Bryce and Zion National Park

     When at Bryce, sign up for the bus tour up to the north end of the park. We were there in May of 2011 and the last stop on that tour there was a pile of snow. The temperature drop as we rose on elevation was very obvious. Besides from saving yourself the drive, younger a wonderful education about the park.. Our drivers name was Cliff, and he was great. There are many trails through Bryce, they all start going down hill, but such a unique hike. Take the time to go to the museum and see the film om the park.
     Zion is gorgeous. Again, take advantage of the park transportation , you get an education as you are transported from one stop to the next. The trails are well maintained and the park is stunning. We entered through the east entrance and had to pay extra to pass through the tunnel as they had to make the tunnel one way for us,,,we were pulling a larger camper on that trip. But that entrance was breathtaking, even though we had to stop a couple of times to cool off our brakes. We stayed right outside of Zion, in a campsite behind the Quality Inn ( in Springdale), right on the Virgin River. We could catch a trolley right into the park. It was wonderful and they allowed dogs.

I have checked and although there are a few local markets they are rather incomplete in their selections.  The closest REAL market is over 50 miles away.  Sooo, I have ordered a humoungous 94 qt. marine cooler and will pack it with all our meat, chicken and so forth.  I can then buy perishables such as milk, cream, etc, locally.  Will be bringing all of our meat either frozen or kept cold in the cooler.  I'm sure ice is readily available.  This is the start of some extended camping trips and this large cooler should really come in handy.  I am also inspired by Geklunds fabulous loooong drawer that he built and installed in the bed of his pickup truck.  He pulled out the drawer and it was loaded with many small plastic containers with apples, limes, dry cereal, etc.  They could go for quite a while with all the dry groceries they carry.  In any event, have started to prepare a long list of food items to take with us.  With gas at about $4/gal and getting about 13-15mpg without the Rpod, its a pretty expensive 100 mile roundtrip to the grocery store.  Safe Travels.