Cedar Breaks Nat. Mon.

 

We took a drive out West of Panguitch, UT to visit Cedar Breaks.  A smaller version of the landscape one sees at Bryce.  Located at a slightly higher elevation, there was still some snow on the ground, and a cold wind was blowing.

Sally even found a snow bank to play in.

The official opening wasn’t until Memorial Day, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

Since Sally had so much fun playing in the snow, we thought we would drive off the main road and let her run some more.  Seems the snow we found had a soft crust and we both were leaving postholes in it.  She didn’t appreciate being up to her belly, and headed for the truck.

Saw an unusual sign just out from Panguitch on the way up.  Appears many folks miss the turn for Hwy 89, in town.

Last post for a few days.  No internet, possibly…….jc…………..

Bryce Canyon

 

We didn’t stay in Bryce Canyon National Park campground.  There is a great Forest Service CG located about 9 miles West of the park which is much better suited to our needs.  This was our third stay here in five years.  Though we didn’t snag the same site as before, we still had a great view of the red rocks.

After getting everything set up, four of us headed for the park for a rim to rim hike.  You depart Sunrise point, descend to the bottom of the canyon, the back up to Sunset Point.  Only a couple of miles, and a few hundred feet of altitude change……..

Lots of pink, red, and yellow.  Not sure whether to call it rock of dirt.  Seems to depend on the area you are in at the moment.

Just some random pictures.  It’s another place which I can’t photograph.  Way too much stuff over a large landscape.

As the shadows deepened, we made our way back up.

Looking back down on the trail which we had taken earlier. You can barely see parts of it near the middle of the photo below.

Another natural wonder which words can’t describe.  I once read a story that gave a good description, though.  Shortly after the area was designated a national park, a local was asked what he thought of the canyon.  His answer was short, and to the point.  “It was a hell of a place to loose a cow”…………

Kodachrome Basin and Grosvenor’s Arch

 

Another interesting part of the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument is located further West from Escalante, itself.  Near the town of Cannonville, UT is Kodachrome Basin State Park.  Named by the National Geographic Society in 1949 due to its multicolored landscape.  Kodak corporation was well pleased.

We happened to be there in the middle of the day, so the landscape didn’t show up as well.  But, it was still interesting.  Made up of many spires and towers which defy logic.

I see a big dog and a small child standing back to back.

About eleven miles from the park, and down a dirt road through a desolate BLM landscape, you will find Grosvernor’s Arch.

Sally really enjoyed it, as she could run around off leash.  First time in three weeks.

Another great day trip. Now, which way home?

…….jc