SUTTON Travels

18 April 2021

Zion National Park Utah USA

Zion National Park is Utah's first national park and is located in the southwestern corner of the state. We traveled from Bryce Canyon National Park so entered using the eastern entrance on Route 9. Close to the entrance is Checkerboard Mesa.

Close to the Eastern Entrance is a scenic view. And, by the way, there are toilets near the entrance.

This video shows the colourful rock strata close to the Checkerboard Mesa on Route 9. It is available in 4K (Pixel 4).

Here's a panorama along the scenic route.

After dealing with slow traffic through the long tunnel (Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel), we stopped for a break and this video.

We turned south toward the visitor's center because points north were only available by shuttle bus or bicycle. The parking lot was full so we rode around a few times before getting lucky. We had our lunch in the car and selected the Pa'rus trail, which runs along the Virgin River.

I took three short videos along this easy trail. The first video is near the trailhead.

The second video is a short scene along the way.

And the third video is a refreshing small waterfall.

The trail is easy for hikers and bikers. We kept to the sides because a lot of people were on bikes. There are a number of dogs but all were on leashes. The views are amazing so I recommend the trail, but seasoned hikers won't find a challenge. Here's one panorama.

After returning to the visitor's center, we checked out the possibility of getting shuttle bus tickets. These tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance--see the link on the park's website. Walk-up tickets began at 2 PM. Luckily, we got our shuttle wrist band and were sent to the front seat. However, the shuttle service uses a bendy-bus so our views of the northern section of the park were from the side windows of the "second class" section.

We spent the night in Springdale, Utah, which is close to the southern entrance. Shuttles are available so you could leave a vehicle at your nearby hotel and ride into the park. We enjoyed a nice stay at the Best Western Plus, with fabulous views from our balcony.

After relaxing, we enjoyed fish n' chips at Blondie's Diner in Springdale, Utah. There are several restaurants in the area. Our hotel host suggested getting an early dinner because the crowds leave the park around 6 PM.

The next day, we were up early to beat the crowds. We drove up Interstate 15 and used Exit 40 to enter the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park.

We drove to the end of the scenic Kolob Canyons Road and hiked the Timber Creek Trail to the overlook point. Hardly anyone was in the area!

Here's a look from the top.

I took this video from the overview point at the top of the trail.

If you are planning a visit, do check the website for the latest news, trail information, hours, tickets, and more. We were lucky to get the shuttle tickets and we saw a lot in our two part-days. There's so much more to see here. And many of the longer trails look interesting; however, we prefer less crowded settings.

See my photos and comments on the Big 5 National Parks in Utah

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Here is the video of the trip with a few stills and narrative.

I've been using this book on the National Parks.

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17 March 2021

Kruger Park South Africa

Kruger Park, South Africa, May 2009 / Geoff Sutton

I visited Kruger Park in South Africa in May 2009. The adventure began early in the morning as I drove a van full of university students to the park. Fortunately, my South African friend, Johan Mostert, took the wheel as we approached the park. This post includes photos and videos of our visit.

Soon after we entered the park, we watched a female lion reject a male's interest. They roared close to the road. We're pretty excited. What majestic animals!

Here's my short video from YouTube.

A large elephant approached our kombi so we zipped out of the way!

Luckily, I got a good shot. I also posted a video on my YouTube channel.

At one point we stopped as zebras meandered across the road in front of us.

Off to the side, a secretary bird took flight.

Watching the giraffes is an awesome experience. It's like being in a nature film.

Following are some additional photos from this amazing park.

Gacelle

Hippopotamus

We spent a night in the park, which I highly recommend.

This Baobab tree symbolizes so much of the cycle of life because they can live for thousands of years.

See more wildlife at KENYA SAFARI

and India's Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

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Google map of Kruger National Park

16 March 2021

Big Cats at St Louis Zoo Missouri USA

Cheetah/ Photo by Geoff Sutton 2012
Nikon Coolpix

We have been visiting the St Louis Zoo for about 50 years. It's a fabulous zoo located in beautiful Forest Park St. Louis, Missouri. I decided to make this page about the Big Cats because they are the favorites of my grandchildren.

Lions are social animals living in groups called prides. They live in the grasslands and savannas of Africa. The male is larger than the female and has a large mane about its head.*

Lion by Geoff Sutton, 2021/Cannon EOS 70D

I took this photo of a cheetah 22 October 2021-- the cropped version is at the top of this post. The cheetah is the fastest land animal with speeds of 80 to 128 kmh (50 to 80 mph). They range in length between 3.6 to 4.9 feet and the adults weight between 20 to 65 kg (44 to 143 pounds). ***

The coluring of the tigers is amazing. And this one is a fitting specimen to represent the Missouri Tigers though I would hope the athletes are more energetic.

Tigers can be found in India, Nepal, Russia and China. They weigh between 220 and 660 pounds and measure 6 to 10 feet in length. They may live as long as 20 years in the wild.

Tiger 10 March 2021/Geoff Sutton

Jaguars are the largest cats in South America. Leopards look similar to Jaguars but one key difference can be found in the "spots." The rosettes on the Jaguar have inner spots but those on Leopards do not. There is a size difference, which may not be obvious in a zoo. Jaguars weigh 36 to 158 kg compared to Leopards, which range from 17 to 90. Here's a useful link panthera.org.

I took all of the photos on this page at the St Louis Zoo using either my Nikon Coolpix camera or my Canon SLR EOS 70D.

As of the date of this post, admission to the St Louis Zoo is free but there is a charge for parking. Free parking can sometimes be found along the side of the roads around Forest Park.

See more Big Cats

A female lion eyeing a giraffe in Kenya

My YouTube video of a female lion rejecting a male lion Kruger Park South Africa

My YouTube video including a lion in Kenya at Kenya Wildlife

My Tiger video in Ranthambore wildlife park, India

My lion video from the Smithsonian Zoo

My tiger video from the Smithsonian Zoo

Notes

* Read more about lions at wikipedia.

** Read more about tigers at world wildlife

*** Read more about cheetahs at wikipedia

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14 March 2021

British Saints' Days and Celebrations

Celtic Cross Ireland by Geoffrey Sutton 2019

When touring the UK you may find a celebration of a national saint. This post lists the days. Of course, if you are an American, you probably know St. Patrick's Day.

1 March is for Wales

St David's Day

St David is the patron saint of Wales with a history dating to the 500s when he was the founding bishop of Glastonbury Abbey. He may have been born at Henfynyw in Ceredigion. St David's Cathedral is on the site of a monastery he founded in Pembrokshire. He is pictured with a white dove on his shoulder. The date of his death is not known but 1 March is the traditional date and St David's Cathedral is the traditional burial site.

Look for the Welsh symbols of daffodils and leeks. And feast on Welsh rarebit. Expect to hear Welsh music.

Welsh Flag

Flag of St David by Stemonitis

17 March is for Northern Ireland

St Patrick's Day

St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and recognised as a missionary in the 400s. He may have been born about 386 in Wales. He was captured and sold as a slave by the Irish. He escaped and responded to a call to be a missionary to Ireland. St Patrick's Day is the traditional date of his death in 461.

The legends include his use of the shamrock during his sermons and banishing snakes from the island. Expect to see parades, green decorations, and plenty of Guinness.

(Of course, the Republic of Ireland celebrates too but they aren't part of the UK.)

Traditional burial site of St Patrick at Downpatrick Cathedral. (See Down Cathedral, Northern Ireland)

St Patrick burial site/ Photo Geoffrey Sutton 2019

23 April is for England

St George's Day

St George is the patron saint of England and venerated as a Christian martyr. According to tradition, he was a Roman soldier of Greek heritage. His bones are buried in a tomb at the Church of St George in Israel. The 23 April is the traditional date of his death in 303.

The famous legend is portrayed in many pictures of St George slaying a dragon.

The day is celebrated with parades. In London, the main place to be is Trafalgar Square. Expect to see English food and the English flags flying.

English Flag

Image of St George on horseback.

St George Fresco Credit (wikimedia)

30 November is for Scotland

St Andrew's Day

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and some other nations too. He was one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus and brother of St Peter. The estimated data of his life are from about 5 to 60. There is a shrine at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. In church tradition, he died by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross.

In Scotland, St Andrew's Day is a feast day and time for a ceilidh (party) or perhaps a Scottish soup like cullen skink. The St Andrew's Cross is in the national flag of Scotland.

Scottish Flag

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Mammoth Cave National Park Kentucky USA Part 2 of 2

Mammoth Cave National Park / Geoff Sutton 2021

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Kentucky, USA. In addition to the fantastic cave system, which is the longest in the world, there are more than 80 miles of trails. Previously, I posted scenes inside the cave. In this post I look at some of the trails around the park.

As I walked on the trail past the historic entrance to Mammoth Cave, I reached the site of the historic landing by the river. Here's a short video taking with my Google Pixel 4 phone.

Walking along the nearby Styx trail leads to the River Styx Spring, which you can view from the wooden platform. (Video from Sutton Travels on YouTube)

Following the road to the Green River Ferry leads into the water as seen in this video from Sutton Travels on YouTube.

Near the ferry is the Echo River Spring Trail. To the left of the photo sign you see a new picnic table delivered when I was there. There's a car park and portable toilets nearby. The trail begins as a concrete path but leads to other traditional trails.

As I walked along the trail, the results of recent flooding could be seen on the high levels of mud on the tree trunks.

Trail video clip from Sutton Travels on YouTube

The Sand Cave trail includes story boards telling of the Floyd Collins mystery, which captured a great deal of attention in 1925. On Friday 30 January, Collins explored the area of the family-owned Crystal Cave. He became trapped 60 feet below the surface. His family could not rescue him. The news spread. Volunteers worked for 12 days to reach him. Eventually, he was found on 16 February but he had died.

Below is the site of the rescue efforts on the Sand Cave trail.

If you enjoy biking, there's an old railway trail--of course hikers and joggers use it too.

And there's a short trail circumnavigating the pond at Sloan's Crossing.

Mammoth Cave National Park includes lodging and campgrounds. There's a restaurant --check out the 2021 prices on the board.

There are lots of picnic tables. I ate my lunch near the old train exhibit, which is close to the Post Office and store south of the Visitor's Center.