Starting mileage: 7,376

Ending mileage: 7,680

Gas purchased in Mesquite, NV: $5.53 per gallon

I am grateful that Marie invited me to hike the Calico Basin trail. It was a healthy way to start my morning and spend time with a friend and our dogs. The basin is just outside Red Rock Canyon and features red and white sandstone cliffs. Uncertain about my climbing abilities, we first walked the boardwalk which was easy and took about 10 minutes. I was up for more so Marie led the way on a more rugged terrain. There were a few slopes with loose rocks that required balance, but I was proud of myself for finishing without falling.

Looking at the mountains from the canyon, I was reminded of Mom’s first trip to the desert. On a visit from her home in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to California, Rand and Curtis offered us their Palm Springs home at the base of the Jacinto Mountains. When we returned to L.A., friends asked her what she thought of their beautiful mountains. Unimpressed, Mom says, “Our mountains have trees on them.”

Marie recommended that I visit Kolob Canyon National Park, which when googled says, “The Kolob Canyons, tucked into the northwest corner of Zion National Park, is the park’s best-kept secret. A half-dozen finger canyons drain west from a high plateau, offering Zion Canyon’s spectacular red-rock scenery, breathtaking views, and rainbow-tinted cliffs but no crowds.” I stopped at the visitor center and due to my recent birthday, for $80, was eligible to purchase a Lifetime Pass to any National Park with “SENIOR” printed prominently on the card.

Kolob was a scenic 5-mile drive with multiple stops to take pictures. Most of Zion does not allow dogs on their trails, and this time of year does not allow personal vehicles, only park shuttles. And since dogs aren’t allowed on park shuttles, I was SOL as far as Zion was concerned. I didn’t mind because Kolob was beautiful and peaceful.

We left the Canyon inspired and headed toward Marysvale where inspiration took a break.