Day 15: Zion National Park, UT to Las Vegas, NV

Total Miles Driven - 3,525

Today’s Miles - 230

Wednesday, June 8th

Today’s route took me to the fifth National Park in seven days – Zion National Park. As far as riding a Vespa goes, Zion is my best-loved park to drive through. The bends through the conservation area  were thrilling and narrowly lined with brilliantly colored rock walls. There were times when I would lean into a curve and feel that I was close to brushing against the face of the rock. It was exhilarating. 

I had breakfast upon exiting the west end of the park at the Spotted Dog Restaurant, a  lovely place with wonderful food. My breakfast of choice this trip has been biscuits and gravy, and the Spotted Dog had some of the best that I’ve had. I mention my breakfast because it was a real boost to my morale after yesterday’s “lonely” day. The trip “seemed right” again as I sipped my cup of black coffee and ate my Southern breakfast cuisine. Maybe there is something to the term, “comfort food.”

The rest of the driving day can be described with two words. Heat. Desert. The Mojave Desert is barren and hostile. I am so intrigued with the people who make this their home. They have a spirit and toughness that I don’t, but I admire. I love cities for their cultural extremes. That is probably why I love NYC so much. I’ve never considered living in a place that had such geographical and temperature extremes. 

I arrived in Las Vegas as the temperature reached 110 degrees. No gambling for me, though. I figure slow riding across America on a Vespa is pushing my luck enough.