Trip Report The Dry Heat Expedition (Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Disneyland)--UPDATE 6/12 (KSC and DTD)

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Rather like that one don't ya'?
But I doubt seriously you've ever been speechless in your life.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Awesome photos! Really like the one looking back towards the cave you drove out of looking at the window.

Such a neat drive. It was hard to take a bad picture in that place!

I've decided that our car will most definitely NOT endure this type of vacation. Half our vents our blowing out hot air right now I guess we'll need a good vehicle to make it on this type of trip.

Go in the off-season! Maybe it'll be cooler and less crowded.

The link you posted to that photo blog were amazing! That would be so much fun to see.

I'd love to do that hike someday. I bet it's breathtaking.

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom

In California where I once lived, it was on Sunday evenings right before the Muppet Show. Which was on right before Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color! It was the best night of television!

I can certainly see the appeal!

Figured that’d be the case…
You had to be a kid of the 60s and 70s for that to make any sense.

Every Sunday night without fail, everyone in our house would stop what they were doing and gather ‘round the television (a massive black and white console model that was near as long as the couch) and watch “Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom” followed immediately by “The Wonderful World of Disney” (which is likely why I remember it so vividly). I mean, it’s just what you did back then. That first show there was hosted by a zoologist named Marlin Perkins who generally worked with a rather younger naturalist named Jim Fowler. If you were to watch a few episodes, you’d see what I was on about but I wouldn’t be puttin' much effort into it.

Sounds like a quality evening of TV.

Lo siento por eso jefe…

Gesundheit.

That‘d bring you toward my neck of the woods. Heck our young’en goes to school smack in the middle of the park. Well, in the Nantahala National Forest to be exact, but they boarder one and other and are part of the same whole. The Blue Ridge Parkway crosses just a couple miles north of the campus even. Go in the fall if you can find a way to swing it.

I'm sure fall would be spectacular! It's just that dang school schedule that gets in the way of going at the best time.

See...
It's an old guy thing

Rather like that one don't ya'?
But I doubt seriously you've ever been speechless in your life.

That is a very versatile, useful .gif.

 

[podsnel]

I am sooooooo far behind!! I caught up one night but couldn't type a reply because Pods was sleeping and didn't want to disturb him! Going to catch up AGAIN- hoping there is more sleep for you on the vacation than what you had the last time I read......

 

[cj9200]

It is a shame that you were unable to capture any usable pictures although I did like the family pic someone else took. Nicely centered.

The kid was talking about renting an RV and taking a drive out west. I'll make sure she never sees your TR or she would be dialing RV rental companies now. I imagine it would be similar experience to Robin Williams' RV movie.

Every Sunday night without fail, everyone in our house would stop what they were doing and gather ‘round the television (a massive black and white console model that was near as long as the couch) and watch “Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom” followed immediately by “The Wonderful World of Disney” (which is likely why I remember it so vividly). I mean, it’s just what you did back then. That first show there was hosted by a zoologist named Marlin Perkins who generally worked with a rather younger naturalist named Jim Fowler. If you were to watch a few episodes, you’d see what I was on about but I wouldn’t be puttin' much effort into it.

My childhood, MoA and then WWoD. You forgot to mention Marlin would always use Jim getting into a bind to as a prop to sell insurance. "While that Python has a stranglehold on Jim's neck and is cutting off blood flow to his brain, remember you can protect your family from an unexpected death with a Mutual of Omaha's life insurance policy."

The bad thing was it also meant Monday and back to school was quickly approaching.

See...
It's an old guy thing

Yes it is and we are proud of it.

 

[franandaj]

My childhood, MoA and then WWoD. You forgot to mention Marlin would always use Jim getting into a bind to as a prop to sell insurance. "While that Python has a stranglehold on Jim's neck and is cutting off blood flow to his brain, remember you can protect your family from an unexpected death with a Mutual of Omaha's life insurance policy."

The bad thing was it also meant Monday and back to school was quickly approaching.

Me too! This was how we spent just about every Sunday night. We would even quit playing or riding our bikes through the chalk slalom we had designed on our curl de sac. Even when there was still daylight to be had, as soon as Wild Kingdom came on we were glued to our TVs. And nothing could beat Uncle Walt! I didnt even know that he was dead when I was watching him!

 

[KatMark]

Mark, I'm trying to catch up on a few TR's while I'm sitting on the patio listening to the fish jump in the channel by the condo. Jealous now?

Anyway, great update. Why can't people take two seconds to center a photo? That would have been a great family shot if the person had.

I love the one of the kids, and you and your better half. And for the better half coming back with ice cream.

Despite the hot bus and the traffic line, it sounds like you had a good time.

 

[petals]

I was showing Momma some of the pictures from your report and she now wants me to find a tour of America that we can do next year to visit some of these places

 

[dgbg100106]

Your trip is getting me so ready for ours and I love all the details you are providing.

Ours will be in a Winnebago, so we may not leave "home" to much, but as you have stated we are planning all our meals in our place, but I am sure the gas is going to eat into our budget big time.

Zion is a lovely place, and the colors really seemed to pop there, in your photo. The family photo is still good, it did capture you all, and remember there is a rule about 1/3rds.

Sometimes when people ask me to take their photo, and put them off center on purpose to view other objects around them. But I can understand your point also, but I usually take a couple of pics with others cameras to make sure I cover all the bases.

Lovely TR so far, looking forward to more.

 

[iHEARTflorida]

Enjoying the trip report, keeping it coming.

Reminds me of when I toured the southwest 4 years ago now!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I am sooooooo far behind!! I caught up one night but couldn't type a reply because Pods was sleeping and didn't want to disturb him! Going to catch up AGAIN- hoping there is more sleep for you on the vacation than what you had the last time I read......

Welcome back Ellen! Looks like I have a lot of work to do to catch up on your latest update as well!

It is a shame that you were unable to capture any usable pictures although I did like the family pic someone else took. Nicely centered.

We'll just have to keep handing the camera off to other people, then.

The kid was talking about renting an RV and taking a drive out west. I'll make sure she never sees your TR or she would be dialing RV rental companies now. I imagine it would be similar experience to Robin Williams' RV movie.

Hopefully with less leaky sewage.

My childhood, MoA and then WWoD. You forgot to mention Marlin would always use Jim getting into a bind to as a prop to sell insurance. "While that Python has a stranglehold on Jim's neck and is cutting off blood flow to his brain, remember you can protect your family from an unexpected death with a Mutual of Omaha's life insurance policy."

Now that's a quality running gag.

Me too! This was how we spent just about every Sunday night. We would even quit playing or riding our bikes through the chalk slalom we had designed on our curl de sac. Even when there was still daylight to be had, as soon as Wild Kingdom came on we were glued to our TVs. And nothing could beat Uncle Walt! I didnt even know that he was dead when I was watching him!

You guys are making me feel like I missed out. All I had was The A-Team, Knight Rider, and Airwolf, which basically all ran the exact same episode every week and just changed the names of the characters. Not that I ever noticed.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Mark, I'm trying to catch up on a few TR's while I'm sitting on the patio listening to the fish jump in the channel by the condo. Jealous now?

Yes, and thanks for rubbing it in.

Anyway, great update. Why can't people take two seconds to center a photo? That would have been a great family shot if the person had.

I think it's just a case where some people have an eye for it, and some don't.

I love the one of the kids, and you and your better half. And for the better half coming back with ice cream.

She's pretty thoughtful, isn't she? Unlike some other people I know.

Despite the hot bus and the traffic line, it sounds like you had a good time.

So...hot...that was pretty much all I could think about.

I was showing Momma some of the pictures from your report and she now wants me to find a tour of America that we can do next year to visit some of these places

And we haven't even gotten to the Grand Canyon yet! (spoiler alert)

Your trip is getting me so ready for ours and I love all the details you are providing.

If I ever get the time to sit down and do the next update, we'll show you a good place to eat.

Ours will be in a Winnebago, so we may not leave "home" to much, but as you have stated we are planning all our meals in our place, but I am sure the gas is going to eat into our budget big time.

They keep reporting that gas prices are dropping around the country. Of course, every time they do that, prices start climbing again. I wish they wouldn't draw attention to the drops.

Zion is a lovely place, and the colors really seemed to pop there, in your photo. The family photo is still good, it did capture you all, and remember there is a rule about 1/3rds.

Sure, I'd just prefer to have 1/3 show the scenery instead of the dirt path.

Sometimes when people ask me to take their photo, and put them off center on purpose to view other objects around them. But I can understand your point also, but I usually take a couple of pics with others cameras to make sure I cover all the bases.

Like I said, we just keep trying. I like to point it out as a running gag. For all the thousands of pictures we take, we only need one good one.

Lovely TR so far, looking forward to more.

Enjoying the trip report, keeping it coming.

Reminds me of when I toured the southwest 4 years ago now!

Thanks for reading along! I bet it was just as hot 4 years ago.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Sorry I've been scarce. Lots of meetings and work taking me away from my desk lately. Let's get an update posted, and then I need to start catching up on everyone else's TR's.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Captain’s Log: Tuesday, 22 July 2014.

4:00 p.m.—Hey Drew! How about we get out of the heat, let the kids collect their Junior Ranger badges, and then go get something to eat?

4:01 p.m.—Great! I’m glad you’re on board with the idea. Here, chew on this water bottle until the other kids are ready.

4:02 p.m.—The big kids have finished their workbooks and are ready to become Junior Rangers. As I mentioned before, they accomplish this by heading back to the visitor center, having a park ranger check their work, and then the ranger swears them in once he/she is satisfied with their work. I have to say, the rangers are by and large excellent with the kids. It doesn’t matter how many people are in line behind them—they do not rush or cut the kids short. They spend plenty of time talking through the answers and explaining scientific/natural phenomena to the kids. I was as impressed with them as I typically am with the character greetings in Disney parks.

This guy is really good with the kids. He’s cracking a lot of jokes and engaging in his conversation. On one page of the workbook, the kids had to determine items that could be left in parks and items that could not. One such item shown on the page was graffiti, so the kids had crossed that out. The ranger complimented them on their answer, but then noted that there was some debate on the subject. Apparently some soldiers on the Crusades had scrawled their names in various places in Europe on down to the Holy Land, and there was some argument that these instances of historic graffiti were items to be preserved.

“That’s great,” I said, “because I was scrawling my name all over the park today.”

The guy didn’t miss a beat. “And you probably took pictures and immediately posted them to Facebook, right?” he shot back with a grin.

Here he is swearing in the kids. You can see the gold plastic badges lying on top of their workbooks. Usually the swearing-in ceremony involves some sort of promise to protect our natural resources, preserve wildlife, and always clean their rooms or stop asking “Are we there yet?” in the car. Thus far, our Junior Rangers have kept the first two vows fairly well.

4:40 p.m.—Between the swearing-in ceremony and our wandering through the gift shop (I found a Zion workout t-shirt bearing the phrase, “Take A Hike!”), we’ve spent plenty of time in the visitor center. I think it’s time to eat. We leave the park on the pedestrian bridge, find our van, and head into the town of Springdale, Utah. Springdale is basically a tourist-fed town that occupies all of the land right outside the gates of Zion National Park. As near as I can tell, it consists primarily of hotels, restaurants, and gift shops. In other words, it has everything we need.

Our crack research team has already found what appears to be a worthy dinner destination: Oscar’s Café. It’s located just off the main drag on a small side street in town. This place specializes in breakfasts, burgers, and Southwestern dishes. They’re all served in hefty-size portions, too—I think they’re used to serving groups of people who have been hiking in Zion all day and have worked up quite the appetite. Since we fit that description, and it’s been at least 2 days since we were last inside a burger joint, we head right on in.

4:48 p.m.—It’s a good thing we got here a little early, because we snagged one of the few seats inside with the air-conditioning, and the place is filling up fast.

Scotty’s Law of Restaurant Quality states: If there’s a lot of weird crap on the walls or grounds, it will be a good place to eat. Let’s check out the place.

Let’s see—we have a bronze…thing, random Harley-Davidson signs, a painting of an orchid, chili pepper string lights, and a small figurine bearing an eerie likeness to Pedro of South of the Border fame. Not to mention the awesome sign over our heads. So far, so good.

Given a choice on an almost limitless menu, Dave will always choose mac-and-cheese or a grilled cheese sandwich. I’m pretty sure he orders one of those. Scotty goes with a cheese quesadilla. Despite this picture, he did indeed get a quesadilla with his cheese.

Julie decides to go big: the Pork Chili Verde Burrito. This thing is massive. She asks for the chili verde sauce on the side.

Meanwhile, Sarah and I peruse the burger menu. We bypass such appealing options as the “Murder Burger” and “Big A—Double Burger” to settle on the BBQ Burger. This monster has most of the basics: Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickle…and corn chips.

That’s right. We got Fritos on a burger. Take that, foodies!

I don’t know if the rest of you find that idea appealing, but I think Drew did. Also, Sarah is modeling her Junior Ranger badge here.

Here’s a closer picture so you can see the corn chips.

Just like the LEGO Movie, everything was awesome. And we were so hungry, we didn’t leave anything for scraps. Sarah and I loved every bite of the burgers, while Julie couldn’t stop raving about the burrito. This ended up being one of the best meals of the trip. We have decided to award Oscar’s Café one of our coveted Drooling Homer Excellence in Unpretentious Dining Awards.

I also got them to sell me a pint glass. I like to collect logo pint glasses from memorable restaurants across the country. It always brings a smile to my face when I use them at the dinner table.

5:37 p.m.—We roll ourselves out of the restaurant, noting how much more crowded it is than when we arrived. Rope Drop, people!

Time to check into the hotel. Tonight, we’re staying at the Hampton Inn of Springdale. It’s brand-new to the area, having just opened within the last year or two. And it’s pretty swanky--it has a nice Wilderness Lodge-vibe to it. Nice location, for one.

6:17 p.m.—We’ve checked in, moved suitcases into the room, and wandered down the street through a couple of tourist trap gift shops. We could go back into the park at this point to do some more hiking or try and check out the sunset, but after all the hiking and the heat of the day, it doesn’t take a genius parent to make the right call here. We’re heading to the swimming pool.

It’s one of the more scenic swimming pools I’ve experienced. And it was the right call. The kids are thrilled to spend the evening swimming.

Not only is the pool nice, but there’s a fireplace/seating area in the back. Later in the evening, the hotel will turn on the fireplace and provide a nice spot for guests to sit and read or hang out with a nice evening beverage. There’s a hot tub nearby, too.

7:18 p.m.—At some point, one of the parents has taken it upon him/herself to teach the kids how to take fake punches and then flop into the deep end of the pool.

We parents have gained much wisdom like that over the course of our lives. You want to take every opportunity to pass that wisdom on to your kids.

Yes, you can never start teaching them early enough that life is hard, and is meant to be taken seriously.

8:12 p.m.—Sadly, we call the kids in for the evening. They’re not happy with us. The problem is, Mommy and Daddy know they’re going to putz around the room as much as possible before bedtime and it will be 9:00 before we finally get them down and into bed. One of these days they’ll realize they can’t fool us, because we used to be kids a long time ago. We know all the tricks.

Coming Up Next: I promised. We’re not done with Zion yet.

 

[Flossbolna]

Great food and a pool with amazing background! Sounds like a perfect vacation evening to me!

Oh - and becoming Junior Rangers as well! I really liked the story about how the rangers talked about graffiti having historic value and therefore getting a different side to it. It is a good example of how dangerous it is to talk in absolutes without having regard for the concrete situation.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Aww, look at cute little Drew sitting there gnawing on a water bottle and waiting on his big brothers and sister to be sworn in. Cute little thing!

Loved the fact that the Ranger didn't miss a beat when you threw him the line about drawing all over everything in the park. Gotta love a good sense of humor.

Well, of course, the food was good. Did you see all that crap on the walls? Scotty sure knows how to call 'em. The frito loaded burger sounds like something that would be right up John's alley. He likes to smash up potato chips and put them on sandwiches.

I admire the fact that you are teaching your kiddos the important things in life like how to take a fake punch. They need those kind of skills to make it in the real world.

 

[KatMark]

First let me say that Baby Drew is adorable!

Awesome update, Mark. We are going to a restaurant called The Counter tonight where you create your own burger (I always get onion strings on mine), but I am going to see if they have fritos...that looks so yummy.

A good call on the pool for the night instead of going back for another hike. It looks like all the kids had a good time in the pool...including the big kid.

 

[MEK]

Wait - I see 4 kids here, not 3. Boy did Drew grow up fast. Oh wait.....

What a perfect day! Love that the kids had the perfect ranger for their junior ranger badges. Nothing like an enthusiastic teacher.

Love the dinner location. Any shout out to Pedro is OK in my book. Plus the food looks great. Now about those fritos.......

Love the hotel. It looks perfect. What a great way to end the night.

I just learned that once you are 62 you can get a lifetime national park pass for $10. How great is THAT? I happen to be married to someone who is pretty darn close!

 

[Dugette]

What a nice evening! Congrats to the kids on their Junior Ranger status!

Mmmmm, Fritos on a burger?! Sounds awesome! I love Fritos! (and burgers are good too )

We love Hampton Inns and that looks like a great one - love the scenic pool and the fireplace there too. Good call on having some swim time - looks like everyone had a lot of fun!

 

[Poolrat]

Having a great ranger makes it all worth it even if baby Drew is left gnawing on a water bottle. At least he was happy.

Oscar's looks like a wonderful dining experience. Those burgers look HUGE and I did get a giggle over that sign.

I am a Hampton Fan too and that would be on the list if I ever get out there. Nice location, beautiful scenery and a cool pool and fireplace to boot.

MEK - I also though of 4 kids....

Nothing wrong with fake punching and falling into the pool. How else can you learn how to fall safely?

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Scotty’s Law of Restaurant Quality states: If there’s a lot of weird crap on the walls or grounds, it will be a good place to eat. Let’s check out the place.

More like a guide line…
I’ve unfortunately encountered a few exceptions.

Given a choice on an almost limitless menu, Dave will always choose mac-and-cheese or a grilled cheese sandwich.

I have a niece with nearly identical ordering habits.
And… she’ nearly 21 now so, young’ens don’t necessarily grow out of that type of behavior.

Julie decides to go big: the Pork Chili Verde Burrito. This thing is massive. She asks for the chili verde sauce on the side.

That… looks mighty good.
I’d have let them douse the thing in the chili verde, but it looks mightily good in either case.

Meanwhile, Sarah and I peruse the burger menu.

Shocked… SHOCKED, I tell you.

We bypass such appealing options as the “Murder Burger” and “Big A—Double Burger” to settle on the BBQ Burger.

Nice choice there.
I’d have had a difficult time not ordering the “Oscar Burger” myself but the “Avocado Chip Burger’ looks right tempting as well.

This monster has most of the basics: Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickle…and corn chips.

That’s right. We got Fritos on a burger. Take that, foodies!

Yah…
A foodie would have had them slap a fried egg on top of that.

This ended up being one of the best meals of the trip. We have decided to award Oscar’s Café one of our coveted Drooling Homer Excellence in Unpretentious Dining Awards.

Good enough for me…
We’ll add that one to the list of places that need to be visited.

Someday…



Maybe…




If we ever get out there…




Well…
At least I y’all had a good time there.



Ok, I’m just gonn’a go over there and hang my head in shame now

I also got them to sell me a pint glass. I like to collect logo pint glasses from memorable restaurants across the country. It always brings a smile to my face when I use them at the dinner table.

That is an excellent idea sir.

At some point, one of the parents has taken it upon him/herself to teach the kids how to take fake punches and then flop into the deep end of the pool.

“One of”?
Right… “one of”.

Yes, you can never start teaching them early enough that life is hard, and is meant to be taken seriously.

One of these days they’ll realize they can’t fool us, because we used to be kids a long time ago. We know all the tricks.

Maybe not until they have their own kids, but they will realize it at some point.