Adventure 389: St. George, Utah/Post A

From a distance, Fric and Frac look OK, but they're filthy.

We felt like postmen today as we traveled through rain, sleet, wind, snow, and a pouty sun that peeked through clouds like a petulant child. OK, so there was no snow, but what are a few alternative facts in this day and age, and the weather most certainly was as unsettled as a nervous basketball fan. The agony of defeat weighs heavy on even the most valiant warrior. For those of us who sit in our comfy arm chairs, even those of us who shake and shiver with every play, we feel nothing of the real pain (Nor the real joy), but we humans love our vicarious experiences. It feels Oh, so real. I've experienced the real pain and the real joy of competitive sports. I interrupt this revelry to report GO ZAGS! These kids, both teams, are experiencing the agony and the ecstasy, and Oh how small the margin is. The fun thing and the amazing thing is that we are willing to give everything: our heart, our soul, our tears, our faith, and our fear to games. It's thrilling. I guess that's why when I played, win or lose, I couldn't sleep. As it is, I'm so far past my prime, I'm not even sure this shaking that's going on in my body is adrenaline. It could just be the tremors. So, back to the banal, but something we're truly thankful for. We enjoyed another day of traveling mercies, and even though our trusty Fric and Frac look as ragged as if they've been traveling the open road for three months, we're tucked nicely into the Temple View RV Park. We'll stay here for the weekend to watch basketball, ride our bike, and hopefully take a couple hikes in nearby Snow Canyon. The weather is supposed to return to a high pressure cell tomorrow, which we'll be thankful for. Today, we were too tough to care. We walked uptown about two miles in search of a bike shop and a sweet treat. We wanted the bike shop to help us with bike routes, but they were less than helpful. We wanted the sweet treat to sooth our jangled nerves from today's drive. As it was, another mountain cell moved in quickly, so we were drenched. But we're smart enough to get out of the rain, so we found a place that sells cupcakes, bought five, one for eating  right then, and four for Judy to dribble out as dessert in the next four days (Where's Deb Drouin when I need her?). We got back in time to cheer our beloved Zags to a win over the ferocious West Virginia Mountaineers. The Zags were tough (And lucky). They dug deeply, probably deeper than they've ever dug, and proved that  winning makes life good, especially today.

 We drove through some of God's most wonderful  imaginations; some dark, some light.

 At times, the clouds dispersed into fast moving puffs. The temperature stayed in the low forties all day.

 In the distance is a most amazing stretch of cliffs called the Escalante Staircase.

 I just love that the ranchers use the natural materials mixed with the sharped barb wire. It goes to the grim irony of existing in this wilderness.

 And as quickly as a blink, a rain cell moves through.

 This picture doesn't capture it very well, but that white faced cliff was lit by the bright sun. It was like the cliff face was soaking up every warm ray to brace itself against the cold wash of the coming squall.

 Downtown St. George has quite a few historic building including this former Dixie Academy (Now a children's museum).

 This is one of the coolest water features I ever seen. No kids splashing today, but my guess is they can be seen quite often.

 George Washington taking a rest.

 The historic Mormon Temple, usually the number one tourist attraction, is receiving a facelift.

 St. George is dotted with exceptional bronze sculptures, most of which center on family life.

 I especially like the movement expressed by this one.

 And who doesn't like the Hot Rod of the day.

My semi-soaked Bunny offering me the first bite.