Impromptu trips to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks

Twelve hours after we returned from our Greys River trip, I had to go to southern Utah for work. I was grumbly at 5am the next morning as I got in my truck to leave. I couldn't figure out what I was thinking scheduling something like this so soon after I returned from my relaxing weekend. But sometimes we think more about being good soldiers than we do about consequences. Nonetheless, I was committed and so departed early.

One advantage of starting work really early, is that you get done early in the day. And was I ever glad that I was done with work early. I knew I was going to be near some epic southern Utah country for the first time, but I didn't realize that I would be driving right through it. I would be traveling on Highway 12, one of the most scenic roads in Utah, on the way to my next destination. Once I hit Red Canyon, I knew I had to slow it down and take the time to sightsee. There was going to have to be some impromptu side trips.

Red Canyon



I knew I would be driving by Bryce Canyon National Park. I debated whether I should stop or not. I decided that I should not miss the opportunity to see Bryce Canyon. You never know when the next chance there will be, if ever, to see a place. So I turned off of Highway 12 to visit the park.

Bryce Canyon NP entrance



I also decided when I was there to get my Interagency Annual Pass, also know as America the Beautiful--The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The pass covers entrance fees at National Parks and other Federal recreational sites (National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, BLM, etc.) It is worth the $80--visit just 4 National Parks in a year and it will pay for itself.

After I arrived in the park, I decided to park and take advantage of the shuttle bus to see the most popular sites. Since this was a quick, impromptu trip, I did not have a lot of time. The signs at the entrance kiosk also indicated that many of the parking lots were already full, and I did not want to spend what little time I had trying to find parking.

I hopped on a shuttle bus at the Visitor Center, and headed to Bryce Point, the first stop. Even before you get off the bus, the views are jaw dropping. The further you walk out to the point, the more impressive the views become. Unlike the Grand Canyon, with its sweeping vistas, Bryce Canyon is immediate. The odd shapes and brilliant colors bombard you with their proximity.









It was crowded there, but everyone was really nice and happy to be there, including me.





The altitude can be deceiving. I was surprised it was as high as it was. Good thing I was prepared with water and sunscreen.



Bristlecones!!! One of my favorite trees resides in Bryce. I love how the gnarled wood evokes the gnarled stone.



From Bryce Point, I took the shuttle to Inspiration Point. The shuttle bus driver mentioned that it was a one and a half mile easy downhill hike to Sunset Point, and that the shuttle could be caught there as well. That was all the arm twisting I needed to get out and do some hiking around the rim of the canyon. I did not bother going to the overlooks at Inspiration Point, I just started down the trail knowing there would be plenty of overlooks with fewer crowds. I was not disappointed.
















I reached Sunset Point, and I thought hard about taking one of the trails down into the canyon. I really wanted to walk among the hoodoos. However, I still had a bit of driving to do to reach Escalante, where I was staying that night, and my camera batteries were dead. More importantly, my footwear wasn't really up to any serious hiking. Next time I am wearing hiking boots instead of sandals. Reluctantly, I hopped on the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. I felt I barely saw anything at Bryce Canyon in the few hours I was there, but what I saw was amazing. I know I want to return.

The next day, I worked in the morning near Escalante, and then it was time to drive home. After I had so much fun at Bryce Canyon NP, I wanted to stop at Capitol Reef NP. But Capitol Reef was a bit further out of my way. On the drive, I again debated about whether or not to stop.  As I approached Torrey, I decided that I would at least drive to the park entrance. Otherwise, I would wonder what I had missed.

As I approached the park entrance and saw the mileage markers, I decided that I should just go ahead and do a quick drive through the park. I had less time today, because I was expected to be back at a certain time, but I figured I could and should spend my lunch hour exploring Capitol Reef. The lighting wasn't very good for photos, but I got a few. I enjoyed my hour in the park. Unless you take the scenic drive (I didn't have the time), the park is free to drive through.




I took the following two pictures with the True HDR app on my iPhone. The app really worked well in the tough light.





Near Fruita



Petroglyphs





Reluctantly heading out of the park




I started my long drive home. I was really happy that I had taken a few hours to see both parks while I was there. Even short visits to some places are worthwhile, and these places touch the soul even during a brief visit.

Weekend Fishing Trip to Greys River, Wyoming

On August 16, Greg and I took a long weekend trip to Greys River, Wyoming. We rented the Deer Creek Cabin, a Forest Service Guard Station built in the 1930's by the CCC. The cabin has a stove/oven, refrigerator, lights, and water heater (all propane as there is no electricity). In the summer, there is also a shower and indoor toilet available. The cabin is also equipped with bunks (sleeps 6), table, and cupboards (bring your own bedding, cooking utensils, and TP). And it is pet friendly!!!! Having all this made for a really mellow weekend, allowing us to get away to the woods without having to stress about packing a bunch of camping gear.  This was the first time we had used a recreation rental from the Forest Service, but it certainly won't be our last.

Deer Creek Cabin

The cabin faces west. We really enjoyed sitting on the front porch, drinking our coffee in the morning. There is also a fire pit and picnic table on the grounds. We used that every night. Greg brought his guitar, and of course, we made s'mores.

Deer Creek Cabin interior (we were unpacking, so it is a bit messy)

The cabin is right across the road from Greys River. It had been far too long since Greg and I had gone fishing. The Greys River has easy access and eager cutthroats (Snake River cutts). But before we could go fishing, we had to take the dogs swimming.

Although we did go fishing quite a bit, and we caught several fish, I did not get any pictures. I have a lot more pictures of the dogs swimming than I do of our fishing. I was so focused on the fishing, I didn't have time for photos. I did well with an elkhair caddis with a beadhead nymph dropper. I caught cutthroat on the caddis, and I caught mountain whitefish with the dropper. Feeling the tug on the line after such a drought of fishing was an absolute thrill. Being on the river in the evenings was so relaxing. Hearing and watching the water flow by, reading the river to determine the likely trout spots, casting to those spots, feeling a tug on the line or missing a rising fish...for me it is a moving meditation.

If you go, know the Greys River is really busy since the access is so easy. Even with that, we had no trouble finding spots on the river to have to ourselves. The cabin is behind a locked gate and away from the road, so it offers some privacy. The cabin rental is a bargain at $40/night, but you have to reserve it months in advance. The cabin is open year round, but it is sometimes used for Forest Service crews and isn't always available. The cabin is 13 miles down a well-graded gravel road, and there is no cell service, so plan accordingly.

Greys River is only about 3 and a half hours away from us, making it an ideal weekend getaway, although spending more time there would be even better.  I have concluded that we need more of these extended weekend getaways. I can't wait to plan our next trip to the area.

Surviving Winter

I am not a winter person. I grew up in Southern California, where winter was a few months of nighttimes in the 30's to 40's, punctuated with days that hit 70 degrees in mid-January. Utah is the first place I have lived year round which has an actual winter with snow.  I enjoy winter for about a month, and then I am ready for summer. I do not wish for spring, with its wishy-washy weather, teasing me with warm temperatures, only to return grey skies and cold weather the next day. I am a summer person, and winter is mostly a drag for me. So I have developed a coping strategy. My strategy consists of positive thinking about winter (tough), and planning for the future (fun!). One of the things I enjoy planning during the winter is future travel.

This year, Greg and I are taking a late summer trip to England, Wales, and Scotland. We are having a lot of fun preparing an itinerary, deciding what we would like to see, and researching different areas to visit.  I like to be well prepared when I travel, whether the trip is one day or multi-week. I also like to keep things simple and easy.  I am always on the lookout for items to make travel smoother and that fit my travel style.  With that in mind, I made several purchases to test out before our trip, which I will review here over the next few weeks: the Chloe Hoodie and Women's Trench from Scottevest, a handmade iPad cover from 2 Sisters Shoppe on Etsy, a handmade leather wrist wallet from Sewlutions by AMO on Etsy, and some other miscellaneous items.

As I type this, another cold front is passing through Utah and is forecast to dump another 6 inches of snow. As I cuddle in my blanket next to the fire, I will be dreaming of summer and planning adventures, at least until I have to go shovel the snow.