Days 6 & 7: Yellowstone to Cedar City, Utah

Hello from the Clarion Inn in Cedar City, Utah where Megan and I pulled in just before 8p -- in time to see the red/purple sky fade to black with the red rock hills behind us.  In the last few days we've covered a lot of ground and seen a lot of things while also having our first real challenge of the trip. 

Yesterday we awoke in Rapid City to see on the weather report that we should expect rain and possible snow in Yellowstone.  So, we both pulled on fleece and rain coats and made our way to Yellowstone.

We were greeted immediately by some camera-friendly animals which we hoped to be a sign of things to come.  From there, we went to the Visitors Center and checked out a few of the nearby sites before exploring the larger park.

Megan had come up with a route of various sites to see so from the North Entrance we headed toward Tower Junction.  Stopping at Tower Falls and Artists Point to name a few, we loved to get out and look around and take some photos.

We finally headed on the main attraction, Old Faithful.  With about an hour to wait, we grabbed some hot chocolate and braved the cold to walk the boardwalk and check out a few things before we found a spot for best viewing.  Unfortunately, Old Faithful wasn't at her full-spewing best and with a few false starts and a long drive ahead, we were a bit skeptical, but she came through enough that it was fun.  

On our way out of the park we stopped at the Grand Prismatic Spring but our awe was dimmed by the fog and mist.  Oh well, it was still cool.

From there, we had a long, wet, cold and dark drive to our hotel that I'd miss-booked for the night before so we had to scramble to find another hotel.  Fortunately, there was a room just down the road that we snagged.  Hungry, we looked for food and being just 9p when we finally settled in came to learn most restaurants in Victor, ID close at 9p.  Thanks to the Knotty Pine (that closes at 11p) we got some food and crashed.


Today was about getting ourselves from near Yellowstone to near the Grand Canyon so we road warriors set our on our journey through Idaho and Utah.  In doing a little research this morning, we learned that the Idaho Potato Museum was along our route so OF COURSE we had to stop.  Honestly, it was a trip highlight.  Singing spuds are just hard to beat.  

From there, it was on to Salt Lake City where Meg and found us the best Mexican food restaurant on at least 3 lists, so Red Iguana was not to be missed.  (Although I might miss it next time.  It was okay but coming from Los Angeles, not outstanding.) And then it was the last leg to arrive at Cedar City.  And it was a beautiful arrival with the sun just setting creating a beautiful purple glow.

Off to the Grand Canyon and an hour mule ride tomorrow.