult. But I left around 9am and headed toward The Grand Canyon. Fortunately my drive took me through Zion National Park, which is one of my new favorite places in the world.  Despite rain it was lovely and I continued on to the Grand Canyon, which was, Grand. Ha!  I hate to say it, but it wasn't really my cup of tea.

I know, you are all (okay the two of you who read this, let's be honest), are saying "What!? How can one of the wonders of the world not be your 'cup of tea?'" But, if I'm being honest, it just didn't touch me as much as Zion. There is some sort of spiritual energy at Zion that I just didn't feel in the hectic, tourist ridden Grand Canyon. Don't get me wrong, I was sufficiently impressed. It is an awesome and unparalleled sight, and I do hope to return for a few days sometime in the future, but for me, I will take Zion and Yellowstone over the grand canyon any day. People who scoff at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in favor of the Grand Canyon have it wrong in my opinion. But, to each is own I suppose.

Now I sit in my hostel, after having had a marvelous meal at this wonderful international cafe called Mountain Oasis. And I had enough leftovers to easily last me through my food tomorrow. I probably won't even need the free breakfast the hostel offers (but I will check it out just to see). My plan is to get up bright and early and get on the road again, stopping in Sedona on the way.

I am in love with this trip, with this country (at least geographically and physically), with my car, and with myself. And no, I don't mean that in any sort of self centered way, but I'm pretty darn fabulous and pretty darn nice. And I have the strength at 23 to take off on my own, if only for a few weeks. I met a fellow solo traveler at dinner in his 40's. He was amazed that I wasn't worried to be traveling alone, and glad to meet a kindred spirit.

Well, I suppose that is all for now. More amazing adventures to come, I'm sure.

Namaste