Gypsy & The Navigator

SCORE.........Bryce Canyon Visit Number Four!

Family Comes to Visit and we head to Bryce!  That Magical Place.

Cynthia and Scott along with Brianna and Lyndsee stopped for a couple of days on their way from Gilbert to Provo to pick up Logan.  We were so happy to see them.

Brianna with Dad.

After they went on an early morning hike to peek-a-boo canyon through deep sand Walt and I met them at them at the trailhead.  We all piled into the Navigator and headed up Highway 89. Our first stop was at the German Bakery.  Every time we get their pastries Walt brings up that they are just like the baked goods my Mother made.  He laments that she never did teach me how to make them. When I asked her how she made them she couldn't give me a recipe or process.  She just would say add this or that until it feels right.  Obviously I never learned.

 

  

Lyndsee and Mom 

 

Our next stop was for a picnic at a pretty rest stop.  Topped off by those German pastries.

Then on to Bryce Canyon.  Cynthia had been there when she was 12 but it was a first visit for the rest.

 

 

 

 

Since they had done a 7 mile hike through deep sand that morning they wanted a purely sight-seeing tour.   We drove all the way out to Rainbow Point and then stopped at the view points on the way back.

No matter how many times I visit this amazing place it still reveals new beauty.

This time I seemed to focus on the sheer size of the formations and the mountains around them.

And off in the valley the small town of Tropic.  The poor farmer that Bryce Canyon was named after had to climb up from Tropic to retrieve his cattle that had strayed into the canyon.  With all that green down there I don't know why the cattle climbed up into the canyon.  

Breathtaking!

It was fun listening to other takes on what the formations looked like to them.  Brianna said that my lovely lady looked like a toilet.  OK, I can see it..........the top white part could be an old fashioned toilet.   I like lovely lady better.

The Wall of Windows is stunning.  Makes me think of ancient Greek Architecture.

The white hoodoos are not as outstanding when photographed as the red but seeing them in person is incredible. 

Lyndsee and Brianna

Two tired girls remained cheerful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cynthia and Scott

 

 

What a treat.  Getting to spend time with the family in a remarkable place.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in."

George Washington Carver

A very nice day finished off with ice cream at The Three Bears in Kanab.

Escalante State Park and Wide Hollow Reservoir

And Exploring the Food Choices........There Were Many!

There is a small State Park right out of Escalante that is filled with Petrified Wood and has a nice campground right by the Wide Hollow Reservoir.

There are many large pieces of rock on display in the what is called the Petrified Wood Cove.  

Close up they are very pretty.  This is one kind of rock I can understand.  To become petrified the plant has to be buried in an environment free of oxygen with access to mineral rich water.  

The trail that winds up into the canyon gives you the view of the petrified wood in its natural setting. 

Wide Hollow Resevoir had boaters, skiers, and swimmers.  They say that often there are kayakers on the water as well.

We spent a pleasant late afternoon sitting in the shade and gazing out at the water.  The campground was really nice and would be a fun place to stay since it is so close to the water.

 

"I get way too much happiness from good food."

Elizabeth Olsen

 

On this trip we were lucky to find several really good places to eat.

 

Pepperoni, Mushroom and Onion Pizza at Escalante Outfitters in Escalante.   I had read about it on a blog.  If we had not been looking for it we would not have even known that they had food.  It is in a store that has supplies for hiking, canyoneering, fishing, camping guides, maps, and trail descriptions.

The most filling pizza ever.  It made 3 meals for us.

 

 

 

 

 

Fish Tacos for me at Circle D. Eatery in Escalante.  So delicious.  I have no idea what was in that sauce but it was spicy and tart at the same time.   So good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Rainbow Trout for Walt.  Sitting on a bed of peppers and onions and cornbread crumbs on top.  He hasn't stopped raving about how good it was.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Southwestern Scramble at Kiva Koffeehouse.  Sausage, black beans, pine nuts and cranberries along with the spicy eggs.  The Koffeehouse is nestled in a cliff a few miles from Escalante. 

 

Walt going down the stairs to the entrance. 

 

Kiva Koffeehouse was created by artist, mentor, contractor, inventor and engineer, Bradshaw Bowman. The idea was born in 1990 and the structure was completed in June 1998. The main materials used in this structure are crafted wood elements from logs, stone and glass.

 

 

It took 2 years to collect the 13 Ponderosa Pine perimeter logs from the high forests of the West. Some of these logs have nearly 300 rings, existing even before our country was born. The smaller interior logs and Vigas (rafters) are Spruce. The latillas are from smaller Lodge Pole Pine. The sandstone walls were quarried from their on-site quarry.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Bowman, at a very young at heart age of 87, completed Kiva Koffeehouse. 

  

His love of this project served to give him an unparalleled drive in his last days until his death on Christmas Eve 2000.                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                He also had  worked to create and continue this project, which is Kiva Kottage, embedded in the rim beneath the KIVA. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Striking views of the canyon from both the Koffeehouse and the Kottage.  An employee said that the Bowman family still owns the property. Typical of me......I had redecorated the inside in my mind by removing the flat commercial carpet and installing wide plank wood floors and spiffing up the display areas.  Oh, and in my younger years let me at that landscape. 

It is truly a wonderful stop on Highway 12.  The food was great, an interesting building and incredible views.  

 

 

 

Time to head back to Kanab.  An enjoyable trip with scrumptious views and food.

"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."

Robert Louis Stevenson

 

Devils Garden...........I think it is Misnamed

Too Pretty to be Attributed to the Devil.

On our way to Hole In The Rock Road from Escalante the moon was still up in the brilliant blue sky.

  

We headed east from Escalante about 5 miles to the Hole In The Rock Road turn off. We were on our way to Devils  Garden. It was not listed on the mileage chart but those locations that were had interesting names.

 

Hole In The Rock Road is the route of the last major wagon train in America.  Once arriving at the Colorado River they were unable to find a way down the towering cliffs to the Colorado River. Rather than giving up they found a Hole in the Rock and blasted through the solid rock to widen the crack that was 1800 vertical feet above the river.  It took them 6 weeks to make it wide enough to lower the wagons through and all 83 wagons were safely lowered to the river below. 

Even though information states that the road is passable in good weather for high clearance 2 wheel drive vehicles the reviews I read before we headed out clearly made it known that it is a very primitive road.  Our plan was to only go as far as Devil's Garden and everything stated that this was the best part of the road.  

The further you go the rougher it gets.  Even though it looks OK and it appears they do grade it it is very washboardy.  Definitely the roughest road we have been on on our Southern Utah outings.  If this is the best part I am glad we weren't going on to the end.

 

 

We knew we were getting close to Devils Garden but we couldn't see anything except the same rolling sagebrush covered hills.

 

 

 

 

 

Down a small incline and this is what greets you right off the parking lot.

The hoodoos here are very different than in Bryce Canyon.

Maybe someone from the U S. Geological Survey thought they looked like goblins and that is why they named it Devils Gardens.  They named it in 1979.   

This in not designated as a Park or National Monument.  Just "An Outstanding Natural Area".  That IT IS!

There are no designated trails.  You just wander around, over, in and about the formations.

When we arrived there were a group of people just getting into their vehicles and leaving so we were alone.

Then a couple arrived with a little boy and what fun he had.  This is a place that all children should be able to spend some time in.  Their creativity and imagination would be let loose and since it is not a large area parents could let them run and be free. What a great place for hide and seek.

I do think I would put running across this arch as off limits though.

Walt found a great place to take a rest.   In the shade and a nice rock to sit on.

Now this one I might say was OK to go across on.  Not too high and quite a bit wider.

The only wildlife we spotted were lizards and some birds but the sandy spots were filled with bobcat tracks.  I tried to get a picture of them but the sun was high and the sand was light colored so they just did not come out. We felt that this must be an area that the cats come to for shelter at night or when no one is around.  Would have loved to see one.

 

 

 This is an Amazing Garden.  Maybe that is what it's name should be.  Off the beaten path and seldom visited but oh so beautiful.               

 

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."

Aristotle

 

 

Yes, Bryce Thrice

Third Time is a Charm.

We had not driven to Fairyland Canyon or the 18 mile scenic drive that goes to points beyond Bryce Point.

As a plus it was predicted to be a rainy day.  I knew I wouldn't be able to photograph the lightning but getting to see it would be great. The road to Fairyland Canyon is before you even enter the Park. 

 

There was hardly anyone there and I'll bet most people miss it.  What a shame because it is spectacular. Maybe it was the softness of the sky but the colors at Fairyland Canyon seem more pastel.  Just what you would think in Fairyland.

Depending upon which way you were facing you had blue skies one way or rain clouds the other.

 

From Fairyland Canyon we headed into the Park.

The Park was in the direction of the rain clouds.  And look what the storm brought.  It didn't last long but was fun to see.

As we headed out on the 18 mile scenic drive we could see blue skies ahead.  Does this mean I won't get to see lightning?

We drove all the way out to Rainbow Point to start.  The view points are all on the right side of the road coming back so we thought it would be easier to not have to cross the road at each point. 

And off in the distance the rain continues.  Yes, every now and then there is lightning. 

From this point you can see how far the pink cliffs of hoodoos extend.  This is the highest point in the Park at 9100 feet so the forest is full of spruce and fir. 

Our next stop was Black Birch Canyon.  A little more rugged here.

The ground drops steeply here into a narrow ravine.

This is Ponderosa Point and I wondered why it was named that because the trees we saw were firs and spruce but in reading found out it is for the Ponderosas pines on the canyon floor here.  Some have a 5 foot trunk diameter and stand up to 150 feet tall.  You would never know if from up here.

Walt always has the binoculars and finds the most interesting things.  Look at that white spot out there.  Wait, I will zoom in.

Isn't that incredible?  White slickrock, green trees and red tipped formations.  If I had to pick my favorite in Bryce this would be it.  It is magical.

Next stop was Agua Canyon.  We didn't find a drop of water but I did find this lovely lady.  Anyway that is what I thought.  Come to find out it has been named the "Rabbit" or the "Backpacker".  Don't see it.  To me it will always be the lovely lady.

This is called "The Hunter".  Hmm.   They used to name the hoodoos but over the years parts have fallen off or they have fallen completely so they stopped naming them which leaves it wide open for our own interpretations.  I like it better that way. 

Named or not it is a beautiful spot.

This is named "Natural Bridge".  But there is a disclaimer sign at the viewpoint.  This is actually an arch.  Bridges are formed by the erosion of rock by streams or rivers.  An arch is formed by weather such as freezing weakening the rock, rainwater dissolving some of the rock and gravity pulling it down. 

There is another arch at Fairview Point.  Unnamed and smaller but still good to see.

From Fairview Point they say that on a clear day you can see up to 160 miles.  Even on this cloudy day the view goes a long way.

There is a diversity of colors at this viewpoint.  From bright to light.

 

Words fail me at the beauty of visit number three.  I hope we get to score visit number four.

"Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms you would never see the true beauty of their carvings."

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Its Colors Live Up To Its Name

National Geographic Society visited this area in the late 40's they were so impressed with the range of colors and rock formations they called the area Kodachrome Basin.  They were right, it is a place that photographs well because of the colors.

The morning we were there the sky was bright blue and the formations were of various colors.

The first formation we came to on our hike was Shakespeares Arch. 

 

 

 

I thought it was named that because someone thought it was shaped like Shakespeare with his rounded head and pointy beard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But, no, it is named for the ranger named Tom Shakespeare that was out exploring on his motorbike and rode right up to it in 1976.  The name not only honors him but his grandfather who was one of the first settlers in the area.

Walt and I thought this looked like a monkey sitting and looking out at the valley. I looked through the brochures we received and can't find it a named rock.  Oh well, we named it for us. Monkey Meditation.

 

 

 

This is Chimney Rock.  Of course it is.  Every park has a Chimney Rock. Any column that juts to the sky and is free standing is named Chimney Rock.  Let's be a little creative.  Any suggestions for a better name for a formation like this? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amazing how the color changes from the red cliffs to the white of the column.

 

 

 

 

 

 

These columns that rise from the basin floor are called sedimentary pipes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are approximately 67 of them in and around the Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geologists are unsure about the origin of the pipes and have put forth several theories.  I am so glad that they are stumped on something.  This geology stuff has me perplexed.............again just here to enjoy the beauty.

 Kodachrome Basin is off Highway 12 out of Cannonville.  A small Park just right for a half day visit with several short hikes available.  

It was interesting that it made me think of how different things are now than when the park was named.  Digital has ended Kodachrome and "Kodak Moments".    Progress is good but it doesn't mean we can't miss some of the things from the past. 

“Sooner or later we've all got to let go of our past.” 
― Dan Brown, Deception Point

 

Capitol Reef Redo

This Time We Get To Spend The Whole Day.

Leaving Escalante we head somewhat east and then north on Highway 12 for the 68 mile trip to Capitol Reef National Park.

We had been there previously in May on our way to Moab but the schedule only allowed for about an hour there so we are happy that we can come again and have a whole day to spend allowing time to go on the spur roads that go right into the canyons.

The morning started out cool and overcast.

Our first stop was at the Head of the Rocks Overlook.  The expansive views let you see the colorful slickrock that stretches for miles.  And a good view of Highway 12 that until it was completed in 1940, after 5 years of work by the Civilian Conservation Crew, traveling through from Escalante to Boulder was slow hard work.  The only route was over Hells Backbone and that was treacherous in summer and closed in the winter. 

Our next stop was to take a look down into the Escalante River Valley.  It is lush and green, filled with birds singing.

And here we are again. Heading up the Hogsback.  This time it was much easier.  No Gypsy tagging along behind.

It is a long way down.  That tufty stuff is the edge that goes steeply down and our rear view mirror is darn close to that edge.  Just like it on the other side.

The road twists and turns as it goes across the thin ridge of slickrock. 

Soon we are down to the peaceful town of Boulder.  Even though it is much lower than where we have been their elevation is still 6700 feet. 

 North of Boulder Route 12 enters the Dixie National Forest.  The road climbs and climbs until you eventually top out at 9600 feet.  The panorama is so vast you don't know which way to take a picture. 

The high mountains are soon behind us and we are once again in a peaceful valley.

 

Now time to explore Capitol Reef. 

 

 

 

 

The sign says "Twin Rocks".  We decided they must be fraternal.....not quite identical.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one is identified as "The Castle". I can see that.  Plenty of towers and turrets.

 

 

 

 

 

  

We had our picnic lunch in the shade on the grounds of the Gifford House in Fruita.  The house was built in 1908 and the Giffords were the last residents.  They were also the last residents in Fruita. They sold the home to the National Park Service in 1969.

 

 

 

True to what we heard.  The fruit pies from the Gifford House are very good.  They are made from the fruit in the orchards of Fruita.  I had cherry and Walt had apple.  A yummy end to our picnic lunch.

 

 

 

 

Nice company at lunch. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Fruita lives up to its name.  Full of fruit orchards that still produce today.

On we go into the heart of the park via the Scenic Drive.  Again I tried to understand what caused this giant buckle in the earth's crust that was such a barrier to travel but gave up and just enjoyed the view.

Our first turn off the main road was into Grand Wash. It is an unpaved spur road that takes you deep into a canyon.

 The diversity of the rocks in this canyon boggles the mind.  Some full of holes, some slick, some checkerboard marked,  and some obscene.

 

 

Can you guess which one is man made?

 

We did go for a small hike down the wash when the canyon was too narrow for the road to continue.  Amazing rocks and sights.

This is Cassidy Arch.  It is named after the outlaw Butch Cassidy.  After some of his robberies it is said that he and his partners in crime hid out in these hard to reach mazes of canyons. 

Also in this canyon is the closed Oyler Mine.  In this mine uranium ore was discovered in the 20's. Not understanding what uranium really was the ore was ground up and mixed in drinking water, or worn in packets in waistbands or on arthritic joints, to "cure" rheumatism and other ailments. There are no statistics to indicate which was more harmful - the disease or the cure.   

On to Capitol Gorge spur road.  Look at those clouds. They were spectacular.

Again dramatic, sheer cliffs and giant rocks.

The canyon culminates with a dramtic view of the Golden Throne.   I know that this is a really long post but it was a 2 camera battery day and I wanted to remember the incredible things we saw while we were in Capitol Reef National Park.

"Does the road wind up-hill all the way? Yes, to the very end. Will the day's journey take the whole long day? From morn to night, my friend."

Grantland Rice

 

Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon to Escalante

Along the Byway.....One of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth

  

It was hard to leave Bryce Canyon but it was time to move on to Escalante where we had a reservation to stay for 5 nights.

We were hungry since we only had a granola bar and lots of water on our hike   We stopped at Clarke's in Tropic and were glad we did.  Our food was delicious.  Walt had halibut and I had a grilled cheese on sourdough bread.  Both were excellent. Plus it has an interesting interior with many historical photographs.

 

 

Tropic is a little town under the pink cliffs of Bryce.  The name Tropic is due to the claim by the first settlers that the climate here was much more temperate than in any nearby settlements.

 

 

 

The diverse scenery goes on as you go through the little town of Cannonville.  Cannonville is near the entrance to Kodachrome State Park.

Henrieville is in a very appealing valley. Another town that was settled in the 1870's.  There is still much farming being done here.

There are no more towns until you get into Escalante.

 

Oh, a little language lesson.  Utah has some quirky ways of saying things.

Esclante is Escalant.  Utahns do not pronounce the E.

Hurricane is Her kin.  You always know the difference between the town and the weather.

And it is a potato bug, never a roly poly.

 

No matter how they pronounce it Utah is BEEYOOTEEFULL!

 

 

 

The frequent afternoon rains keep it green in the valleys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just around the corner and we are at Escalante.  Pretty little town. 

Great historic buildings.  Peoples Exchange was built around 1901 and was a co-op on what was then Main Street.

 

 

Well tended pastures full of fine looking horses.

 

 

 

 

 

Fields of new mown hay.  Mmmm, the smell !

 

 

 

 

 

Star under the house eave, star on the outbuilding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Utah uses the Star decoration to overkill.  You would think you were in Texas - the Lone Star State. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From historic buildings to this great modern minimalist house. Driving by you could see in to the living area and the central sleek kitchen.  If I wasn't going to live in a house on wheels this would be my choice.

 

 

Lots of these on fence posts. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce, Refuse my company. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are staying at Canyons of Escalante RV Park.   Owners have had it for a couple of years and are working really hard to make improvements.  They have cabins, some brand new and a large area for tents. We think it is really nice.

The laundry and bathrooms are spacious and very clean.  The RV spots have nice shade from cottonwood trees. The only downside is the lack of grass but the owner told Walt he is experimenting with different types of grass so he will be successful when they plant.  A nice base for the rest of our travels in the area. 

Didn't Have to Think Twice...............Back to Bryce Part 2

We Knew We Would Have To Go Back UP!

Switchbacks down, Switchbacks up.  We are sure that the 3 mile hike was 2 3/4 miles up.  Whew!

Luckily I had the excuse to stop very frequently to take pictures (and catch my breath).  Looking in one direction the clouds were still puffy and white.

But turn the other way and they are definitely darkening.  The views were more magical with the shadows.

Pant, pant on we go.  The clouds are circling around.

The rest stops are getting more frequent.   We know we are getting higher but where is the top?

OK, OK.  Walt says the only way he'd do this again is like these folks.  He and Kevin and Cyndi had ridden down Bryce Canyon in 1983.  Kevin and Cyndi got horses.  Walt got a BIG mule.  Hmmmm.

 It is raining somewhere out there.  And this scenery looks like it is right out of Dr. Suess.

"And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs.
Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care.
Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.
Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack.
Then the Lorax
and all of his friends
may come back.” 

Thunder is rumbling.................louder and louder.   Should we take cover? 

We are slowly getting higher.  Thunder continues.  Walt tells me I better get a move on.  The move on I want is to find a place to sit down. 

 

The sun rays coming through the clouds highlights the formations and the hills.  The beauty was spellbinding.  

I couldn' t stop taking pictures.  We are almost to the top.  The hip and knees are hurting but what I saw made it all worthwhile.

 The dark magnified the light.  The thunder goes on and every now and then a flash of lightning.

 

We are to the top.   We hiked the hoodoos and were blessed by a storm that increased the beauty of the canyon.

 What a memorable day.  

"Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened."
- Dr. Seuss

 

Didn't Have to Think Twice...............Back to Bryce

On the Road Again.....................We Hiked the Hoodoo's.

We hitched Gypsy up early in the morning to head to Escalante to spend a week.

Bryce Canyon is on the way.  Up Highway 89 to the most beautiful road ever, Highway 12 and turn into Bryce Canyon National Park.

It looked like a perfect day for a hike.  Blue skies and not too hot.  (But remember,  just like in Hawaii........showers by 4 pm. In Southern Utah.............puffy clouds in the morning, rain clouds in the afternoon.)

Bryce Canyon Park Service makes it very easy for people with a Recreational Vehicle.  Huge parking lot to leave it in, hop the shuttle to the stop you want.

I have wanted to do the Navajo Trail/Queens Garden Loop through the hoodoos and Walt was a great sport and agreed to tackle it.

Tight switchbacks down and there were quite a few people on the trail.  Both going down and coming back up.

But the further we went the less people there were.  Not sure where they went.  But we didn't mind. We were able to linger and enjoy the views without feeling we had to move on.

We kept getting nearer and nearer to the slot canyon at the bottom.

But it was hard for me to stop looking up as well.    The contrast of the canyon with the blue of the sky and the white clouds was amazing.

Turned and looked back up the trail.  That's where the people went.  Back up............giving up way too soon.

Look, it's me on Wall Street.  Yes, the name of the slot is Wall Street named after the skyscrapers that tower over you.

Walt took a little break at the bottom while waiting for me.  I am usually well behind him because I can't stop looking or taking pictures.

There are two Douglas fir trees in the slot that they estimate at 800 years old.  

No foliage until way, way up where the sun can reach them.  

From the slot it opens up to some bizarre shaped hoodoos and some nice greenery.  By this time it had warmed up and we were glad for the occasional shade.

Hoodoos are eroded from a thick layer of soft sedimentary rock deposited over 60 million years ago. Or at least that is what I read.  Since we have been in Southern Utah we have been surrounded by the most amazing rocks and I LOVE rocks and clouds but scientifically I just don't get it.  I read and read and I still cannot figure it all out.  This earth must have been really rocking and rolling!  God's workdays must have been really really long.

This little guy did everything possible to convince us to give him a treat.  There are signs all over saying "Do Not Feed The Animals".  But, he did every begging position you could think of concluding with laying down flat and looking up pleadingly with those pretty brown eyes.  How hard is it to refuse?  Especially when you know exactly where that granola bar is in the back pack.  Sorry guy. I am a law abiding citizen and I follow the rules.  Moving on.

I am so captivated by the views.  Strange, weird, eerie but ever so beautiful.

Being down among the formations really lets your imagination run wild.  I could see two little kids up there daring each other to jump. 

The hike down was not bad and the trail at the bottom was nice and flat.  We were enjoying the day.

The sun was shining.  The puffy clouds were still white.  Life is good!               Is Is there a little bit of gray in those clouds?

Is it getting a little overcast behind us?

To be continued........................

“There is an uphill for every downhill, and a downhill for every uphill.”  Old Turkish Proverb.

 

 

Back to Kanab from Provo

Chasing Rain Clouds

The morning of our return started with a great breakfast with the family at Cracker Barrel.

From there we all went our separate return ways.

Again those rain clouds were off on the horizon.

A little different route that led through more small towns.  Love the pride they have in their towns.

Wild Burros!  On Highway 89 very close to the town of Axtell is a field full of burros.  Too many to count.  

Look at that sweet face. They come in different colors, unique markings and varying degrees of shagginess. 

These two were my favorite.  A matched pair.  

Knobby knees.   Too Cute!    This is the Bureau of Land Management's holding facility for wild burros.  They can be adopted.  Thankfully we have nowhere to keep them or I would be tempted. They were very amusing to watch.  

The teasing rain clouds continued.  The countryside was very colorful.

It was raining WAY over there.

We took a break and stopped by the Sevier River.  No shortage of water there.

These rafters are bound to get wet.  Even if they don't get rained on. 

Back on the road beside these craggy mountains. 

Atop the summit before we dropped down toward Kanab this was our view to the east. 

 And behind us the view to the west.   Those clouds were not without yield.  We found out when we got back to Kanab that they had rain storms for the past two days.  The first was just a nice rain but the second was a "gully buster" .  The ditches ran full and the soil from the red rock cliffs ran down into the streets leaving red dirt everywhere.   Much needed moisture but a mess to clean up.

The resident toad must have enjoyed the storms.

The bees were as busy as ever.

Happy Birthday Kevin.  Not everyone can say that their Mom and Dad gave them a lump of glass for their birthday.   

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
If we didn’t have birthdays, you wouldn’t be you. If you’d never been born, well then what would you do? If you’d never been born,  well then what would you be? You might be a fish! Or a toad in a tree! You might be a doorknob!  Or three baked potatoes! You might be a bag full of  hard green tomatoes.	Or worse than all that… Why, you might be a WASN’T! A Wasn’t has no fun at all. No, he doesn’t. A Wasn’t just isn’t. He just  isn’t present. But you… You ARE YOU! And, now isn’t that pleasant!   Dr. Suess

A Star Spangled 4th of July

Bing, Bang, Boom..........Happy Birthday America!

A ride on the Shuttle with Kevin, Kimberly, Bailey, Isaac and Sammie  took us from the Marriott to the BYU Football Stadium for the "Stadium of Fire" Freedom Festival.

We arrived just as the sun was starting to set.

The seats were filling quickly.  Checked the news and they stated 40,000 to 50,000 in attendance.

The show was hosted by J. R. Martinez.   The event has been in existence since 1980.  We last attended in 1992 when The Beach Boys were the headliners.

The entertainment began with the Stadium of Fire Dancers.  They filled the field for a good old Western Routine. 

Much to the delight of the crowd four skydivers parachuted into the stadium carrying the American Flag.

 

 

J.R. Martinez gave an inspirational message honoring current and past U.S. Veterans. This patriotic extravaganza is televised world wide to America's troops and their families on American Forces TV.  

 

 

 

There was no shortage of patriotic spirit with flags flying, the Pledge of Allegiance and The Star Spangled Banner.   Brings a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat.  Despite it's problems I still believe that America is the greatest country in the world.

And even though the clouds looked threatening it didn't rain on our parade.

The Super Heros were on hand to save the day if need be.  They were an acrobat group that performed a trampoline routine. 

And then the much awaited star performer Carrie Underwood proceeded to wow the crowd.

She sang a few new songs but drew the most applause performing her big hits.  She invited the audience to sing along several times saying she loved to hear their voices.

 

After the conclusion of the concert the fire was lit announcing the largest stadium fireworks show in America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Kevin and Family for a Bang Up Good Time!

 

 

 

 

“From every mountain side, 
Let freedom ring....” — Samuel Francis Smith

Our Morning Trip to Provo, UT for the 4th of July Celebration

Driving Through Small Town Utah on the 4th of July

We left early in the morning on the 4th of July heading north to Provo. We were meeting Kevin and his family to celebrate the 4th. We drove up Highway 89 through small town after small town.  This is Maryvale and like the others the flags were flying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Salina.  Most of the towns were getting ready for a parade.  Chairs being set up, blankets on the lawns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                This is Manti.  Not only did they have flags flying they had pretty baskets of flowers hanging as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Manti Latter Day Saint Temple.

Amazing scenery as well as small towns.  The last time we were through The Big Rock Candy Mountain it was raining so I didn't get any pictures.  This time I made up for it while the song was running through my head.

"Oh, the buzzin' of the bees in the peppermint trees
'Round the soda water fountains
Where the lemonade springs and the bluebird sings
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains"

 

The Resort there looks like a fun place to stay.  They are convinced of it being perfect by their sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for your morning exercise you can climb to one of the peaks on the Big Rock Candy Mountain. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We checked into our room at the Marriott and soon decided that it was at least one and one half times larger than Gypsy.  But, by the towel art elephant on the bed we wondered if we were actually on a cruise.  

 

We arrived just in time for the Brazil vs Columbia World Cup Soccer Game.  Kevin joined us to watch the game and one by one the rest of his family joined us.  

Brazil beat Columbia 2 to 1 but lost it's star, Neymar, due to him being kneed in the back and having a vertabrae broken.   The rest of the team will need to step up to keep the wins coming.

 

 

 

From there it was off to the Street Fair.  Bailey got an artistic henna dye tattoo. It started out looking like this but by the next day the dark color and glitter was gone and it was the henna color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Art displays were held in the Old Historic County Courthouse.  While the art was nice the building was spectacular. 

Why don't they build building like this anymore?  This led to a family discussion and we couldn't figure it out.  Kevin stated that with the technology we have today they should be able to build the complex architecture so much more easily now.  My questions: Were these buildings built unsafe? Do they cost too much to build? Do people find them aesthetically unpleasant today? Did the materials used to build them become scarce?  My guess is it all boils down to cost.   Any thoughts?

Next up THE STADIUM OF FIRE.    To be continued.

 

Among the Pines in Duck Creek Village

Our search for that Birthday present was completed and the rest of the day was free.

A perfect day for a drive to the mountains.

The white, puffy clouds filled the sky.  As I recall from high school science they are cumulus clouds.

There was no hint of rain in them so no rain dance in my head.  Just my imagination of what I see in their shapes. 

Just 49 miles from Kanab up Scenic Highway 14 to Duck Creek Village.

It is at an elevation of 8400 feet and a local lady told us the year round population is about 150 and that swells to 450-500 in the summer.

Many vacation homes scattered about.

It  doesn't look like there is much room for dancing in the Dance Hall.

We drove around looking for a place to eat.  Usually the place with the most cars around is the best bet.  And we thought we made a good choice.  Hope Aunt Sue gets that roof fixed before the winter snows set in.

 

 

 

Homey little place filled with locals and service was nice and friendly.

 

Appears they are open year round........but Highway 14 does close when there is too much snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walt had the Chili Size.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I had the Sourdough Cheeseburger. They had Fry Sauce!   I took half home for lunch the next day.  Not so with Walt.   Every bite gone.  

 

 

 

 

 

On the drive down the mountain there was an awesome view of the back side of Bryce Canyon.

We took the back road home through Alton and on to Johnson Canyon Road.

Spectacular back country scenery.

The cattle were enjoying the afternoon in the shade.

The puffy clouds continued in the bright blue sky.

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."

Rabindranath Tagore

Hope your 4th of July celebration is safe and full of fireworks.

"Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all!              
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall."                         
~John Dickinson

Scenery, Horses and Country Music

A Drive Through the Country and Country Music

We had been out looking for a Birthday Present and on the way back there was a road we hadn't yet traveled.  And there I was................without my camera.  I apologize, all the photos are from my phone.  But, better than no record at all of another nice day.

The road goes between 89 and 389 and runs past The Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Not only is there Coral Pink Sand.  There is Coral Pink Slickrock.

 The day was overcast and dark.  Of course, in my mind, I was doing the rain dance.  I just don't seem to have the dance perfected.  Another day with teasing clouds and no rain.

The red rocks were still beautiful,  just dark and brooding.

The sage brush looked sea foam green.

 

The field full of good-looking horses (and one lonely burro) made us stop.

They were so happy to see us and came right up to the fence.  There we were with not an apple or carrot in sight.

 

 

That night we went to the free outdoor musical entertainment again.  This week was Country music. First up was Sally Bonham. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then Julie Johnson performed.  Lots of oldies but mostly Patsy Cline to Walt's delight.

 

 

  

So nice to sit outside and listen to the music and "people watch"

The nursing home brought a group again.  This gentleman is in the nursing home and a friend brought his wife from home to enjoy the concert with him.  He was SO happy to see her.  He spent more time looking at her and patting her hand than he did watching the singers.  Very sweet and touching.   

P.S.  I have been told that this nursing home also takes anyone who wants to participate to "the bar" to have a drink about once a month or so.  

“There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them.”    Jo Walton