After freezing in Kodachome Basin State Park, we moved onto Snow Canyon State Park just outside of Saint George. Let’s start by saying that in Saint George, Rich finally got to see his palm trees. And, it was nice and warm. Apparently, we were not the only ones with this idea. It was a zoo! There are so many people going to this park on day passes, there isn’t any place to park, but, surprisingly, the campground was awesome and extremely quiet. There are numerous hiking trails right there, but, unfortunately, not very many are dog friendly.
We did enjoy an early morning walk on the West Canyon Trail each day of about 8 miles and it was lovely. It passes some lava tubes, and if you wait too long, the bicycles show up, but, mostly we had the trail to ourselves. We kept the dogs leashed mostly, but, they didn’t mind. Even Sunny was willing to go on this walk. We carried about 3 liters of water for the four of us and it was always gone in 2 hours.
In the afternoons, we hung out at the campground to people watch. After the dog walk, they too, just hung out and watched the world go by quite contentedly. All along, we have been working on our manners – in fact, that is our command – “Manners” which means, no barking, keep walking or sit quietly – and the dogs are getting better. It definitely helps that there are no familiar surroundings.
We learned that this campground is a favorite among families with young children and in the evenings, this large paved roadway through the campground turned into an oval track and a biking mecca. Kids from 4-14 rode their bikes endlessly throughout the area, racing, and improving their skills. Parents chased them, encouraged them, and had fun. At night, there were small fires in firepits with kids roasting marshmallows. And, by 9pm, complete silence — kids are wiped out! Parents are too.
Our next door neighbors had 3 kids and were from Montana. The youngest, Owen, who was 4 was a regular visitor to our camp site. He kept us well informed on his comings and goings but neglected to inform his parents. He was the most extraverted kid I have ever met. His mother said she had been having the “stranger danger” talk with him, but, it wasn’t working very well. We enjoyed talking to them. They left one day before us and then our new neighbors were a couple from North Carolina in their seventies. They were moving to Washington state to be nearer to their kids. Their son had told them that he would be much happier if he could “puree their peas” for them from the comfort of his own house, rather than having to travel cross country to do it. It was in jest of course, and, very funny.
We did go into Saint George a few times for internet and to replenish our fridge. Saint George is the most bicycle friendly city I have seen. I could easily see spending a month here. What was really interesting is that you could see a snow covered peak and stand next to a palm tree. I am not ready to give up my winters skiing in Telluride, but, when I am, Saint George might be a possibility. Rich is more skeptical. He still wants humidity and there isn’t any.