This was our last day in this lovely State of Utah! So we took a drive down Hwy 261 from our campsite here next to the corral in the overflow parking for Natural Bridges. Wow! What a drive!!! There ARE signs along this road that warn not to take too large a vehicle with GOOD reason.
1st stop was the Visitor Center who gave us good advise and then off we went... the Moki Dugway is the name of 3 mile stretch of road that is 1100ft elevation change with gooseneck turns or hairpin turns (whatever you perfer)! Speed limit is 5mph! They did pave the corners but not the other parts of the road and it is NARROW! What a view though...
1st stop after getting down into this canyon we took in Gooseneck State park. Wow! It is called this because it is a canyon of turns formed from the San Juan river. Very interesting. Will post pictures when we get a better signal!
Then off to Mexian Hat. It is one of the spires on the Utah side of Monument Valley. fun... then we were off to Valley of the Gods - a 17 mile windy, dirty, rocky, dippy, drive! This is Utah's answer to Monument Valley. fun fun and scary at times but we made it through okay.
Afterwards we went back up the Moki Dugway to Muley Overlook. This is a 5 mile dirt road (a lot better than other roads we had been on)...this overlook offered views of the San Juan river goosenecking it's way through with views of the real Monument valley beyond. Fun place with a van full of young adults.
A little hair raising but fun and glad we went as we may never be here again.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Grand Staircase Escalante-Capital Reef National Park
Although we had originally planned to stay in Escalante National Monument, after looking into the plans further, decided against it and to go right from Bryce to Capital Reef with plans to take side trips into Escalante if so desired.
The highway from Bryce to Capital Reef travels right through the heart of Escalante and is designated Scenic Highway 12 – I must add with good reason! This was gorgeous driving along this highway! We soon found ourselves more or less traveling with a guy in a small car who stopped at all the same scenic turnouts. He said he was a sucker for this scenery and I had to agree. He was from California and was awed by this landscape.
We met some folks from Germany at one of the turnouts as well and they have purchased a small class C motor home for a two-year stint here in North America. They LOVE it here and say we have it ALL! They were traveling in opposite direction but were just as much awed as we were by the scenery and said they had already traveled most of USA, Canada and some of Mexico. Their plans are to return to Germany and probably sell off everything so they can return to full-time here in USA. Says a lot for our natural beauty in this country.
The pass was 9600+ft and a mighty climb north of town of Boulder. Can you guess why they named it that? No doubt about it, there is boulders everywhere of every shape and color and it is just plain fun to see it all. We were a bit surprised when 3 cows entered the roadway but were patient and let us pass without any harm to any one. Thank goodness!
The quaking aspens were lovely and so colorful it was a thrill to see them. Entering the Capital Reef National Park from the west was a wonderful treat because we had such a build up on the way here. This place is not stupendous like Bryce – it is Tremendous! The size of this reef is gigantic and so colorful besides all the other scenery, orchards and lovely campground with many deer hoping for a handout from the orchard. The orchard has apples and pears at this time of year and you pick for $1.00 a pound on the honor system. It’s a wonderful thing so of course we picked 10 pounds… goodness now I have to start baking again I guess.
The highway from Bryce to Capital Reef travels right through the heart of Escalante and is designated Scenic Highway 12 – I must add with good reason! This was gorgeous driving along this highway! We soon found ourselves more or less traveling with a guy in a small car who stopped at all the same scenic turnouts. He said he was a sucker for this scenery and I had to agree. He was from California and was awed by this landscape.
We met some folks from Germany at one of the turnouts as well and they have purchased a small class C motor home for a two-year stint here in North America. They LOVE it here and say we have it ALL! They were traveling in opposite direction but were just as much awed as we were by the scenery and said they had already traveled most of USA, Canada and some of Mexico. Their plans are to return to Germany and probably sell off everything so they can return to full-time here in USA. Says a lot for our natural beauty in this country.
The pass was 9600+ft and a mighty climb north of town of Boulder. Can you guess why they named it that? No doubt about it, there is boulders everywhere of every shape and color and it is just plain fun to see it all. We were a bit surprised when 3 cows entered the roadway but were patient and let us pass without any harm to any one. Thank goodness!
The quaking aspens were lovely and so colorful it was a thrill to see them. Entering the Capital Reef National Park from the west was a wonderful treat because we had such a build up on the way here. This place is not stupendous like Bryce – it is Tremendous! The size of this reef is gigantic and so colorful besides all the other scenery, orchards and lovely campground with many deer hoping for a handout from the orchard. The orchard has apples and pears at this time of year and you pick for $1.00 a pound on the honor system. It’s a wonderful thing so of course we picked 10 pounds… goodness now I have to start baking again I guess.
Overflow campground-Natural Bridges, UT
So here we are in the overflow campground at Natural Bridges National Monument. We called ahead from Captial Reef to check on the camping situation here and were told they had a campground without dump station or water. Okay, so that was no problem.Anyway, after a wonderful drive from Capital Reef across some of the strangest country we have ever seen and across the beautiful Glen Canyon Recreation Area we come up to the Natural Bridges National Monument. We quickly learn that they only have 13 camp sites and you must be 26 ft or less. Okay, so they send us off to their overflow area which about 7 miles down the road and we are to look for a gravel area.
We found the turn off okay but no gravel area - instead we find a corral and nothing there... so we figured what the heck and decided to make that our new home for a few days. After getting settled we took for the town of Blanding and had a lovely sunset in the evening. One other rig was there so figured all was ok. Oh yes, we did drive on down this gravel road in search of the gravel area and found the road did continue quite a ways with terrible ruts from the torrential downpour we had last weekend!
First thing today we packed our picnic lunch and headed over to the Monument to check out the 3 natural bridges which are supposed to be something else! We hiked down to each one and after about 6 miles we finally made it all the way through, had a great lunch and headed for home.
As we pulled up in the car we noticed the corral was no longer EMPTY. No, we had quite a number of youngest looking cows. They would only look at us and couldn't tell us anything. Did not take long before a truck and trailer pulled up and we were told we were fine where we were. So these two folks loaded up their truck to sell off the calves they had in this batch.
Next thing you know here come a whole herd of cows with 4 cowboys. The real thing or so it would seem. They picked the worse time of day to herd these cows into the corral (working around the Blue 'Roo -without complaint). The wind was blowing sand everywhere and we were a bit surprised they did not have bandana's covering their mouths. They did a great job and have really worked hard today from what we can see.
They have made a few trips back and forth with their truck and trailer sorting cows and taking them in different loads. One of these cowboys appeared to be quite young (maybe early teens).
As I sit here this evening writing I see the sky is covered with so many colors with a lovely lovely sunset. We are so very fortunate.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Road to Cedar Breaks Monument-Utah
Here are a flock of sheep blocking the road with Fed Ex trying to get through. This was a lot of fun.
Bryce Canyon
Walking along the rim trail from Bryce point to Inspiration point spotted this tree root leaning over the side. Would not want to be on trail below when this monster drops down but actually it does look like it will still be there for a while yet. It is amazing to me to see these trees hanging on by what roots I'm not sure and leaning way over into the canyon and yet with the bad weather they get they still manage to hang on.. am sure there is a percentage that does drop over though each year.
Bryce Canyon - Bunny
Doesn't this look like a bunny! I thought so anyway looking at him this morning at sunrise. He is standing up looking over the queen's garden. ha! Was surprised to see so many other out at this early hour to watch the sunrise. Most left before the sun really came up to cast it's lovely shadows over this marvelous canyon.
Bryce Canyon - Inspriation Point- Before the Storm
This may look like a forlorn Earl caged in. This was the actually Inspriation Point just moments before the deluge began! We watched these clouds building all the way from Bryce Point to this point which is about a mile and half walk on the rim trail and started getting big drops of water so headed for the Tram to take us home. not a minute too soon either. It poured like no body's business and we were so thankful to have timed it just right.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Saw this fellow this morning as we attempted to reach the rim of the canyon to watch the sun rise! They actually have a sunrise overlook which was something else... it is just above the Queen's garden and we had a great time. Had to hussle but that was okay. Cold too about 35 this morning but have warm clothes and the hustling helped get the blood circulating! ha! We actually had a great time and were not alone by any means. Great thrill to catch a glimpse of this fellow too.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah
This is Shakespear's Arch. It was found by one of the park's superintendent's who was looking for a coyote cave. It wasn't too bad a hike into this area and worth the effort. The pretty day helped a lot too.Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah
One of the views of this incredible park. The colors were such a delight besides the interesting forms of rock!
Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah
This is what is known as a tipi. There were a few of these and looked like something right out of an old western movie. How fun to stumble on these things.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Meet Fred Flintstone! guess he sort of looks like Fred. Did not see Wilma or Barney but enjoyed seeing Fred just the same.
Kodachrome Basin- Chimney Rock
We did not think too much of this until we read the placque which told us this rock was named by National Geographic in 1949 when they named the park as well for it's color. Interesting monolithic spire out here all by itself.The Grand Circle Tour - Kodachrome Basin
The Grand Circle Tour comprises of all the National Parks and National Monuments in lower Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona. We don’t know of any in New Mexico, but it’s included anyway. Okay, so we have been working on ‘doing’ the Grand Circle Tour ever since we went full time in September 2000. For one reason or another this tour has been postponed until now. Of course we have done bits and pieces of this tour but year we are aiming to complete the tour.
We began our tour at Great Basin National Park and were not disappointed. This proved to be a pretty park and although not large in size and so high elevation that it is difficult to get to a good part of the year and not really on the way to anywhere.
Okay, so now we are in Utah and ogling and googling over the lovely red rock that I personally love! We began here in Utah at Bryce National Park, which is awesome! However, to get to Bryce from the west you must come through Red Canyon, which is a spectacular prelude to Bryce! All the cars slamming on brakes and stopping for a photo op! It’s the funniest thing and fun to be a part of this action too. By the way, the campground here is only $12.00 (1/2 off with old peoples pass) with water and dump and scenery to amaze and please any one.
Bryce is one of it’s own. A huge amphitheater of various colored rock in shapes formed and changed each year with the erosion of natural causes. It is the “fastest changing” landscape (geologically speaking) in our National Park system. The park has a 18 mile rim drive gradually gaining 1200ft. There are a number of overlooks and in summer there is a “free” tram in the park. There is also a “rim trail” which offers you a chance to see from the rim as you walk.
There are many trails offered throughout the park. Depending on the time you have to afford, and time of year of course, since this park gets snowed in and there are signs everywhere to beware of lightening strikes when the weather turns bad. Yikes, I don’t want any part of that…
Next we visited Cedar Breaks National Monument. This is another ampitheater type park over 10,000 ft and the day we chose to go was cold as the dickens and windy as all get out! Yes, we did manage to get out of the car and I am sure this could be a neat place to hike but guess we’ll have to wait until another time to find out for sure. Our big highlight of this trip was being stopped along the road by a herd of sheep! Yes, that’s right, who knows how many but there were sheep all over the road and both sides. We did spot two dogs herding the sheep and 1 man with a horse. There was a FED EX truck who did not find this especially fun and sort of edged his way through the melee.
Finally Kodachrome Basin State Park – a very unusual park. The day began with many clouds and quite chilly (39) but by the time we arrived at this park we lucked out with the sun breaking through and we were treated to a beautiful day with fun sights everywhere we looked. We did a few of the trails – one the panorama trail with Fred Flintstone marking the beginning the trail and the Shakespear cave trail where there is a natural bridge. Oh yes, stopped by to see chimney rock named by National Geographic in 1949 when they gave the park it’s name for all the color! This park is located on the Utah’s Highway 12 Scenic Byway. A definite stop and what fun it would be to camp here a few days.
We began our tour at Great Basin National Park and were not disappointed. This proved to be a pretty park and although not large in size and so high elevation that it is difficult to get to a good part of the year and not really on the way to anywhere.
Okay, so now we are in Utah and ogling and googling over the lovely red rock that I personally love! We began here in Utah at Bryce National Park, which is awesome! However, to get to Bryce from the west you must come through Red Canyon, which is a spectacular prelude to Bryce! All the cars slamming on brakes and stopping for a photo op! It’s the funniest thing and fun to be a part of this action too. By the way, the campground here is only $12.00 (1/2 off with old peoples pass) with water and dump and scenery to amaze and please any one.
Bryce is one of it’s own. A huge amphitheater of various colored rock in shapes formed and changed each year with the erosion of natural causes. It is the “fastest changing” landscape (geologically speaking) in our National Park system. The park has a 18 mile rim drive gradually gaining 1200ft. There are a number of overlooks and in summer there is a “free” tram in the park. There is also a “rim trail” which offers you a chance to see from the rim as you walk.
There are many trails offered throughout the park. Depending on the time you have to afford, and time of year of course, since this park gets snowed in and there are signs everywhere to beware of lightening strikes when the weather turns bad. Yikes, I don’t want any part of that…
Next we visited Cedar Breaks National Monument. This is another ampitheater type park over 10,000 ft and the day we chose to go was cold as the dickens and windy as all get out! Yes, we did manage to get out of the car and I am sure this could be a neat place to hike but guess we’ll have to wait until another time to find out for sure. Our big highlight of this trip was being stopped along the road by a herd of sheep! Yes, that’s right, who knows how many but there were sheep all over the road and both sides. We did spot two dogs herding the sheep and 1 man with a horse. There was a FED EX truck who did not find this especially fun and sort of edged his way through the melee.
Finally Kodachrome Basin State Park – a very unusual park. The day began with many clouds and quite chilly (39) but by the time we arrived at this park we lucked out with the sun breaking through and we were treated to a beautiful day with fun sights everywhere we looked. We did a few of the trails – one the panorama trail with Fred Flintstone marking the beginning the trail and the Shakespear cave trail where there is a natural bridge. Oh yes, stopped by to see chimney rock named by National Geographic in 1949 when they gave the park it’s name for all the color! This park is located on the Utah’s Highway 12 Scenic Byway. A definite stop and what fun it would be to camp here a few days.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Bryce National Park
It was a treat to see this pronghorn right next to the road just as we were leaving for the day! We had seen a few in a meadow along the rim drive but they were too far away for a photo shoot. Felt very fortunate to have a few of them right next to the road and cooperative too! They say they are very fast moving so we could have missed them easily. Also saw a buck in the forest along the rim trail but he kept his head down most of the time so was not as fortunate with the picture taking.
We loved our visit to this park and were so glad to have been able to get there on such a lovely day. I'll bet spring is pretty too when the wildflowers are all in bloom but this was certainly a great time to hit this park so that we could partake of some of the hiking trails.
Bryce National Park
Here is Thor's Hammer. When there is thunder here it is because he is beating his hammer or so the story goes. Bryce National Park - ET
Here is my friend ET again - trying to peek over the heads of others... Isn't it funny how he stands out, especially against the blue sky! There are so many variances in the color of the rock and it's looks as if the white is more from silt from so many years ago and it seems to be wearing about quickly... wonder how long ET will be with us?
Bryce National Park
A break in the action for a photo shoot on the bottom floor of this marvelous canyon. Met others along the way having as much fun as we and as excited about the day being so perfectly blue!
Bryce National Park- Queen Victoria
Our hike on the Navajo Loop Trail took us through the queen's garden where we found Queen Victoria overlooking her garden. It was a wonder we had a picture perfect day with blue sky - otherwise you might not be able to pick her out against a sky covered with clouds. Amazingly enough after we completed our hike and were walking back to the car along the rim trail I looked down and spotted her amongst all those hoodoos and she's not real big. No idea how I could spot her but guess after you do this enough they become like friends or something - big on the something...
Bryce National Park-who is this?
Doesn't this guy look like he is looking at something specific! Not sure what he is but found him intriging just the same.
Bryce National Park - Navajo Trail
The 3 mile loop trail from Sunset overlook to Sunrise overlook was extremely scenic! A section of this trail is a narrow zig zag. People were all taking turns taking photos and calling to their partners to stay above or go on below... fun and yet knowing we were all going down and what goes down is eventually going to have to go back up!
Bryce National Park-Wall Street
To look up at this view was truly marvelous! To think these trees are able to grow in this place is really a wonder. There is actually quite a variety of plant life here but this view was truly amazing.
Bryce National Park-Natural Bridge
A bit tricky trying to get this photo but that is part of the fun. This is a very popular overview from the rim! Of course a lot of the attraction to this park is the unusual formations and natural windows and bridges!
Bryce National Park-Wall Street
Looking up at a pine tree reaching through these rock formations for the sunlight is awesome to say the very least! This area is accessed from a slot cave which was so much fun. There were so many other people all looking up and taking turns taking pictures... great photo opportunities too! ha!
Bryce National Park - Navajo Loop Trail
It's one thing to see these rock formations from above or below but to be in a cave and able to hold one up is quite another thing! Just having a bit of fun on this 3 mile hike.
Bryce National Park-Hoodoos
The strange rock formations at this wonderful national park are called 'hoodoos'. Looking down on these is as marvelous as looking up at them! They come in all shapes and colors and amazingly enough are the trees growing amongst them.
Bryce National Park-ET
This was my little friend ET. Sounds funny but you know I kept seeing this guy - You would think that he would be hidden away but because he was so white he stood out and I sort of felt attached to the little guy... You know when you are in a fairyland like this hiking up and down trails that lead you around bends and turns every site is like a magnet and interesting!Bryce National Park-Navajo Loop Trail - Flames
This is a picture taking on the Navajo Loop Trail - As I trail behind admiring all these marvelous sights I stopped Early and told him he was standing next to the flames of the Olympic Torch. Perhaps if he has stood between these flames they would have looked like rabbit ears?
Bryce National Park Castle Top
Bryce National Park is one of those places where there is nothing else like it on earth! Although that may be true for so many other places, here it is so unusual you can't help but feel special and giddy with the unusal shapes and colors! Truly wonderful and so different. As you enter the National park they give you ideas of what some of these 'hoodoos' may resemble - like a poodle or Queen Victoria or a sinking ship. It is fun to join in the fun and use your own imagination as I have done here with the top of this resembeling to me the top corner of a castle perhaps those are the kings men surrounding it!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Panguitch, Utah
Okay, so here we are with full hookups again! Wow! It's been so long... ha! We are in the heart of the Utah mountains and Nevada may boast of their 314 mountain ranges but Utah has a few too. Goodness we have been through several and we are still in the western part of the state! This is our home for the next few days while we get out and about and explore some the natural wonders of this area. I am very excited since we are going to Bryce Canyon and that is one of my favorites. Our only other visit was in February of 2001 and it was drizzled over with snow and lovely. Our aim this visit is to hike to the bottom and from what I understand this could be some hike! Our original plans had us seeing all the parks around here now but since we will be coming back through here in the spring we have modified our plans some.
Great Basin National Park-Stella Lake
Hang on to your hat! No kidding, the wind was something else... think we had to chase after this hat a few times but we were successful in capturing it each time! That body of water is Stella lake. No idea where the names come from but found this to be a very serene place and after the thin air climb it was a much welcome site!
Great Basin National Park-Lower Lehman Campground
This little gal was right outside our door one morning as we were going for our morning stroll before breakfast. I was so surprised to see them in our campsite I had to fumble with the camera but she was not spooked as easily as the buck.
Great Basin National Park-Lehman Caves
Lehman cave was about as exciting a cave as we have found. The cost was very reasonable and the various formations and colors were well worth the visit. This picture is of what they call a shield. It is named the parachute however our guide told us it looks more like an elephants foot stepping on bubble gum. The path through the cave was narrow with some wide spots and very low overhangings at times so you had duck in order to not bang your head which made this an up close and personal sort of tour.
Great Basin National Park-Lake Teresa
At Lake Teresa at 10,230 ft we found two deer at the lakes edge drinking and nibbling away at whatever was tasty growing up so high. Fortunately we did not scare them away and they continued on as if we were not there. Of course we kept our distance and tried to continue on quietly. Not much water in these alpine lakes and they are so high fish cannot live in them. During the winter they completely freeze over.
Great Basin National Park Bristlecone Pine Hike
Here is another example of the bristlecone pine only this one is very much alive and although it has been through some sort of struggle with it's insides showing it is in the healing process with the bark coming around to heal it's wound. Marvelous really!
Great Basin National Park, Bristlecone Pine Tree
This is one of the bristlecone pine trees that is still standing although it has obviously been thought a lot! Look at those colors! This was a great hike through a forest of trees that obviously have to struggle to live. They said that these trees can live to be over 4000 yrs old and the harder they struggle for survival the longer they live. Trees with much easier time only live 300 to 400 yrs!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Hickison Petroglyphs BLM Campground, Near Austin, NV
This is one of the rocks from the hike (stroll) through the Hickison Petroglyphs. This was a neat little "free" campground a bit off the road on a dusty dirt road. However there were about 10 or 12 campsites - all very clean and neat... they even had shade shelters over the picnic tables. Anyway, this place is about 24 miles east of the town of Austin off highway 50. Was nice and quiet and pretty in its own way.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park, Nevada – named a National Park in 1986.
This park is not one of the more “popular” parks by any stretch of the imagination and although it is close to the Nevada/Utah border it really isn’t “close” to anything. Our journey began in Reno traveling across the “loneliest” Highway in America (Highway 50) we found our destination to be well worth the effort.
First of all, Highway 50 may be lonely, but it is far from the “loneliest” and it is diverse in scenery. For one thing, we learned Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state, and after traveling Highway 50 you become a believer! We crossed so many mountainous roads only to come into another valley. We both found the trip well worth it and fun to boot. Yes, we did stop at the cottonwood tree to add a pair of old shoes to the tree! What a hoot! The last stretch seemed the furthest southeast, out of Ely where we had stopped to look at few of the exotic cars passing through on one of their runs.
The road stretched out before us with Mount Wheeler glaring down at us, and it was easy to see this was the spot we were looking for, because of the tree line ending and this monster looming above. The road did weave around and come to a very dry stretch on the north side, and eventually we found our way into this newest National Park. There is no entry fee, so we came directly to our camp ground which is at 7,200 ft. The sites are nice enough, but don’t think any of them are level. We had a heck of time getting level. We did find a lovely spot right next to Lehman creek though and on a walk through the campground we spied two deer. A young buck with velvet looked up at me from the bushes and we both were a bit startled, but fortunately he did not run off and I gained my wits so as not to scare him off!
Later we took a drive over to the Visitor Center to get acquainted with the parks features and took a long dusty road out to see the “gray cliffs”. These marvels are a bit of a freak – just a long stretch of gray cliffs with aspens tucked in below to give off some color.
The start of our first full day here at this park we were overjoyed to see a group of about 5 or 6 deer in our campsite. Again this young buck and I looked at each other and he backed off towards the creek, but I gained my wits about me and was able to snap a few pictures of his mates. How cool is that? Afterwards we headed off once again to the Visitor Center to get in line for our tour of the Lehman Cave.
The cave was discovered in 1885 by Absalom Lehman. This guy crawled around in this vast cave and broke off columns and led tours and promised people a piece of the stalagmites, etc. Although the cave was abused by him and the next two people, the “Rhodes”, who took over selling tours in the 1920’s, the cave came into the National Park system in the 1930’s and the cave was soon on the right road to recovery.
We have been in a number of caves and we both felt this was one of the very best, if not the best. Not because the columns, shields, draperies, soda straws, slabs of bacon, and turnips were so cool, which they are, but you get right up close and personal in this cave. There are railings and they do not want you to touch anything if at all possible, but there are sections very narrow with low ceilings that make it tight. It is colorful and varied and still alive and absolutely a wonder. Mostly a wonder to me is how the water seeps in and goes to work in a cave like this as a work of art when we are in the driest and harsh areas of the country. Truly amazing and the tour guide was excellent. One of the best features is this tour was very reasonable at only $10.00 per person for the 90 minute tour and you get half off with a senior parks pass! Can’t beat that and you get to see all the areas. Children are somewhat restricted on this tour due to the length of the tour.
After the tour, we took the scenic drive up to Wheeler Peak Campground trailhead and began our 2.7 mile hike beginning at 9700ft. This was loop trail that took us through aspen groves and old bristle cone trees and past lake Stella at 10,238 ft and lake Teresa at 10,230ft. This hike was awesome! Well worth the time and effort walking up through that thin air! I thought I was in trouble not being in the best of shape, but goodness sakes alive what a beautiful walk! These trees have been reported to live as old as 4900yrs! If that isn’t awesome enough, seeing these two small alpine lakes that are so high no fish can live in them is a real treat. Besides all that, when we came around the bend and spotted lake Teresa we also spied two deer on the edge of the lake taking a drink and nibbling at the forest floor. They both looked up and went on eating so don’t think they thought they were in danger. It was one of the prettiest sights I have ever known. Talk about serene and remote!
A truly wonderful experience and so thankful we took this hike, although I must say I could feel those muscles in my legs before we reached the car to wind our way back down this scenic mountainside.
Our timing was good here being early fall with the aspens in the higher elevation taking on their fall dress and dancing in the sunlight to the breeze passing by. They were a truly marvelous sight all by themselves and not being familiar with this type of tree was a wonder too. They have to live in very harsh winters and dry hot summers and through it all their leaves dance to a tune all their own.
This park is not one of the more “popular” parks by any stretch of the imagination and although it is close to the Nevada/Utah border it really isn’t “close” to anything. Our journey began in Reno traveling across the “loneliest” Highway in America (Highway 50) we found our destination to be well worth the effort.
First of all, Highway 50 may be lonely, but it is far from the “loneliest” and it is diverse in scenery. For one thing, we learned Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state, and after traveling Highway 50 you become a believer! We crossed so many mountainous roads only to come into another valley. We both found the trip well worth it and fun to boot. Yes, we did stop at the cottonwood tree to add a pair of old shoes to the tree! What a hoot! The last stretch seemed the furthest southeast, out of Ely where we had stopped to look at few of the exotic cars passing through on one of their runs.
The road stretched out before us with Mount Wheeler glaring down at us, and it was easy to see this was the spot we were looking for, because of the tree line ending and this monster looming above. The road did weave around and come to a very dry stretch on the north side, and eventually we found our way into this newest National Park. There is no entry fee, so we came directly to our camp ground which is at 7,200 ft. The sites are nice enough, but don’t think any of them are level. We had a heck of time getting level. We did find a lovely spot right next to Lehman creek though and on a walk through the campground we spied two deer. A young buck with velvet looked up at me from the bushes and we both were a bit startled, but fortunately he did not run off and I gained my wits so as not to scare him off!
Later we took a drive over to the Visitor Center to get acquainted with the parks features and took a long dusty road out to see the “gray cliffs”. These marvels are a bit of a freak – just a long stretch of gray cliffs with aspens tucked in below to give off some color.
The start of our first full day here at this park we were overjoyed to see a group of about 5 or 6 deer in our campsite. Again this young buck and I looked at each other and he backed off towards the creek, but I gained my wits about me and was able to snap a few pictures of his mates. How cool is that? Afterwards we headed off once again to the Visitor Center to get in line for our tour of the Lehman Cave.
The cave was discovered in 1885 by Absalom Lehman. This guy crawled around in this vast cave and broke off columns and led tours and promised people a piece of the stalagmites, etc. Although the cave was abused by him and the next two people, the “Rhodes”, who took over selling tours in the 1920’s, the cave came into the National Park system in the 1930’s and the cave was soon on the right road to recovery.
We have been in a number of caves and we both felt this was one of the very best, if not the best. Not because the columns, shields, draperies, soda straws, slabs of bacon, and turnips were so cool, which they are, but you get right up close and personal in this cave. There are railings and they do not want you to touch anything if at all possible, but there are sections very narrow with low ceilings that make it tight. It is colorful and varied and still alive and absolutely a wonder. Mostly a wonder to me is how the water seeps in and goes to work in a cave like this as a work of art when we are in the driest and harsh areas of the country. Truly amazing and the tour guide was excellent. One of the best features is this tour was very reasonable at only $10.00 per person for the 90 minute tour and you get half off with a senior parks pass! Can’t beat that and you get to see all the areas. Children are somewhat restricted on this tour due to the length of the tour.
After the tour, we took the scenic drive up to Wheeler Peak Campground trailhead and began our 2.7 mile hike beginning at 9700ft. This was loop trail that took us through aspen groves and old bristle cone trees and past lake Stella at 10,238 ft and lake Teresa at 10,230ft. This hike was awesome! Well worth the time and effort walking up through that thin air! I thought I was in trouble not being in the best of shape, but goodness sakes alive what a beautiful walk! These trees have been reported to live as old as 4900yrs! If that isn’t awesome enough, seeing these two small alpine lakes that are so high no fish can live in them is a real treat. Besides all that, when we came around the bend and spotted lake Teresa we also spied two deer on the edge of the lake taking a drink and nibbling at the forest floor. They both looked up and went on eating so don’t think they thought they were in danger. It was one of the prettiest sights I have ever known. Talk about serene and remote!
A truly wonderful experience and so thankful we took this hike, although I must say I could feel those muscles in my legs before we reached the car to wind our way back down this scenic mountainside.
Our timing was good here being early fall with the aspens in the higher elevation taking on their fall dress and dancing in the sunlight to the breeze passing by. They were a truly marvelous sight all by themselves and not being familiar with this type of tree was a wonder too. They have to live in very harsh winters and dry hot summers and through it all their leaves dance to a tune all their own.
Reno, NV
Here we are with son Earl III and brother John. Yes, those are mutton chops! ha! Had a wonderful time seeing both son Earl and brother John. They are very good to us.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Travelin down the road to Reno, Nevada
For now we are in Reno visiting with brother John. Had a nice visit with son Earl III too since he was kind enough to drive over from bay area in CA with his special friend Carmelita. Great time visiting and sight seeing through Virginia City. The weather is very nice and warm but not too hot and cools down nicely at night. Still able to camp out at Baldini's Casino. Earl III was the big winner when dropping a few coins in the slots as he traipsed through the various casinos. So far we have broken even - ha! No big winners but then again no big spenders...
Plan to stay here another day or two and then head east across Highway 50 (the lonliest highway in America) on our way to Utah.
Plan to stay here another day or two and then head east across Highway 50 (the lonliest highway in America) on our way to Utah.
Emerald Lake-Lassen National Park
Beautiful small lake in Lassen National Park where we were happy to sit and have a picnic lunch after our 3 mile hike in and out of Bumpass Hell. ha!
Lassen National Park
Talk about a long dry hike to the peak! We did see people attempting to make take this hike and as much as we would like to do it too this mountain looked a little too dry. There were a few patches of snow on the north end of the mountain but this is the southern view from the parking lot of the consessionaire.
Lassen National Park
This is a picture of Bumpass Hell at Lassen National Park. Only took one day to drive the 1 road through the park and back again and had a good long hike to Bumpass Hell. The name was from a guy named Bumpass who thought he was going to make some money by being the one to discover these steam pots and took a newspaper man in with him to do a write up to bring in tourists so he could make a handy profit... only problem was with is boasting he fell into one of the steam pots and ultimately lost his leg. Needless to say he did not think it was so great after that... It was not as impressive as Yellowstone but a very impressive walk. The one treat we did have was to see a doe with her two fawns on our trail so that was a great highlight.
Lake Britton-Burney Falls State Park, CA
Lovely spot for a lake and with the fishermen around you would think there were lots of fish to be had here... Surrounding the hiking trail to this beach were masses of blackberry bushes with a few ripe berries. This will be a great spot in a few weeks for other wild life I would think that like blackberries.
Burney Falls State Park
Burney Falls is a state park on north end of Lassen National Park. We did not stay there but since it was listed in the book of most scenic places felt we had to take a look to see for ourselves. This waterfall was something else... the water did not just come from the stream above, no it streamed out of the rock around and beyond from springs... Marvelous is one way to say it... nice loop hike down and around the falls and when we came up on other side found several fly fishermen. Had a picture perfect day and millions of gallons of water. This state park also boasted entrance to the beach head of Lake Britton. A full day of hiking and lovely sights and worth the side trip.
Wildlife Refuge-
White pelicans - what a mass of birds this place had and a treat to find this group of white pelicans. Not the best picture but then again we had to zoom from quite a distance
Wildlife Refuge near Lava Beds
This is a western grebe who we were fortunate to get his picture. He was quite entertaining along our drive along this dusty drive. Huge wildlife refuge and quite a number of various birds and critters but of course they are quite a distance out in the water and spooked by us on the shore.
Earl at Fire Lookout Tower Lava Beds Monument
This is a neat fire lookout tower. Talked to the person manning the tower and she stated she only has to perform this hike twice a week since they alternate duties. She loves this type of work. It seemed like it may be a little lonely up there but she has her radio of other people doing same thing all reporting on various fires from southern Oregon to northern California.
On to Lava Beds National Monument
After Klamath Falls our next destination was Lava Beds National Monument.
Unique is the best way to describe this National Monument. We have seen a lot of various lava places. On our ride here from Klamath Falls, OR we were treated to a ring necked pheasant flying right across the road in front of us. Now we have seen these beautiful birds before but not like this.
Just before reaching the Visitor Center that was apparently just completed in 2004 we had two mule deer jump out in front of the coach and right behind them was a rabbit.
At the campground we found an abundance of scrub jays and ravens so we knew this was going to be a fun visit. The jays are such curious birds and the ravens make a funny noise. The American robins were here too which surprised us in this desert of lava rock. I had thought their main diet was earthworms but guess they eat berries too and insects and there are a lot of juniper berries here.
Our first visit here in 2001 we explored all the caves in the park so this time we took a drive out to Tule Lake to the Wildlife refuge. This doesn’t look like much because of the farming around the lake but after spending several hours along a gravel road that went several miles we had a good view of this area. Mainly we saw coots with a good number of white pelicans and western grebes. Ducks too numerous to name and the white faced ibis which we have only seen one other time in Florida. A few hawks were scared out of their tree but the water.
This area is a “shared” community. The farmers are allowed to farm here but they are required to leave part of their harvest for the wildlife! It’s a great concept and seems to work well. This is a HUGE stopping ground for migrating birds in the Spring and Fall. I would love to see all those baby white pelicans but you can’t have everything. Ha!
We did hike up to the top of Schonchin Butte which is about 0.7 mi. of a very steep trail that is a fire lookout station on top. The CCC built the trail and then hand carried all the needed supplies to build the lookout station! Imagine having to do that?! It was a lovely day and we were able to get a pretty view of Mount Shasta from there so especially made the trip worthwhile.
Just before reaching the Visitor Center that was apparently just completed in 2004 we had two mule deer jump out in front of the coach and right behind them was a rabbit.
At the campground we found an abundance of scrub jays and ravens so we knew this was going to be a fun visit. The jays are such curious birds and the ravens make a funny noise. The American robins were here too which surprised us in this desert of lava rock. I had thought their main diet was earthworms but guess they eat berries too and insects and there are a lot of juniper berries here.
Our first visit here in 2001 we explored all the caves in the park so this time we took a drive out to Tule Lake to the Wildlife refuge. This doesn’t look like much because of the farming around the lake but after spending several hours along a gravel road that went several miles we had a good view of this area. Mainly we saw coots with a good number of white pelicans and western grebes. Ducks too numerous to name and the white faced ibis which we have only seen one other time in Florida. A few hawks were scared out of their tree but the water.
This area is a “shared” community. The farmers are allowed to farm here but they are required to leave part of their harvest for the wildlife! It’s a great concept and seems to work well. This is a HUGE stopping ground for migrating birds in the Spring and Fall. I would love to see all those baby white pelicans but you can’t have everything. Ha!
We did hike up to the top of Schonchin Butte which is about 0.7 mi. of a very steep trail that is a fire lookout station on top. The CCC built the trail and then hand carried all the needed supplies to build the lookout station! Imagine having to do that?! It was a lovely day and we were able to get a pretty view of Mount Shasta from there so especially made the trip worthwhile.
Oops! Leaving Crater Lake
When the time came to leave Crater Lake we pulled out from our site and drove over to the dump station to take care of business and after getting all hooked up and ready to go we found the Blue 'Roo did not want to go anywhere. Click, Click was all we were able to get from turning the key in the ignition. We had plenty of battery power so the question was is it the ignition switch or as Earl thought perhaps the neutral safety switch. In any event, he banged on the starter and on the cylinoids and checked all the fuses and still nothing. Okay, so this happened about 9:30am and we sat there until 3:30pm when this lovely tow truck arrived from Klamath Falls (yes, on a holiday) and after spending another hour getting hooked up we were on our way down the hill to the lovely town of Klamath Falls, OR. This guy was so great. Very nice and very careful. Anyway, he took us to Lee's Automotive where we sat for two days waiting for the shop to open after the Labor Day holiday.
So what was the result? The mechanic came out to diagnose the problem and Earl showed him how it click clicks and then the mechanic sat down and turned the key and varoom... yes, the rig started. The mechanic only smiled and said he could not fix what wasn't broken. So after re hooking up our drive line and spending $780.00 for a tow bill we proceeded down the road. Knock on wood this has not happened since or before but what the heck??? Not sure if we will ever know but what an interesting kink in the trip.
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