 |
| Today's adventure takes us through the National Park along SR24 to the Notom-Bullfrog Road which eventually meets up with the Burr Trail and would bring us back in a loop along Scenic Highway 12..... These sentinels stand guard over the more" rolling hills" of this area... |
 |
| The first 20 miles takes us past huge cattle ranches and agricultural land backed by spectacular scenery... |
 |
| Still snow on the mountains & stunning scenery... |
 |
| Shortly after taking this photo we come to the end of the paved road and onto the dirt one which it will be for the next 30 miles or so.... After about 5 miles we turn back as it is heavily "washboard" effect and not our favourite at all....the truck can take it but we can't !!! |
 |
| A quick change of plan.....we will tackle the other end of the trail in reverse tomorrow and hike the Chimney Rock Trail in the park today..... |
 |
| Still amazed at the colour and tenacity of these desert plants.... |
 |
| Steep climbs (Fitbit says equivalent of 59 flights of stairs) but worth it for the fantastic views.... This and next pic....where's Wally/Waldo aka Yorkieman.... |
 |
| And Chimney Rock..... |
 |
| To me from this angle the top part looks like the head of a bald eagle.... |
 |
| The next few photos are taken from scenic points on the route home to Torrey (11 miles)... |
 | ||
| We love this quote.....it sums up how blown away we are by this "awesome" area but what a much better way to express that feeling....exultant !! We had another great day here at Capitol Reef despite a quick change of plan...
|
 |
| The Burr Trail Road winds it's way for 20 miles or so down around sandstone domes and formations to the stunning Long Canyon...7 miles long.... |
 |
| At the end of Long Canyon the vista once again opens up with views across to Capitol Reef National Park... The colourful upturned layers of the Waterpocket Fold are very reminiscent of the Painted Desert in Arizona... Very quiet and peaceful and a good place for our lunchtime sandwich.... |
 |
| Of course he was saying "back a bit " !!!! |
 |
| We met a lovely young couple from NZ travelling with their two daughters on a 3 month "walk about".... |
 |
| The paved road will end in 3 or 4 miles so we head back through Long Canyon.... |
 |
| Something that has been intriguing us is why there are dark vertical striping on some of the canyon walls....we learn that it is called Desert Varnish and all to do with microbes, oxidised iron and manganese reacting with humid and arid conditions....I could go on but don't want to send you to sleep but scientists do believe that desert varnish may exist on Mars !! Dave should you need further info to educate Jim let us know !!! |
 |
| Looking down as we drive back up through the steep switchback climb to the lower slopes of Boulder Mountain... |
 |
| We plan to return another day and hike the Gulch trail.... For now it's the long but scenic journey home.... Until the next post... The Exulted Campers.... |
Hi Sue & Michael,
ReplyDeleteAs usual great pics.
I was able to spot Wally/Waldo,but a black and white striped jumper would have made it easier.
Thanks for the info on Desert Varnish, if I need more info to impress Jim will be in touch.
At last lovely sunny day,and warmer (Wednesday) however forecast for weekend WET WET WET.(I could start singing now)
Must get my Fit Bit on and take advantage of the weather.
Enjoy .
Cheers,
Ann & Dave
Can you play Love Is All Around yet on the ukulele !!!
ReplyDeleteHope it wasn't too wet though....
M & S x