Date: 1/11/2012 à 3/11/2012

We arrived at the park around 15:30, and at the entrance already impressed us with 1 arc and 1 tunnel formed by pedras! As enormes montanhas avermelhadas dos dois lados da estrada, where green trees and yellow divide the landscape, also draw a lot of attention. It was so impressive that soon stopped to make a video!

Vista still park entry

Pause at the entrance to photos and videos

Continue to visitor center, where we took some cues from the ever knowledgeable park guides. Then, Our visit began with a video quite enlightening history of the park, containing a range of information. Among which, was the fact that the Zion contain one of the highest mountains in the world. We also found that, as well as Bryce Canyon, o Zion também integra o Colorado Plateau. Aprendemos que a paisagem vem sendo modificada há mais de 5 million years, with water as the main agent of change. Under the effect of water erosion, de vulcões e de temperaturas acima de 43^theC, the canyons of Zion were gaining its current form. Over these thousands of years, rivers were drying up and the mountains rising up to 300m in the park. Currently, or Zion has com or Virgin River (virgin river), contributing to human survival in the park. Moreover, currently there are varied fauna and flora, including 75 types of mammalian and 32 tipos de répteis.

Mountains of Zion

The Green kills, the red rocks and the blue sky of Zion

Over time, various groups occupied the park, as freemont - One of the first people- and os publeons- group of which is up to now traces. The southern paioute came later, and you can still find people that civilization, although the majority have migrated due to drought and resource scarcity. But, explorção the park was made by the white man in 1858, by a Mormon named Nephi Johnson, and enlisted the help of an Indian Southern Paiute. With the religious persecution that occurred in the period, several Mormons began migrating to the state of Utah, that was established but increasingly as a bastion of Mormons. One was Isaac Behunin, which named the Zion Park (Zion, muitas vezes usado na bíblia para se referir à própria terra santa). Moreover, many other mountains received biblical names. Com o reconhecimento do estado, Park won two titles 10 years - National Monument em 1909 and National Park em 1919. Com o início do turismo e a contrução de uma estrada principal de acesso, in 1925, built a lodge. For this, was necessary implode mountains and build tunnels that passed within the stones, which were only completed in 1930. In the course of time, o Zion virou um importante pólo turístico para aventureiros em busca de adrelina e contato com a natureza.

After this information-rich video, went to the track known as Emerald Pools. After a short walk, no less than 30 minutes, found a set of three pools, that serve as an oasis in the midst of that dry. The scenery was stunning. With a waterfall that flows through stone walls, the lakes are formed, while the trees color the view with its different shades of orange, red, amarelo and green. Ficamos sitting by uns 20 minutes, enjoying the landscape of vibrant colors, do canto dos pássaros e do cheiro de terra das rochas até que a “dona preta” desse sinais de sua chegada.

Gives rise Emerald Pools

Vegetation varied colors

NAND and Bruno admire is d'água

Well at the end of the trail

Water, earth and CEU

André analyzing the trail map

View along the trail

Despite not having rock paintings and the rock formations were eroded and more pointed, vimos certa semelhança do Zion com a Serra da Capivara.

Open cracks in rocks

We closed the trail around 18:40 e Fomos em Internet searches, since in there was camping. How many times in the United States, found in the restaurant where we had dinner. De once per campsite, we had a pleasant night's sleep with the noise of the water rushing by Virgin River.

On the morning of 02/11, agree well prepared, we set up a tasty breakfast and recorded 2 videos (assembling the tent and breakfast). We followed the trail towards more recommended, call Observation Point, advanced level, lasting about 6 hours. As we prepared for the climb, still around the car, know Primochz, a Slovenian who was alone, but within two minutes of conversation gained 5 escorts. We were the 6 together, talking about trails, national parks around, and access roads, já que iríamos visitar lugares que ele havia passado e vice-versa.

After 2 hours rise apace num, reached the top – Observation Point, hence the name of the trail - around 14:30h, where we stayed for 1 time, relaxing and enjoying the scenery, besides kill hunger with snacks we had brought. Upstairs, know a couple of Colombians, além do Yurgen, um alemão bastante viajado que nos fez companhia na descida também.

The Slovenian Primochz along with the expedition

Vista de cima do observation point

View of the river and the park road, they go hand in hand

Yurgen, Primochz and the expedition with the flag of Brazil

Em meio à descida e às belas paisagens, talked a lot about pros and cons of the U.S., and also about the country's presidential election, já que era véspera da mesma.

Way back

View under the gigantic walls

A beam of light amid the rocks

Break off and slide

On the way, still to find 4 women in the state of Utah, que ouvindo nossa conversa, manifestaram rapidamente que apoiavam Obama, to our surprise. One, to explain the reasons for the preference, told us he had worked in the government of Massachusetts, where Romney was gorvernador and left a rather bad impression. After pausing to discuss the political direction of the U.S., continue to descida, until you get back to Tanajura. At the despedirmos, received an invitation from Yurgen to spend the evening in your camping area, with your RV (recreational vehicle, kind of trailer, very common in the U.S. and Canada). We accepted the invitation, and went along with Primochz, até seu hotel, that was adjacent to a market, where to buy breads and cold colaborarar in "pique-nique". Lulled by the flames of the bonfire, a delicious stew prepared by Yurgen and by 6 liters of red wine and stayed until the 23:00 gathered ali. Like the adventurous spirit, o gosto pelo desconhecido era algo em comum entre todos ao redor daquela fogueira e o assunto ficou em torno das experiências de viagem de cada um.

Stew, wine, fogugueira and stories

Heating with fire and red wine

The next day, Wake up early, because we would have a few hours of road to Las Vegas, Our next destination. Leaving behind all that natural beauty, and take with us to make sure that, with all modifications that great natural wonder suffers over time, o Zion National Park é uma verdadeira obra de arte ainda em progresso.

To check out more photos from this Adventure, visit our flickr.

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Date: 26/10/2012 a 29/10/2012

Path: We left Cooke City by US-212 and then take the U.S. 89 Hair entering Yellowstone National Park, where we take a “shortcut”. We peeled U.S. 20 entering Idaho and no-cutting or peeling Sul sense I-15 to Salt Lake City tied cam, no estado de Utah.

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With the advancement of snow in northwest U.S., decided to accelerate the way to the parks to the south of the country and enjoy their útimas weeks without snow. Leaving Yellowstone parks would follow for the southwestern Utah and doubt, then, era: passar por Salt Lake City (em Utah) or Denver and the Rocky Montanhas (Colorado not). As ja das havíamos percorrido longos Rochosas stretches from or Canada, * a look at Ralf was enough for the decision to be taken: Salt Lake era nossa próxima parada.

* For those who do not remember, Ralf is the nickname we gave to our guide book U.S.

The intention was to stay only one day in Salt Lake and then continue the trip. However, some movement in the streets around 21h, something unusual in the U.S., we called attention. A prayer was made at the end of a Halloween Party America. Something that city was different from what we were used. And a group of Brazilian, uma equatoriana e um hondurenho estavam dispostos a nos apresentar essa nova realidade.

We left Cooke City with cloudy weather and temperatures below 5 ° C. Were accompanied by high mountains with their peaks becoming less snow while the temperature increased most southerly. We arrived in Salt Lake hungry around 20h and good first impression: our thermometer marked 16 ° C and there was winds! It was the first time within the last 35 days had temperature above 15 ° C! We left the car happy, and without coats, for dinner!

The cold was both out of Cooke City (Montana) that the "blurred" Glass froze on the inside of the car!!!

After more than 5 hours on the road we cut the state of Idaho with the mercury already above 10 graus Celsius!

A long conversation at the table, traçávamos few laughs and the exit plan for the next day, after lunch. We left the restaurant and something we called attention. It was a Friday and already passed the 21h, even so many people of all ages walked the streets. We stranger, because it was not something common in the U.S.. How was the weekend pre-Halloween we thought it might have something to do with it. We went in search of a place to see the movement and take a few beers before bed. We took a walk around town and spotted an ice cream shop with costuming. Support. The costumed entered into a settlement, beside the ice cream, that formed a large queue. We asked what it was and the answer came in Spanish: "Halloween is a celebration of America". Caramba! How strange! We liked the idea and decided to join. As we had no fantasies, wear some shirts of the Brazilian team and went to the football team! Original hein?! Hahaha… Good for a party last minute was worth. We soon realized that was not sold any alcoholic beverage. Filled with Latinos, the music styles ranging from Peruvian, Mexican, Venezuelan, Colombian, and others. All animated dancing and soon people came interact with 5 boys who drew attention with those shirts with colored highlighter. Hours after the largest wheel and the party was… Brazilian! Clear! Among other, there would know the 3 Sara(s) (two Brazilian and Ecuadorian), Giulli, Leylyane e o hondurenho Helaman. Dance, talked and at the end of the party… a prayer of thanksgiving!!?? It really was not common. We were curious and to our surprise: the party was 'Mormon'! As our new friends, Salt Lake City is a city composed, mostly, by people who attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church JCSUD). Havíamos não Sabendo that place to sleep, o Helaman abriu sua casa para passarmos a noite.

The streets of modern and planned downtown Salt Lake City, Utah – USA

The vedade is that the term 'Mormon' - as they are popularly called today those who attend church JCSUD - was created by people who do not attend church, to refer to members. The reason for giving them this name is linked to the 'Book of Mormon' - the book considered sacred by that church goers - which is another testament portrayed the life of Jesus Christ. So, according to the Church, the name that its members should be known is Latter-day Saints (SOUTH).

The city sits within the Salt Lake Valley (Vale do Lago Salgado) is surrounded by two large cadeias montanha the east and west, and rightly so named due to the Great Salt Lak (Big Lake Salgado) located northwest of the city. His foundation, and the State of Utah, is associated with the coming of the Mormons to the region: due to severe persecution of its members and to the doctrines of the Church of JCSUD, Brigham Young led the Mormons trip to the American West after the death of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the church. And it was there in the Salt Lake Valley who chose the site - where today's Salt Lake City - to be the 'New Zion' (English: the new Zion). Under the leadership of Brigham Young (at the time that not only became leader of the church, but also leader of the territory) ali desenvolveram a cidade através de um sitema de colheita comunitária.

O belíssimo Capitólio de Salt Lake City com as imponentes montanhas que cercam a cidade que já foi sede dos jogos Olímpicos de Inverno em 2002

The late afternoon with the 'Great Salt Lake' in the right corner, at the bottom

Being situated at a crossroads for those who journeyed from the East to the American West in search of fortunes - known in Gold Rush California (California Golden Rush) - Salt Lake City became a stopping point for travelers and benefited from the trade generated intense speculation and land. The great development made, in 1856, Salt Lake became the capital of the territory of Utah, que posteriormente se tornaria mais um estado da União.

And under the mentorship of one of Sarah(s), we started to learn a little more about this story from the modern city of Salt Lake City, da interessante doutrina dos membros da Igreja de JCSUD e como eles fizeram sua vida na cidade.

O Temple of Salt Lake (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) na Temple Square, em Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

Sarah Albuquerque in taking the first teachings on the Church's doctrine of JCSUD

Dirigimo-for us to Temple Square (Temple Square) where is located the main church building and where, in their vicinity, are the major building (historical and administrative) church. We visited the museum that tells the history of the church, and the huge visitor center that, Through word, images and videos are passed some values ​​and doctrines of the church. There is also a model of the interior of the main temple of the Church of JCSUD: the Salt Lake Temple - Which has restricted entry to church members. And it was under the help of two nice Brazilian missionary who visited the Beehive House (House Colmeia) where he lived the former leader of the Church: Brigham Young.

You can not deny that these visits served to us as a great moment of spiritual reflection and social. Motivated, mainly, the spirit of brotherhood and affection shown by all members of the Church who welcomed us very well at all times and visits. We learn, also, on missions that many church members perform once in a lifetime, as well as the complex center of production and distribution of food and gifts for underprivileged people. Interesting, also, was the visit to Family Story Library (library of the history of families), where the Church JCSUD provides a huge collaboration to society, assembling the largest collection of the stories of the families that inhabited the planet! That the same 'Family Search’ (searching for families) - Also available online - is in development to catalog as many people as possible, to assemble the largest collection of family trees of the world! Quem quiser buscar algum parente ou familiar distante e quiser conhecer mais sobre a história de sua família vale dar uma checada no site deles para ver se sua família já está lá catalogada.

The museum with the history of the founding of the Church of JCSUD

Muito information, the visitor center of the Church of JCSUD shows the values ​​and doctrines of the church, bem conta sobre o centro de produção e distribuição de alimentos e produtos para populações em situação de risco.

External view of the Salt Lake Temple (Utah, USA)

A detailed model shows us the beauty of the interior of the Salt Lake Temple

The model shows the perfectionism of the temple can only be frequentado by members of the Igreja

Foto do interior da Beehive House (Colmeia house), a casa onde morou Brigham Young – one of the main leaders of the Church of JCSUD

Com more certainty or high Ponto da visit to Mormon culture or espetáculo foi 'Light of the Nations - His Promises' made no da Igreja de JCSUD Auditorium. With capacity for more than 21 mil pessoas, the auditorium was over 80% of their seats occupied. It was beautiful to see that public interbred, in which Americans using simultaneous translator clapped and sang along with Latinos of different nationalities. All contemplating festival honoring the culture of indigenous and Hispanic civilizations, da América Latina. The show featured dances, clothing and musical styles over 8 Latin countries of the Americas, allowing Latinos recognize and appreciate their origins, although living in a different country. Everyone clapped and cheered in a spectacle that, besides celebrating the music, celebrating acceptance and tolerance among nations! It was just amazing!!!

The auditorium starting to fill up just before the start of the Spectacle "Luz de las Naciones - Sus Promises" - in the auditorium of the Church of JCSUD

Expedition 4×1 and two of Sara(s) before the show begin

Apresentação da cultura mexicana no 'Luz de las naciones'

Presentation on Amerindian civilization, pre-Spanish colonization

Fechamento do espetáculo 'Luz de las Naciones'

The morning after the festival a new surprise: Wake up early to, punctually at 9am, being in the Tabernacle Church of JCSUD which presents the weekly Mormon Tabernacle Choir (Mormon Tabernacle Choir). An absolute silence since the presentation of 30 I call Music and the Spoken Word é transmitted, ao vivo, nationally, and the program being transmitted sequentially over time in the world!!!

The final presentation of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The Expedition 4×1 in the company of friends (standing, from left to right): Leylyane, Helaman, Sara Rocha, Sara Cardenas and Sarah Albuquerque. (below): Giulli

In the late afternoon, finished all the fellowship greeted with a picnic at Ensign Peak. With a trail of approximately 20 my, is a peak with a privileged view of downtown Salt Lake. From there we closed our visit contemplating the aerial view of the city with its beautiful Capitol and Salt Lake Temple, at the bottom!

Aerial view of Salt Lake City with emphasis on the Capitol (below, instead left) e o Salt Lake Temple (in the same position capitol, More center) – bem both enlightened

Preferences religious part, a visit to Salt Lake City was really a spiritual inspiration for Expedition 4×1! We are very grateful to Sarah Albuquerque, Sara Cardenas, Sara Rocha, Giulli, Leylyane Helaman and the warmth and hospitality. That we will be friends for the rest of our lives!

To see more photos from our visit to Salt Lake City click here.

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