Westward 2013 (5/9: The Wave)

There are times in our lives we all have a loss for words.  Getting to see The Wave is one of those times.  You want to say "beautiful, incredible, amazing, unbelievable", etc. but that just doesn't cover what we saw today.  The hike was 3 miles in through about a mile of sand and 2 miles of slickrock - a very strenuous walk especially at the altitude. The elevation difference from the trail head to The Wave is about 350 feet, but the trail gains and loses quite a bit, so you’re actually climbing more like 500 to 700 feet vertically over the course of the round-trip hike. The biggest climb is the last quarter-mile, where we ascended nearly 200 feet (according to the books).  It was very overcast which made the hike much more pleasant - I can't imagine hiking through the dessert in full sun.  We did run into another snake - Jeff was in the lead and jumped pretty high (and backwards).

You can see a storm approaching.  Luckily we were able to explore the area before the rain started.

You really have to wonder what happened here so many years ago when you see some of the wave formations.  

We really were here!  Check that one off the "bucket list".

Here is a picture of our friendly(?) snake.

We didn't take many pictures on the hike back.  We were not only exhausted but frozen and soaking wet from the storm that passed through on at least 2 miles of our walk out.  We did however have a little fun with   a large tumbleweed on our way out.

Vaughan always wanted me to wear an up-do.

Starting home tomorrow - three days in a Jeep travelling cross-country with a cat is not on my bucket list.

This will probably be our last post until we return here in late July.  It was a great trip with an amazing ending.

Westward 2013 (5/8: Toadstools & Escalante)

We decided to spend a few extra days here in Kanab and leave on Friday for home.  We went back to the ranger station for one last attempt at permits to The Wave.  There were 116 people this time (for 10 permits).  Guess what?  WE WON!   Yes, we were the first one called for 4 spots.  So tomorrow, weather permitting, we will head out on what is supposed to be the most beautiful spots in the US.

Today. before the rain started, we hiked to The Toadstools - a spot that we enjoyed last year but Jeff & Linda had not seen.

 Here is a good example of a red toadstool.

 and these are his little toadstool buddies!

It's interesting to see the layers of colors.

 This is a garden of white toadstools.

Some are really tall.

Others are short and stumpy (although I wouldn't call him that to his face).

Later in the afternoon, we took a 120 mile drive with Jeff & Linda to Escalante to pick up a toilet seat.  Yes, I said toilet seat.  Theirs broke and they had to special order one. They had it shipped to what was supposed to be our next stop.  Anyway, it was a beautiful drive along a twisty little creek with lots of deer and a few elk.  It rained off and on but up in the mountains we could see the snow building.  We had dinner in Tropic and headed home for a good night sleep to be rested for our big hike tomorrow.  We are all very exited.

Pretty as a postcard!

Westward 2013 (5/6: Red Canyon)

The day started out with Jeff having stomach issues and needing a day of rest.  Vaughan and I decided to take a ride north to a small town called Panquitch to check out a KOA we are thinking about staying at instead of in Escalante.  Seeing we need to be back on May 13th this would be an easier place to leave the RV for when we return in August.

We then made our way to Red Canyon (one of our favorite haunts).  He had seen videos on YouTube of this bike ride along the upper ridges of the canyon and decided he wanted to try it.  The views were amazing, the ride strenuous and challenging - especially alone. I, not being as crazy as he is, went a few miles down the road to Bryce Canyon for a nice lunch at Ruby's.

 I took this shot from the highway.   The ones below are from the bike trail

 Yes, that is the trail along the top of the ridge.

 Some say fun; I say crazy.

Below are pictures I took at the visitor center - a very beautiful and safe place.

Westward 2013 (5/5: St. George)

Vaughan and I have been wanting to check out St. George in the southwest corner of Utah as a potential place to live.  Today Jeff & Linda decided to golf in St. George, Utah so we decided it would be a good time to check out the area.  We saw some nice homes and the area seems to be growing but we're still not sure if it is for us.  We did however meet up with the Jolly's for a nice lunch of Thai & Sushi.

On our way there we nearly ran over this Great Basin Gophersnake outside of Colorado City.  I got out, took his picture, and then hustled him off the road.  He didn't like me very much but I'm sure he appreciated not becoming roadkill.  Happy Cinco de Mayo little fella!

Westward 2013 (5/4: Lick Wash, Bull Valley Gorge, Willis Creek, & Grosvernor Arch)

Today Vaughan and I explored the back roads of The Grand Staircase-Escalante.  I think we wore out Jeff & Linda who decided that a long bike ride would be more to their liking than the hikes and Jeep rides we have been taking them on.   Our first stop was Lick Wash.  We hiked here last year and decided to return with a rock ax to hunt crystals.  We noticed last year that inside of some of the most ordinary looking rocks are the coolest crystals.  The hike alone is incredible but we also left with some amazing crystals.

Lick Wash

Lick Wash

Vaughan climbing a tree - sort of - in Lick Wash

Our next stop was Bull Valley Gorge.  The road was only wide enough for one car to drive over at this spot.  I took this picture out of my window - a very long drop.

Bull Valley Gorge

Our next hike was Willis Creek.  This was through some really interesting slots canyons with a small creek running through it.

Willis Creek

Willis Creek

Willis Creek - it's hard to see how big these slot canyons are in a picture unless you see someone about to enter - hence a picture of Vaughan.

Willis Creek - I can't imagine this will remain up there much longer.

Willis Creek

Willis Creek

We then reached the top of the mountain and were rewarded with the following views of the valley. 

Below is Grosvernors Arch - pretty cool.

You never know what you'll find around each corner.  There were about 50 cows being herded by about 8 cowboys down the middle of the road.  We has to just sit and wait until they all passed.

We joined Jeff & Linda for dinner at the Rocking V and then crashed once again.

Westward 2013 (5/3: White Pockets & Coyote Buttes South)

Once again our day began at the Kanab Ranger Station trying to get passes into The Wave.  Today only 99 applications but still we were not among the 10 picked.  Instead we loaded into the Jeep for a very long, sandy, bumpy ride along back roads thru the Vermilion Cliffs area.  Vaughan was in heaven taking his new Jeep thru deep sands, over rocky areas, and washboard roads.

Our first stop was White Pockets.  This was a 15 minute walk thru deep sand but once you got to the rock formations it was easy walking and beautiful scenery.  This area has alot of red sandstone beneath a white ectoskeleton.  

I wish these pictures could show the true colors that only the naked eye can see.

Our next stop was Coyote Buttes South.  This was a 30 minute walk thru deep sand.  Yes, my legs are killing me but my knee is holding up well.

Shade is rare so you find it where you can and then stop for lunch.

We went to Nedra's Mexican for dinner and then crashed.  Life can be so much fun and yet exhausting.