Unfortunately part of road trips include the drive home...which always seems to take longer than on the way to your destination. Plus it includes somewhat of a letdown as the realization sets in that your holiday is almost over.
The good news is the drive - although almost 12 hours on Saturday and another 6 on Sunday - was pretty uneventful (which is always a good thing) and both days were stellar weather-wise.
Plus we were even able to fit in a couple of quick stops along the drive - one to the Sierra Trading Co Outlet Store in Meridian, ID on Sat. and to two wineries in which we belong to their wine clubs (and to pick up and taste a little wine) in Prosser, WA.
Our overnight ended up in La Grande, OR - where thankfully there was a room available...and where of course we found the only brewery (Mt. Emily's) in town. The place reminded me a little of Cheney, WA - which makes sense as it's the home of Eastern Oregon University.
All-in-all a most successful and incredibly wonderful road-trip - totalling 2779 miles of driving and a combined total of oh - about 700 pictures between the two of us. For anyone interested in seeing some of our National Parks and seeing some stellar scenery - we would whole-heartedly recommend a trip to Southern Utah (before Memorial Day or after Labor Day to avoid the crowds;)
Till next time...
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Zion NP
So as we were driving from Bryce (after seeing some oh so cool pronghorns), we're both thinking how can Zion NP top what we've already seen in Capitol Reef, Escalante, Kodachrome and Bryce. Well you can take it from us - it can. The vistas are all completely different - with massive rock/mountain formations vs. hoodoos, arches and spires. Plus Zion weather is a lot warmer than further east. As we drove into the park on highway 9 the first change is that the road is red - instead of black. So it matches all the red sandstone - very cool! We went a little crazy taking pictures - pulling out at every stopping place...but you almost can't help yourself. Then you go through a 1 mile tunnel which is a little unique in and of itself. We decided to pass by the main park on Thursday and go up to the Kolob Canyon area to do the scenic drive and hit the town of Springdale instead. Our hotel right next to the park entrance (Cable Mtn Lodge) and where we had dinner (The Spotted Dog Cafe') were two excellent finds. Plus there's a shuttle to take you everywhere - what's not to like about not driving!
Friday so far has been a completely satiating day. Up on the shuttle early to do the Riverwalk trail and the Weeping Rock trail which are all in the guides. Then we walked on a not publicized trail along the 'Virgin' River which was probably the best find - no people and lots of wildlife (deer, lizards, squirrels, butterflies) - to Zion Lodge. After a quick snack and a beer - we decided to tax ourselves by hiking up to the Upper Emerald Pools. With 90 degree weather and at 4000 feet - it's a good workout.
Capped off the afternoon with a doozy of a thunderstorm. Lots of lightning & thunder - enjoyed with a glass of wine (or two) on our balcony. Again - what's not to like?! (Though we're very happy we weren't up hiking when that hit!)
Friday so far has been a completely satiating day. Up on the shuttle early to do the Riverwalk trail and the Weeping Rock trail which are all in the guides. Then we walked on a not publicized trail along the 'Virgin' River which was probably the best find - no people and lots of wildlife (deer, lizards, squirrels, butterflies) - to Zion Lodge. After a quick snack and a beer - we decided to tax ourselves by hiking up to the Upper Emerald Pools. With 90 degree weather and at 4000 feet - it's a good workout.
Capped off the afternoon with a doozy of a thunderstorm. Lots of lightning & thunder - enjoyed with a glass of wine (or two) on our balcony. Again - what's not to like?! (Though we're very happy we weren't up hiking when that hit!)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Full day in Bryce NP
Wednesday started with a visit to Mossy Caves, which is one of the very few areas of the park that has running water. Most of the water runs down a stream with a good sized waterfall (and a few smaller ones). But, a small stream has created a cave where the trickling water allows moss to grow on the cave walls. Surrounded by hoodoos, the area is small but packed with scenery.
We returned to the main area of the park to hike the Navajo Loop trail down into the Bryce amphitheater and walk amongst the bases of thousands of hoodoos. After climbing out of the amphitheater, we drove the scenic drive 17 miles to Rainbow Point and the southern end of the park, stopping many times at the numerous pull-outs and overlooks along the way. Safe to say that our camera memory cards are filling up. Bryce is not a large NP when compared to Yellowstone or Olympic, but almost every acre is a photo opportunity and is one of the most unique landscapes you will ever see. Lunch was at the Bryce Canyon Lodge.
We finished the day by driving just outside the park to visit the Red Canyon area for a brief hike and more photos, then off to dinner at a restaurant that offered to satisfy Jan's craving for grilled cheese and tomato soup.
On Thursday, we leave Bryce and head southwest to Zion NP. We're staying in the town of Springdale, which is just outside of the park. Cars are not allowed in the park, but they have a shuttle bus service to get us to the places we want to see.
We returned to the main area of the park to hike the Navajo Loop trail down into the Bryce amphitheater and walk amongst the bases of thousands of hoodoos. After climbing out of the amphitheater, we drove the scenic drive 17 miles to Rainbow Point and the southern end of the park, stopping many times at the numerous pull-outs and overlooks along the way. Safe to say that our camera memory cards are filling up. Bryce is not a large NP when compared to Yellowstone or Olympic, but almost every acre is a photo opportunity and is one of the most unique landscapes you will ever see. Lunch was at the Bryce Canyon Lodge.
We finished the day by driving just outside the park to visit the Red Canyon area for a brief hike and more photos, then off to dinner at a restaurant that offered to satisfy Jan's craving for grilled cheese and tomato soup.
On Thursday, we leave Bryce and head southwest to Zion NP. We're staying in the town of Springdale, which is just outside of the park. Cars are not allowed in the park, but they have a shuttle bus service to get us to the places we want to see.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Kodachrome and Bryce NP
Talk about a good vacation day! Slot Canyons Inn is definitely a recommended stay for anyone traveling through this part of the country. Deluxe rooms, good breakfast, wi-fi;), and even some sheep, pigs and longhorns to visit/watch as part of the package;)
We got an early start along with a leisurely short drive to Kodachrome Basin State Park to view these cool looking rock pillars (called 'sand pipes') that are only found here. After taking a moderate hike to view Shakespeare arch (you realize how tiny we are when you're out alone in the boonies!) - we then four-wheeled it about 10 miles down a dirt/gravel road to check out Grosvernor Arch. Talk about cool - the thing was massive. The opening itself is 99 feet across. Definitely worth the drive!
On the way to Bryce NP we ran into a little afternoon thunderstorm (made Graham happy). Side benefit is it washed 2 1/2 days of red dirt off the car!
Spent the afternoon as well as sunset at Bryce amphitheater walking along the Rim Trail. Wow, wow and wow. They aren't kidding when they say it's a feast for the eyes. Between the colors, the hoodoos (it's fascinating on how these things are formed), the spires - it's nothing you'll see anywhere else. Tomorrow we hike down into them:)
Wildlife sightings - lots of little lizards and chipmunks and yes - a few deer in the park!
We got an early start along with a leisurely short drive to Kodachrome Basin State Park to view these cool looking rock pillars (called 'sand pipes') that are only found here. After taking a moderate hike to view Shakespeare arch (you realize how tiny we are when you're out alone in the boonies!) - we then four-wheeled it about 10 miles down a dirt/gravel road to check out Grosvernor Arch. Talk about cool - the thing was massive. The opening itself is 99 feet across. Definitely worth the drive!
On the way to Bryce NP we ran into a little afternoon thunderstorm (made Graham happy). Side benefit is it washed 2 1/2 days of red dirt off the car!
Spent the afternoon as well as sunset at Bryce amphitheater walking along the Rim Trail. Wow, wow and wow. They aren't kidding when they say it's a feast for the eyes. Between the colors, the hoodoos (it's fascinating on how these things are formed), the spires - it's nothing you'll see anywhere else. Tomorrow we hike down into them:)
Wildlife sightings - lots of little lizards and chipmunks and yes - a few deer in the park!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Grand Staircase/Escalante Nat Monument
The water in Torrey fizzed! When we got water from the tap, it was milky white and looked horrible. But then it started to fizz until it was clear and tasted just fine. Must be all the salts and minerals. No looking back.
Monday was the drive from Torrey to Escalante through the National Monument. The day started with great weather and the road climbed to 9600 ft., which meant plenty of pull-outs for photos. Just before we got to Escalante, we turned onto Hole-In-The-Rock Road (a dirt road) for the 12.5 mile drive to Devil's Garden, which is an area with numerous hoodoos and other rock outcroppings. During lunch in Esaclante, the weather turned and we had a t-storm roll through the area. The rest of the day has been cloudy and threatening to rain/thunder, but our B&B is great (Slot Canyons Inn) and we just got back from dinner in town.
Plans for Tuesday include Kodachrome Basin (Utah state park) and Grosvenor Arch, then into Bryce Canyon NP.
Monday was the drive from Torrey to Escalante through the National Monument. The day started with great weather and the road climbed to 9600 ft., which meant plenty of pull-outs for photos. Just before we got to Escalante, we turned onto Hole-In-The-Rock Road (a dirt road) for the 12.5 mile drive to Devil's Garden, which is an area with numerous hoodoos and other rock outcroppings. During lunch in Esaclante, the weather turned and we had a t-storm roll through the area. The rest of the day has been cloudy and threatening to rain/thunder, but our B&B is great (Slot Canyons Inn) and we just got back from dinner in town.
Plans for Tuesday include Kodachrome Basin (Utah state park) and Grosvenor Arch, then into Bryce Canyon NP.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Capitol Reef NP
We left SLC this morning and while on our way south, we took a side trip to drive the Mt. Nebo loop in the Wasatch mountains. The route took us through groves of aspens to a summit over 9300 ft. and spectacular mountain vistas.
After completing the scenic drive and a bite of lunch, we drove to the town of Torrey; quickly checked into our hotel and then headed into Capitol Reef NP. Wow! I challenge anyone to take a bad photo here. We parked and walked a 1 mile trail up to see Hickman natural bridge, then jumped back into the car to take in the Capitol Reef scenic drive. The best was yet to come as we headed for Sunset Point. Though it had clouded in, there were breaks and our patience paid off as the sun broke through and lit up the red mountains and canyon walls.
We've just returned from dinner and are enjoying a bottle of wine (Washington, of course) as we plan our Monday at Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument.
After completing the scenic drive and a bite of lunch, we drove to the town of Torrey; quickly checked into our hotel and then headed into Capitol Reef NP. Wow! I challenge anyone to take a bad photo here. We parked and walked a 1 mile trail up to see Hickman natural bridge, then jumped back into the car to take in the Capitol Reef scenic drive. The best was yet to come as we headed for Sunset Point. Though it had clouded in, there were breaks and our patience paid off as the sun broke through and lit up the red mountains and canyon walls.
We've just returned from dinner and are enjoying a bottle of wine (Washington, of course) as we plan our Monday at Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Drive to Salt Lake City
Just finished the first day of our road trip - over 850 miles in 12+ hours (including 3 quick stops). Was a beautiful day for a drive...Snoqualmie Pass was nice, the Wallowa Mountains beautiful and southern Idaho - well let's just say that part of the drive was not the prettiest or most interesting that we've experienced. In terms of wildlife we've already seen a ton of hawks, a coyote and two groups of deer. Oh and a gazillion truckers:)
Resting in the hotel - and happy that Jan's alma mater Eastern Washington University did so well against the U in the football game today. The Eagles only lost by 3 when the line had the U as 18 point favorites. Whoo-hoo!
Looking forward to starting the scenic part of our journey tomorrow.
Buenas noches.
Resting in the hotel - and happy that Jan's alma mater Eastern Washington University did so well against the U in the football game today. The Eagles only lost by 3 when the line had the U as 18 point favorites. Whoo-hoo!
Looking forward to starting the scenic part of our journey tomorrow.
Buenas noches.
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