Gypsy & The Navigator

Kolob Terrace, Zion National Park

Not as Widely Known but Exceptional.  

Kolob Terrace is the central part of Zion National Park.   The paved road is just out of Virgin, UT off Highway 9.  It heads north and runs along the Virgin River.  In the valley are farms and ranches. Looked like these horse riders were taking a break by the river.

The road climbs to 8000 feet and ascends steeply.  As you start to go up you can see the beautiful ranches that are down in the valley. 

The road winds in and out of Zion National Park and changes color to red each time you enter the Park. If beauty is in the details Zion has it down to a fine science.

The day was cloudy and the gray skies made the red rocks intensely stand out. 

There was an area where there had been a forest fire.  Walt and I argued that the change in road colors could not possibly be in and out of the Park so often.  I am convinced that they are that attentive to detail. He does not agree.  Next time we are in Zion I am going to talk to a ranger to confirm. 

We stopped often to enjoy the area and this little guy was gracious enough to pose for his picture.

Gorgeous backside to the formations you see in the main Zion Canyon.

I thought these rocks looked like pulled taffy.

As you climb the firs and pines increase.  We had some rain showers and it made the green even greener. 

 

 

On private land there are a few homes along the roadway.   I am sure that this is a vacation home and it did not look like it had been opened yet for the summer.  The picture below is the view that they have from those windows. 

 

 

  

Looks like a watercolor painting on a gray and cloudy day.  What a beautiful site day after day in all kinds of weather.  They really have the perfect view.

As you near the end of the road the quaking aspens are almost fully leafed out. 

The culmination of the trip is Kolob Resevoir.  The water level again is low but we did see a couple of boats with fishermen and some fishing from the shore.  There are several homes around the lake and there is even a small market.  There is a dirt road that goes part way around the lake.  Since it had rained it was muddy in some spots but we kept on going until there was a low spot with quite a bit of standing water.  We had no idea how deep it was so we turned around. 

The highlight of our day was observing this bald eagle.  Our binoculars allowed us to be up close and personal.  I saw him land on this log just up from the water.  After several minutes he flew (very low so we had an incredible view of him flying) to a fence post.  He stayed there until someone drove by and he again flew very low back to this log where we continued to watch as he preened and looked around. What a treat!  Regretfully we left.  I wonder how long he remained there.

 

Snag of the day!  

 

Majestic mountains, green valleys, red rock canyons and a little bit of wildlife.  Perfect day.

 

"Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale."

Hans Christian Andersen

 

Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

Lesser Known but Oh So Worth the Drive.

To get to Kolob Canyons, the Northwest portion of Zion National Park, we headed north on Highway 89 then west on Highway 14 through the Dixie National Forest and then South on I15.

It was later in the year since our last trip across Highway 14 so much of the snow has melted.  Navajo Lake is just over 9000 feet high and the trees have not yet leafed out up there.  The lake was formed when a prehistoric lava flow dammed the eastern side of the valley.  Our stop there was short............it is still really cold up there.

There are interesting rock formations amid the lush pines and firs in Dixie National Park. Always a beautiful drive.

The road into Kolob Canyons is just off I15 and you know you are in Zion National Park because the road is red here too.

Towering red cliffs and leafy green trees that line Taylor Creek.  The road is only 5 miles long and climbs 1100 feet.

There are several pullouts so there are plenty of photo opportunities.

Nagunt Mesa is just one of the majestic summits in the park.

Timber Top Mountain is appropriately named. Trees line the top and I love how every bit of soil that is available has something green growing.  

Shuntavi Butte is that bullet like peak that is about 1000 feet high.  It has a crack and corner that climbers climb and rappel down and from what I read it is considered quite a challenge.  Why do mountains touch some of us to just savor the sight and others feel the need to conquer them? 

We hiked the Timber Creek Overlook Trail and this was our view on one side of the trail.

And this was the view on the other side of the trail.  Breathtaking.

At the end of the trail there are amazing views of the Pine Valley Mountains and that blue ridge in the distance is Kolob Terrace.   (A future adventure)  

"We do not remember days, we remember moments."

Cesare Pavese

Definitely a moment to remember.

And then a moment to make us smile.

The picnic area is 1/4 mile up the trail.  These people had carried everything you see up to the picnic area.  Including the electric rice cooker. The lady came walking down the path carrying the cooker with the electric cord trailing behind. No, there is no electricity at the picnic area. Don't know why but it made us laugh and laugh.  Yes, we are easily amused.

I hiked down to LaVerkin creek.  It isn't very large but the water is SO clear.

Stunning sights everywhere you look.  And very few other people.

If you are driving down I15 and would like some peace and tranquility take the turn into Kolob Canyons.

Lesser known but no less spectacular.

You Can Never Have Too Much of a Good Thing

Weeping Rock in Zion National Park

Back to Zion for a short day trip.

It is so wonderful to be so close to Zion. We can drive over to do just one hike, have a picnic lunch and still have part of the day left.  We hadn't been there after the shuttles were put into service for the season so we wanted to ride the shuttle and do one of the hikes.

After April the only way you can go into the Zion Canyon area is by shuttle.  This eliminates traffic and parking problems.  The best benefit is that it allows it to be so much more peaceful.  The additional quiet is so nice.  We really enjoyed our ride.  There is an ongoing presentation of information about what you are seeing and historical facts about the park. We rode clear to the end and then stayed on to come back to the Weeping Rock stop for our hike.

 

 

 

But, first we read the warning sign.  I took a picture of it but it was in the sun so the picture wasn't clear so I quote " In 2000-2001, two children were injured by deer.  One was bitten on the neck and another was trampled. Both deer were trying to get food from the children. This aggressive behavior is encouraged when deer are fed. When less wary around people they become more aggressive and demanding. These deer had to be killed by Park Rangers.  Several adult visitors were also kicked by deer. These animals have not been identified and are still at large."  Criminal deer.........who would have thought?  

When you get off the shuttle at the Weeping Rock stop this is the view that greets you.

The hike to Weeping Rock is lined with trees, bushes and flowers.  It is a short, steep hike with no drop offs and doable by most everyone. 

 

 

This is Canyon Wild Grape.  The pioneers made jams and jellies with it. 

 

 

 

 

 

A dripping spring feeds the hanging garden of ferns and mosses at Weeping Rock. The cliffs' Navajo sandstone is porous so it acts as a vertical reservoir.  Snowmelt percolates down through the sandstone and once the moisture reaches an impermeable layer of rock it is forced out the side which causes the "weeping".

At the end of the trail is an alcove and soon you are standing under the beautiful alcove with water sprinkling from above.  You do get a little wet!  It rains every day of the year here.

 

 

 

 

Since it is spring there is a nice constant drip of water. This moisture allows the growth of lush foliage and flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only do you have the awesome close up view of the hanging gardens but turn around and there is an incredible vista down the canyon.

Note to self:   Under this dripping alcove is where to be on a hot, July day.

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."   Another Best Day!

Ralph Waldo Emerson

From Rain & Snow Showers to Flowers

Return to Kanab from Moab

We left Moab heading west on 191 and looking north there were rain clouds.  If you live in the arid southwest rain is a cause for celebration so I was doing a rain dance in my head. 

The clouds continued to build and were now moving south and west.

Starting to look serious.

Yay!!!!! Those are raindrops.  Soon we will be heading south on 89.

But wait................the storm is ruining our view of the Big Rock Candy Mountain.  Guess we will have to come back on a sunshiny day.  

In the Panguitch area that rain turned into snow.  We don't care what form that moisture comes in, just keep on coming down. 

Wow, it was a magical ride down the mountain.  Misty and very pretty.

But by the time we were nearing Kanab it was starting to clear.  Perfect time to take some photos of the flowers in the beds at the Park that I have been caring for.

 

 

These poppies are as large as your hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

The flower beds change every day.  There is always something new blooming.

   

 

 

 

Pansies in front of a bed of wallflowers that are starting to bloom in many different shades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even the cactus are blooming.

 

 

  

 

Daughter Cynthia sent me this.  Wondering if we had figured out where we belong yet.  

We definitely belong in Arizona (for now in the winters) close to our wonderful children and incredible grandchildren.  But for now The Adventure Continues. 

 

Moab

A Treat for the Senses

We loved our visit to Moab and it offered something for all 5 senses.

Sight

First and foremost those incredible dark red rock cliffs.  But,  oh so much more.

The entrances to so many of the businesses were filled with brightly colored flowers or greenery that will soon pop up blossoms.

 This Bistro would tempt you to come inside by how it looks on the outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even the chippy old buildings were clean and neat.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or colorful and cheerful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sound

We happened upon the Rotary Park in Moab to eat our picnic lunch one day and found that it is a Musical Playground Park.  They are HUGE musical instruments and we had a good time playing them. Even people like us with no musical talent can have a good time.  The sounds that are made are very pleasing. 

Pleasing not only to us humans but feathered friends as well who left their calling card.  But to my ears it didn't affect the sound.  

The sounds in downtown were full of energy and people having fun.  The traffic passing by went from noiseless bicycles to the roar of motorcycles.

Taste and Smell

Had to put these two together.  They seemed to go hand in hand. The aroma from the restaurants made our mouths water. We found several good places to eat.  (One not so good but it wasn't awful)  We really liked Eddie McStiffs.  Nice outdoor patio with flower boxes full of blooms.  I had a Quesadilla with bacon and pico de gallo and a salad that was full of fresh ingredients.  Walt had the Southwest Burger and of course it had green chile.  We especially enjoyed Pasta Jay's. 

 

 

 

 

Very attractive streetside seating, cheerful decor and our food was GOOD.  Penne pasta with meat sauce.  Walt had meatballs added.  Inhaling the aroma was just the start. 

 

 

 

 

 

Moab is a very good place to dine out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Touch

The smooth red stone is cool to the touch in the shade and hot to the touch in the sun.  

Yes, that is my hand holding the wildflower.  I had heard that this flower was called a scorpion flower because each stem curves at the end like a scorpion tail.  There were many flowers in Moab that pulled me in to touch. 

That covered the normal 5 senses that we traditionally talk about but I am adding number 6.

Sense of Humor

The people in Moab seem to have a great sense of humor.  Just look at their little local theatre.

Tiniest little stage and I am sure those are luxury box seats. 

"My plan is to have a theatre in some small town or something and I'll be manager. Ill be the crazy old movie guy."

Quentin Tarantino

I think Moab is waiting for him. 

La Sal Mountain Loop

From the River to the Mountains

Leaving Gypsy early one morning we took Highway 128 West from Moab along the Colorado River. The road follows the river through the red rock cliffs for several miles. 

 

 

 

This formation was familiar to us and later it was confirmed that it has been in many western   movies. We were able to see it from the river     level and then later from high atop the mountains. Amazing views both ways.    

 

 

 

 

 

  

The canyon opens up to a lush valley and the Red Cliffs Lodge was our first stop for a delicious buffet brunch at their restaurant. 

We ate out on the patio with a perfect view of the river and cliffs. 

The food was excellent and the spicy scrambled egg dish with fresh spinach and mushrooms was especially delicious.  They had a large assortment of homemade pastries and it was difficult to make a choice.  The sour cherry and raspberry muffin won for me and as I recall there was more than one choice on Walt's plate.  The day was warm and the view wonderful so we lingered until we were the only ones on the patio and clean up was being done.  They recommended we go through their Moab Film Museum before we go.  Wow, what a treat. I think it is the most well done for a small museum I have ever seen.  The amount of movies done in Moab rivals Kanab and they have chronicled the information in a clear and interesting way.  If you are in the area I highly recommend a visit. 

This was one of the dummies that was made for Thelma and Louise to be in the car when it went off the cliff.  They did the take in two attempts so only 2 cars were destroyed and they were immediately cleaned up and helicoptered out so no debris was left in the canyon. 

Loved the Indiana Jones Last Crusade poster.  I was happy to see the middle bottom photo.  I have stood in the same spot as Harrison Ford.  Hmmm, probably my only claim to fame.

Had a hard time leaving this idllyic place.  But on to higher ground we go. We turned off Hwy 128 onto the Loop Road passing by Castle Valley Town. 

 The town of 300 is nestled in the trees below the red cliffs.  At this point we were starting to gain elevation.  Now added to the sagebrush were juniper and pinyon pines.

 While the road was paved it was full of pot holes and in some places even crumbling away.  

The climb is steep with narrow switchbacks and the vegetation changes to larger pines, firs, and aspens.

The aspens were just starting to leaf out in that nice shade of spring green.  Since you climb to over 8000 feet there is still snow on the La Sal mountains.

Lots of mule deer munching on that tender spring grass.

They didn't seem wary of us at all. Just waited for us to pass by.

What goes up must come down.  Going this direction puts you on the "edge" side both going up and coming down.  Walt had to really watch the road but I could enjoy looking down on the views.  So funny that I am so afraid of heights when I am out walking but sitting down in the car or an airplane I have no problem in enjoying the scenes.  The road continues down and back into Moab.

 

Truly an unforgettable day for a very different change of scenery.

 

Canyonlands National Park

A Wilderness of Beauty

The main attraction at Canyonlands are the two major canyons carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. 

Canyonlands is 527 square miles and is divided into three different regions.  Island in the Sky is the northern portion and is the area we visited.  The Maze is on the west and is the most remote.  The roads into The Maze require 4 wheel drive and the hiking routes are very primitive.  The Needles is the Eastern area and does have paved road access to a portion of the region from Route 211 out of Monticello.

The canyons are filled with spires and all kinds of formations.  This one is named The Totem.  As I recall there was a Totem in Arches too.

The dimension of the vistas cannot be captured by photos.  The canyons go on and on. The National Park Service measured the interior of Canyonlands National Park and found it to be one of the quietest places in the United States. 

There are beautiful sites on the plateau as well. The rocks above are named Monitor and Merrimac after the Civil War Ships that their shapes bear a striking resemblance to. I went out on the internet to take a look at pictures of the ships and they are right the shapes are very similar.  Except all of the images on the internet show the ships with smoke billowing from them when they were in battle.

And Whale Rock.  They were right.  It is HUGE like a whale.    But, my Favorite in Canyonlands.........................

 

Mesa Arch.  It is as if it was made as a frame for the incredible view into the canyon.  We spent quite a bit of time here enjoying the view and I took so many pictures from every angle imaginable.

Spending so much time allowed for interesting light changes.

Spectacular end to an extraordinary day.          

“Oh the things you can find, if you don’t stay behind!”   Dr. Suess

 

Dead Horse Point State Park

A Park for Acrophobiacs Like Me

This park is a dream come true for people who are afraid of heights but still want to be able to enjoy the full view down into the canyons.  They have built these sturdy rock walls all around the edges of the trails so that you feel safe but can peer over and take full advantage of the breathtaking scenery. 

And because they have used the local stone they do not distract from the natural features of the landscape at all.

Standing on the cliff edges you are 2000 feet above the Colorado River.  It appears as a tiny ribbon meandering between the buttes and pinnacles.

Thelma and Louise and Mission Impossible II were filmed here.  Remember when Tom Cruise was climbing the red rock and hanging by one hand?  And when Thelma and Louise drove off the cliff. 

At the bottom of the canyon are potash evaporation ponds that are incredible shades of blue. The blue dye assists in the evaporation process and once the drying has been complete the potash is used in fertilizer and other farm products and the salt by product is used in things such as water softening. 

There is a road into the canyon that is only suitable for 4 wheel drive and for the not so faint of heart.  Many places it skirts right along the edge of a cliff. 

As you come to the furthest point in the park you cross what they call The Neck.  It is only about 30 yards wide and then opens out again somewhat and you are on the plateau that ends in Dead Horse Point.  Why Dead Horse?  This is the legend:

‘Around the turn of the last century, wild mustangs roamed the mesatop around Dead Horse Point. Cowboys were always looking for ways to catch these sturdy, fleet-footed equines. One of the best ways they found to capture the clever beasts was to herd them into a trap such as a box canyon. 
Dead Horse Point was a custom-made horse trap, like a box canyon only in reverse. With sheer cliffs straight down on all sides and only a narrow strip of land for access, it made a perfect place to keep horses. All the cowboys had to do was herd the horses across the neck and out onto the “point”. They would then build a fence of pinion and juniper branches across the neck and they had a natural corral! Here the cowboys could sort through the horses, choose the ones they wanted, and let the culls or “broomtails” go free. 
Legend tells that one time a band of broomtails was accidentally left corralled on the waterless point. There the horses died of thirst within view of the Colorado River.’ 

Sad story for such a beautiful place.  I really liked this park.  There was something so still and isolated feeling about it.  Not many visitors and again the thrill of being able to be up close and personal with the cliffs without the fear.  

“The world is quiet here.” 
― Lemony Snicket

 

Arches National Park

A Feast for the Eyes

As you enter the Park via a series of switchbacks climbing the red cliffs you know you are going to see something amazing.  

While the park is named Arches there are bridges, windows, hoodoos, spires, towers and all kinds of sandstone figures.                                                                

 

We were very fortunate when we were there.  It was warm but partially cloudy so it was comfortable.  And since the summer season had not yet begun the people were minimal.  Parking was available at each stop and many of the trails were practically empty other than us. 

 

 

 

 

This formation is called Totem Pole but I thought it looked more like a corn dog on a stick.  

 

 

 

 

 

Imagination can run wild when looking at the formations.

I think the ones they named were spot on.  Like this one named Sheep Rock.  Doesn't it look just like a sheep standing there?  

 

And the Three Gossips.

 I could just imagine them as pioneer women crossing the desert gossiping as they went.    But, then I worried that as punishment for gossiping they were turned to stone. 

The walk around balanced rock was nice.  See that white strip below the rock on top.  Our conclusion was that some giant put concrete between the rock and the pillar below.  Yes, the imagination was working overtime. 

 

There were incredible views of the La Sal Mountains still covered in snow.

Windows Trails were fun.  I like scrambling up the slick rock while Walt takes the pictures.

So many interesting formations.  

But my favorite........................

was the climb to one of the View Points for Delicate Arch.  Walt didn't want to attempt all the stairs and the rocky path but up and up I went.

The view was worth the climb.  I guess the reason there were no crowds is because they were all at Delicate Arch. 

Going back down the view into the green valley was impressive.   This little girl was running up the path while Mom was begging her to slow down.

There was someone rappelling down this rock but by the time we got stopped & parked they were already down so there wasn't a photo opportunity.  Looked scary!

And this area can be scary too!  The Fiery Furnace is a mazelike labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons that people do get lost in. But it is supposed to be spectaculary beautiful. For safety reasons a permit is needed to go alone but there are ranger led hikes by reservation. 

 It does look tempting to follow that little path right into the middle of all those beautiful rocks.

Arches is definitely a mecca for sightseers and photographers.  I couldn't stop the camera clicking. Another 2 battery day.    

 

Capitol Reef National Park & Fruita

A Wrinkle in the Earth & Time

The Waterpocket Fold is Capitol Reef National Park & is a nearly 100 mile warp in the earths crust.  Due to RV Park reservations our time here was VERY limited so a trip back is planned.  We want to see the Petroglyphs, have pie at the Gifford Homestead and the hikes in the area sound good.                                                                         

Capitol is for the White Domes of Navajo Sandstone

And Reef is for the Rocky Red Cliffs that are such a barrier to travel.

 

What a beautiful sight.

I think we will plan our return trip when the fruit is ripe for the picking.  Fruita is appropriately named.

After our brief visit in Capitol Reef we traveled on to Green River, UT where we spent the night.  The dramatic views of rocks and mountains change to what appear to me to be pleats in the landscape. The photo below if of what is called South Caineville Mesa.  

By the way.............the Green River isn't green.  It is brown.  But, I read that maybe the reason it was called the Green is because of the vegetation along its banks.  

"Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!"      Dr. Suess

Scenic Byway Highway 12 - A Journey Like No Other - Part 3

We feel like we have been to the Top of the World !

North of Boulder Route 12 enters the Dixie National Forest and heads uphill gaining elevation quickly. It tops out at over 9600 feet.  The viewpoints are so vast you don't know which way to point the camera.

The quaking aspens on the hillside have not yet leafed out.  Closed my eyes and imagined the beauty when they were bright spring green and then again what they would be like when the colors turn in the fall.  

Being this high there is still some snow.  Then the high mountains and alpine trees start to come to an end as you descend. 

This allows sweeping views of the Henry Mountains, the Waterpocket Fold and the greenery on the Plateau.  

 

Coming down toward Torrey there is a small lake that is visible but an article I read indicates there are numerous lakes in the area.

 

 

Most of the barns and outbuildings we saw were older but this one was strikingly bright and shiny new. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Torrey Highway 12 ends and our journey will continue on as we travel Highway 24 to Capitol Reef National Park.  There will be many fond memories of Highway 12 and the diverse and ruggedly beautiful landscapes we saw.    

 “How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”   Dr. Suess

 

 

Scenic Byway Highway 12 - A Journey Like No Other - Part 2

 

 

 

Midway between Henrieville and Escalante in the Upper Valley.

In the arch on this cliff is an ancient Pueblan granary.  It was crafted of stone and put together with mud.  They used it to store corn, grain and other foods.  Below is a close up.

It so perfectly blends in and is so high that without being pointed out we would not have seen it.

The road twists and turns through ever changing countryside.  All of it beautiful.  We stopped for lunch in Escalante, UT.  It is a pretty and peaceful town of about 800 that has several events and festivals but none were happening while we were there.

 

 

We ate lunch at Nemo's Drive In and we had to park Gypsy behind the building and this is the view back there. We visited with a couple from Germany while we were eating and they love the West and visit here often. They say that their favorite place to hike is Bernalillo, NM.

 Slickrock stretches for miles and miles as we climb and climb.   The Navigator gears down and down. Gypsy follows along happily oblivious to how hard he is working.  

High up above the twisting Escalante River the rocks are redder again.  

The highway is climbing to "The Hogback".  The road clings to the narrow ridge of slickrock with steep drop offs to each side.  Walt said that it made him uncomfortable and was glad when we were beyond the drop offs.  It was a challenge to his nerves. And since there are no guardrails there is no room for driving mistakes. The vistas are incredible but I was too nervous to take pictures.  So I took a photo off the web so we can remember how incredible it was. Someone else was not as chicken as I am.

Plus that was a VW.  Much smaller than the Navigator.  It was not near as close to the edge.  After all the drop offs are 1000 feet. 

Whew, we made into Boulder. At 6700 feet it was quite isolated. The road wasn't built until 1940 and some of it wasn't paved until 1985. They didn't get electricity until 1947.  

Another step in the journey.  To be continued.

Scenic Byway Highway 12 - A Journey Like No Other - Part 1

A Surprise Around Every Turn !

We left Kanab about 8:30 in the morning.  Our first stop was at the new German Bakery, Backerei Forscher, in Orderville.   Delicious breakfast and a loaf of bread, just out of the oven, to take on the trip. I really like the design of their building.  It is finished in the same wood inside as well. 

Not far past Hatch, UT (hmm, wonder how many more states have a Hatch) is the intersection with Highway 12. Heading east we were almost immediately struck with the hoodoos and pinnacles of Red Canyon.

 

The contrast of the red rock, the blue sky and the green pines makes it hard to stop taking pictures.  I went through 2 camera batteries on Hwy 12 and it was only 120 miles. There will be many photos on this post but I don't want to forget anything about this treasure trove of scenery. The changes come so quickly it is hard to comprehend.  We stopped everywhere we could and each one was totally different than the last.

 

 

When these tunnels were opened in 1925 someone must have really planned ahead.  They can accommodate the huge RV's that people drive today.  The tunnels must have seemed gigantic to those 1925 automobiles.  The people must have felt that same magic that we do today when they came into this beautiful area. 

 

 

 

 

 

The brilliant red continues on for a few more miles.

 

Once you pass the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park the rocks start to lighten.  They are spectacular with so many colors of salmon, pink, and white. 

Further on, just beyond Tropic, UT,  you enter the North side of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the rocks take on a golden hue.

You go through the tiny towns of Cannonville & Henrieville.  They are so small they do not even have a town sign.  The spectacular scenery goes on and on.  The rocks turn to white.

 There was the opportunity to find the snag of the day.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The road climbs & climbs & climbs and we have just begun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we reached the Blues Overlook we could see the delicate pink ledges of Powell Point. Powell Points elevation is 10,188 feet so we knew we were quite high.  It is a pretty awe inspiring view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While up there we found a petroglyph.....................well, maybe a modern day petroglyph by a road repairman with a sense of humor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Lao Tzu     We have just begun.   

To be continued.