5.01 The Journey to Zion, Utah

Zion National Park--setting sun--our destination

We left San Diego rather late in the day as there were some matters that needed our attention. After two hours on the road, two large ‘coca-coffees’ and our usual struggle with the bladder, we decided to give some thought to a stopover. The beauty about not knowing where one is heading is that it does not matter where one stops. Our editor voted down sleeping in the car so it became more important to find formal accommodation. We are spoiling her so much these days.

Always look up

Angel's landing bridge between Cliffs

Next town: Baker, California. We spotted three motels, all luxury style. Which to choose became the subject of intense deliberations. The “Royal Hawaii’ appeared to be closed for renovations—a rather nice way of stating that it is derelict. That narrowed the field considerably. “Big Bobs” or something to that effect had three cars in the parking lot with a sign directing guests to the grocery store for check in purposes. The clerk encouraged us to try “Wills Fargo” instead of their motel. They must have been expecting a helluva late crowd as we counted 80 rooms and three cars, of which one looked abandoned. Perhaps we are guessing but it was without wheels. This third hotel, no relation to the bank, offered luxury priced rates for 4th world accommodation. Besides, the receptionist was intimidating—we always thought that a grizzly was our worst nightmare. Not any longer.

A beautiful spot on earth

So we are in Primm, Nevada, a gambling resort on the border with California, home to names like Whiskey Pete and Buffalo Bill. Rather than express our thoughts on the depressing atmosphere and desperation on the many faces we observed including eyes mesmerized by the enticing machines and the hope of reward, we’ll quit there. After all, it’s not our function to express an opinion on these dens of iniq..enlightenment. That would be so judgmental, which as Gary Frank pointed out to us the other night, is the key commandment in modern society. Let’s get back to the trail but before that, we need to participate in the wildest casino of all—the New York Stock Exchange.

Cheers,

Jenni and Black Jeff (jack)