Video of the first month in USA

Prepared for the worst in terms of intense heat as we had for the last two days, we were fortunate to get a break in that it did not quite reach 100F today. It was quite hot in the morning though, with the intense sun and dry conditions making it necessary to have lots of water and ice to keep cool. By the time my afternoon team was on the road to run we were climbing in elevation as we made our way towards Zion Canyon National Park.

The vistas on the way to this incredible geological wonder were vast and fantastic. Expansive and rough shaped mountains of all colors of the rainbow including deep brown and red earth. Some were dry and rocky and other mountains were light and speckled with green shrubs and trees. The higher we went in elevation the greener they became with a forest of pine and other evergreens by the time we were up to the Canyon. It is difficult to describe this scenery in words or even in photos. A sense of timelessness and incredible natural forces slowly shaping this incredibly beautiful landscape captures one’s senses as we ran up and down the roller coaster of hills and valleys.

A quick swim in the Virgin River, photo opportunities with incredible landscape in the background, or even a break for ice cream were the only stops we had to make for the day. No ceremonies were planned, just our own relationship with Mother Nature herself was enough to promote harmony in this part of the country.

Our ice cream break was made possible by Bob at the Tsunami Café in Springfield by the entrance of Zion Park. He was very understanding of our efforts and his whole staff were very kind and generous to us.

The run through Zion was fantastic, like a wonderland of geological formations and colors. Even though the road was winding and hilly, we were fed by the immensity and beauty of all that nature supplied around us for miles and miles. It is unfortunate though, that as usual, we do not have time to explore our surroundings as we have to cover the ground quite quickly with something ahead waiting for us.

It was getting late and we could not spend any extra time either at Zion or to make a visit to nearby Bryce Canyon. Anyone traveling to this area of Utah must schedule these two places in their itinerary to get a real taste of the tremendous beauty of southern Utah.

We stayed further north in Panguitch at night at the Panguitch Inn. Mr. Harshad Desai and his family were so kind in giving us five rooms in their historic motel in the heart of town.

We also offered a wonderful meal at half price by Chef Jeff at the Big 4 Cafe on the main street in town.

As the weather has cooled down a bit and we were now among the trees and mountains heading north, we hope to have more comfortable days of running ahead.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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