Setting Out

We're on our way!

Day one of the Bogursky Summer Tour 2005 is quickly fading into the realm of fondly held memories as we snuggle into our comfy hotel room just outside of Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.

Our first stop (not counting a potty break in Tehachapi) was Calico Ghost Town, a few miles out of Barstow, California. Upon entering the town, we were greeted by a somewhat alarming number of what we mistook for baby squirrels. These adorable little popcorn fiends actually turned out to be fully grown white-tailed antelope squirrels (though, as you can see, they look nothing like antelope). We spent a few peaceful hours in Calico, amid historic buildings and very modern concession prices. A few of the attractions were closed, but those which we did get to experience were charming.

After Calico, we stopped in Baker and finally photographed the "World's Largest Thermometer" (at 113°F). We have been threatening to do that for awhile now, and since it may not be with us much longer (darned energy crisis), we couldn't let the opprtunity pass.

Following that auspicious occasion, we blew off the dust of California (and Nevada and Arizona, for that matter) and headed to Utah, where we had a nasty run-in (serious toasting issues...not pretty) with a "sandwich artist" from an international sandwich chain that shall remain unnamed. Let's just say Jared would be well-advised to steer clear.

We arrived in Springdale without reservations at the peak of tourist season, as is our custom, and managed to luck into a beautiful, yet surprisingly affordable, hotel room (as is also our custom). And now it's time to tuck ourselves in and say goodnight, as we have lots of exploring and traveling to do tomorrow.