San Diego to Bryce Canyon

So we got to San Diego and went to the zoo, which was really amazing. I lost track of how many hours we were there. We kept coming across animals as they did something amazing - most memorably, the orangutans did some crazy antics which Shannon caught on video.



We went to Shannon's college friend Elyssa's house, where we met her and her fiance David. We got to choose from two guest rooms, of which they each designed one. David is a big Simpsons fan, so another room has some really cool decor from that show.



The day after we arrived we went to Coronado and went to the beach by the Del to build a sand castle. We also did a little shopping nearby. Then we went to Old Town in San Diego, which is mostly shops in repurposed old buildings.

When we got back that evening we hung with Elyssa and her cousin and Elyssa's baby.



We left the next morning. On our way out of town, we stopped at the Mission San Diego, the first Spanish mission in California.



We headed for Las Vegas on "the" 15. The temperature steadily increased as there were fewer signs of life to which I am accustomed. At 110 degrees we made it to Sin City and found a hotel/casino downtown.

The next day (Friday) we drove to the strip and walked around to see the sights. We played a dollar on the slots in every casino we entered. Shannon got an early lead by winning $20 on her first quarter played in New York New York. So it was a pleasant afternoon strolling in the heat, ducking into air conditioned glitzopolis. That evening we took in a Cirque du Soleil show (Zumanity) back at NYNY, then saw the bright lights of the strip on the drive home.



The next morning we continued east towards Arizona and Utah. I somehow missed Zion National Park while driving so we continued on to Bryce Canyon, my namesake.



We hiked down the Navajo Trail, and along the trail, at a stop for a breather... I produced a ring I'd hidden in my pocket and asked Shannon to marry me. To my joy she said yes. We excitedly made our way out of the canyon and into our future together.