Bill has explained far more eloquently than I have what it is like to
travel in the SW.

Heed his advice!

Tom B.-smell the roses although you probably won't see any

On Apr 26, 2007, at 12:22 AM, Bill Glenn wrote:

> Jim,
>
> The month of May is an excellent time to visit southern Utah, and
> thereby
> avoid the heat of Summer; sixties and seventies during the day, but be
> prepared for cold nights.  If you go to Bryce Canyon N.P. you'll be
> at 9000
> feet, at which altitude you may experience sub-freezing temperatures
> overnight in May--nothing to be concerned about, just be prepared
> with the
> proper gear.
>
> Eight days may seem like a lot, especially if you've not had but a
> couple
> of days off for a number of years, but don't underestimate the
> distances
> traveling in the West; you didn't say how much traveling you've
> done in the
> West, but many Easterners and Europeans plan trips out here without
> understanding the size of the country.  They try to see too much in
> too
> little time, and the vacation becomes more of a burden than a break.
>
> I'm guessing that Hollister to Zion National Park is about six hundred
> miles, and it will be easy to add another six hundred miles, and more,
> rather quickly in Utah.  You could very easily spend half of your
> eight
> days sitting in the van, and as enjoyable as that may be in the rig
> you'll
> be driving, you won't really experience these special places in
> Utah unless
> you get out and hike.  Get out early in the chill of the morning to
> enjoy
> the low-angle light and shadow on the red rock, when you will also
> experience some degree of solitude before most others are out and
> about.
> Similarly, evening, sundown, and the twilight afterward can be
> magical.
> These hikes will be what you remember, not the miles you drive to
> get to
> the next "attraction".  Pick a couple of places, and spend the time
> to have
> a good look around, and save the rest for another day.  Experience the
> magic, and you WILL be back.
>
> Bill