Kodachrome State Park

Day 178 – Bryce Canyon Country (Part 3) and Zion Canyon Loop

Day 178 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

I suppose I haven’t mentioned people much in the last few days.  I believe there are more foreigners than Americans in southern Utah.  Germans, French, and Japanese seem to be most drawn to the natural wonders of the world.  If I had to guess, several travel agents sell a package to the Grand Canyon and the National Parks in Utah.

I also met a few fellow Texans from the Austin area at Calf Creek Recreation Area.  They opted not to take the whole hike to the falls, which was probably a good choice.  They were on a three-month sabbatical with their ultimate destination being Alaska, so I’m certain they will find more falls while on their journey.  I ran into them again in Bryce, some sixty miles away and a day later! 

They commented that yesterday was the first hot day in the area and they simply felt tuckered out.  I agreed.  Being Texans we all laughed that a dry eighty degree day felt like a sauna to us.  It is just an amazing reminder of how bodies adjust to conditions over time.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
under the rim trail

Day 177 – Bryce Canyon Country – Part 2

Day 177 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Bryce Canyon National Park

I spent the whole day in Bryce Canyon National Park, and it was fantastic.  As I drove to the park, bright and early, the cloud covered sky sprinkled drops of rain.  Just before the park entrance, I stopped at some forest land to let Petey water a few trees, and during our 5 minute stroll it started sleeting on us.  I could see a few sections of blue sky beyond the black cloud, so I hoped for the best once I arrived at Bryce Point.  As I continued a mile further, I saw a rain drop defy gravity and flutter upward in the wind…no, it was actually a snow flake.  I saw only a smattering of snowflakes before I passed through some intermittent sprinkles and finally parked at Bryce Point where I prepared for a 5.5 mile hike.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Day 174 – Utah Byways (Arches NP) – Part 3

Day 174 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Arches National Park

Petey and I got an early start today.  We left our campground at 7 am to get to Devils Garden Trailhead in the northernmost part of Arches National Park by 8am.  I’m not sure if it was my early arrival time or the light drizzle that helped me beat the crowds, but either way, VANilla was one of only four cars in the parking lot when I started my trek.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
the needles

Day 173 – Utah Byways – Part 2

Day 173 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Short Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

I began an early morning in Canyonlands National Park in a light sprinkle.  The map showed four short hikes in Canyonlands that I wanted to cover before lunch as I wanted to reach Moab in time to find a campsite.  In addition, if the sun came out, I wanted Petey to be comfortable in VANilla since dogs aren’t allowed on the trails.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!