*el camino

On both legs of our trip to California we were forced to take major detours: on the way down, I-15 was closed due to a chemical spill, on the way back it was closed due to a wildfire.  It's not often and entire freeway is closed, yet we were lucky enough to catch two closures in one trip :)  The first time, we took a detour a little north to Pahrump, Nevada and then into California along the southern edge of Death Valley. It added some to our already long drive, but it was worth it - so beautiful.  You probably know that I love Nevada and it's barren, arid landscapes!!  Only one picture..

On the way home we decided to take the detour through Zion National Park [as opposed to waiting all night for freeway to open], which we'd never seen.  It was absolutely amazing - we can't wait to go back and see it again.  It was dusk and we were making a quick decision whether to find a place to stay the night or drive all the way home.  Edie was being a little fussy and not sleeping well, so thankfully we happened upon "the last room" [do they all tell you that??] in some junction. 

It was so beautiful and so not like anything you've ever seen.  I will also always remember singing *twinkle twinkle little star* the entire drive through the park... Edie was fighting sleep and if I tried to fade the song away or even change the lyrics she would rouse and yell more toto-toto!!!  It was pretty funny.

We had some dessert before bed at this classic small town touristy diner.  Edie occupied herself pouring all our waters into the coffee cup and onto the floor - we were to tired to intervene.  Our "motel" room was a makeshift cabin apparently attached to the owner's house - a little odd, but clean.  It would have been comfortable had all four of us not been squished into the one queen bed :)  It was a fun little family adventure that we will definitely remember!

 The next day we continued our detour route... at one point we stopped in the middle of the road for 20 minutes to watch this herd of sheep along the hillside and crossing the road - the girls were so cute and excited.

This wasn't the fire that had closed the freeway, but it was pretty impressive!  

 

Anyway, thankful to be home for now ...