"Mukuntuweap National Monument"...the original name given to Zion National Park.
How do you leave the Land of Paria without entering the House of Blues? The few days of exploration within the spectacular red rock canyons and among the wondrous formations of Coyote Buttes has heightened our senses and brought yet another reality to imagination. Now think what it would be like to go black and white from Technicolor, go odorless from aromatic blooms, go deaf from being in acoustic alchemy or become a vegan from a life long carnivore king? Hence, we decided to make a slow and deliberate farewell from this land of crimson…Zion would be our exit portal from southern Utah.
While en-route we made a short detour to visit Best Friends Animal Society. This is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the United States. The shelter has always been renowned, with devoted contributors and a staff made up of dedicated professionals and volunteers. But the facility attained national prominence when they became involved in the rehabilitation of the pit bulls owned by the infamous Michael Vick. You may have also seen their TV series, Dog Town, on the National Geographic Channel.
Zion’s stunning beauty continues to champion it’s creator and it's first known inhabitants, the ancient Anasazi. As we drove through this magical cathedral, bright sunlight amplified the radiance of the red cliffs surrounding us. It had been almost seven years since our last visit to the park, a brief second in comparison to the ages of it’s existence…
Owning a dog changed the way we planned our travel lodging. No staying at the Zion Lodge this trip. Upon the recommendation of friends John and Diane, we stayed at the Canyon Ranch Motel in Springdale which turned out to be a perfect retreat for us and Sydney.
As our stay was only for one night, our exploring time was limited, so we walked the only pet friendly trail in Zion…The Pa’rus Trail (Paiute word meaning bubbling, tumbling water). This short and very easy 3.5 mile stroll, offers hikers and bicyclists the most perfect backdrop for first time visitors. Spectacular views will entice them, the soft wind will whisper, “do not to be shy” and songs of a civilization long gone will raise the desire to explore more of this unique Utah spectacle. Starting at the Watchmans Campground, the trail meanders alongside the Virgin River, up through lower Zion Canyon. 
Wouldn't you agree this is a pretty nice view from our dining room? To pamper ourselves and celebrate our last evening in Southern Utah, we headed to the renowned Parallel Eighty-Eight Restaurant. Voted one of the top eateries in Southwest Utah, this highly recommended restaurant provided us with an evening of culinary delights…Seared Sea Scallops, Asian Pear Salads, Filet Mignon and decadent dark chocolate torts…and as is customary to us, each course accompanied by a nice glass of wine. This evening was not only a romantic treat for us, but a closing celebration to a wonderful trip, a reunion of friends and a tribute to the beauty of the red rock country.
We look now toward the west and our beloved Cambria…no doubt to plan our next adventure. And as it should be, California welcomed us with a carpet of gold!
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