Utah!

I crossed the Utah state line yesterday afternoon, and am now resting for a day in the small desert town of Kanab. They have a library with internet access, a grassy, shady spot to camp, and a vegetarian restaurant, so I am very happy! I pushed myself pretty hard this last week, but was rewarded with some incredible natural beauty and the acquaintance of some wonderful people. In Prescott, AZ after my last blog update I met a great guy, Jesse, who is into cycling. He ended up finding me a place to stay in town and introducing me to some of his equally awesome friends. Two days after that I was on my way into Grand Canyon National Park where I became acquainted with a very neat couple, Bob and Laurel, both lifetime adventurers and experienced bicycle travelers. They live at the park in the summer, and helped me to get situated, offering lot's of great information on what to see in Utah over dinner in their home and lot's of great conversation. They were so warm and welcoming, and had such an inspiring wealth of experiences to share with me that I won't soon forget. Those are just two examples of so many lovely experiences I have had meeting new people from all different walks of life. That coupled with the amazing, dynamic and varied breadth of scenery offered from the Grand Canyon, Kaibab Plateau, Kaibab National Forest, Lee's Ferry in Glenn Canyon Recreation Area, the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and now the inviting red rocks of Utah (beckoning for exploration of all it's great treasures) make the difficulties of the road seem trivial (once they're over!). However, for now I am thrilled to be resting. The day before yesterday I thought might do me in--climbing from around 2,400ft in elevation to 8,000 in the heat of about 95 degrees! I hope the really hot days keep at bay for just a few weeks more while I move around Utah--what I think will be the most beautiful and unique part of my journey yet.