I always like to back-track on scenic roads, for even with a 270 degree view from the Harley, there always is more to be seen from the "other side." In that I was traveling east and it was morning, the sun wasn't always just right, but the views were still magnificent.  The changing lighting angles dramatically alter the colors of the sheer cliffs, which then offer a continuously  changing panorama.  Zion is a showcase of sculptured stone in awesome splendor.

After leaving Zion, I continued heading east on Highway 9 to the intersection of US 89 at Mount Carmel, Utah. After a gas stop, I turned north on 89 and onto Hatch where I had planned lunch. I stopped at the Mountain Harvest where we had stayed on the previous trip. As before, the folks were super friendly and prepared a great meal. This is a very comfortable place to stop whether for the night or just a meal.

After lunch, I continued north on 89 a few short miles into Panguitch. Panguitch is a quaint, sleepy old town and I spent about an hour wandering around some of the stores on Main Street. If you are into quilting, they have an annual quilt festival that I understand is fairly big.

I left Panguitch on Highway 143 which would take me up over the mountains and through the ski resort town of Brian Head. I had planned to take Highway 148 south off the mountain and into Cedar City. However, that plan had to be changed, and I went north down off the mountain (Summit elevation 10,420) into the town of Parowan.

From Parowan, Interstate 15 was just a few miles and was just about the only way to get back to Hurricane. I jumped off the Interstate on Highway 17 which took me through Toquerville and La Verne and on into Hurricane.