Sunday October 15, 2017 – It is a beautiful autumn day in Wallace, Idaho, and a bittersweet walkabout taking photos of the gorgeous colors, knowing that we will soon be leaving this behind.
Autumn colors in Wallace, Idaho
Tuesday – Clifford and I pick up the Uhaul truck, a 26-footer, in Couer d Alene this morning. The day is devoted to loading the truck, first CI boxes and furniture, and then apartment and basement stuff. We are lucky that the forecast rain has held off for most of the day. By late afternoon, the loading continues in the rain.
Rain in the afternoon
Wednesday – Packed to the hilt, the Uhaul truck left Wallace first thing this morning. We hired Mike, someone we trust, to drive it to Monticello, Utah, and take care of unloading, while Clifford and I follow behind in the Suburban towing Terry (our camper) at a much slower pace.
Whatever remains in the apartment is packed in Terry or the Suburban and we are on our way by late afternoon. We stop at the Wallace Coffee House to say good-bye to Katie and the boys, and then we are on our way to Alberton.
Saying good-bye to Katie and the boys
It is a beautiful drive with the western larch turning golden. However, due to the lateness of the day and the rain, taking photos through the tinted windows of a moving vehicle is not very successful.
Rainy drive over Lookout Pass
Arriving in Alberton, we set up in the parking lot across from the bar. I am happy to see Ang and Oden, as they are in Alberton for play practice. We visit awhile and after they leave, Clifford and I eat a simple dinner before heading to bed.
Thursday – It is a pretty autumn morning here in this mountain valley. After Merri texts me that she is up, I walk to her house to visit and have tea with her before she heads to her job. She gives me a ride as far as Ang’s road. Ang picks me up and we go up to her place where she shows me the progress she has made on the greenhouse.
Looking good in the cabinThe last little chicken, queen of the greenhouse, eats out of Ang’s hand,
Back in Alberton, Ang, Clifford and I head over the River’s Edge for lunch together. I will miss being close enough to regularly visit my daughters.
Petty Creek drive
Going to Missoula Walmart for tires for Terry is a waste of time, since once there, they inform us that they are too busy to do it. Back on I-90, we head southeast toward Butte, watching the autumn scenery,
Autumn colors in southwest MontanaSnow in the mountains of southwest Montana
stopping at the rest area near the junction with Highway 1 for the night. After dinner, we both read until bedtime.
Friday – It is windy and chilly this morning. Clifford takes a shower and we discover that some of our clothes are wet from rain leakage. Bah humbug.
View from the rest stop at the junction to Highway 1
We have stayed in touch with Mike and his son, who are on their way back to Wallace after unloading and dropping off the Uhaul truck in Monticello. Our paths will cross today in Dillon, Montana, where we plan to stop for lunch. It is fun to meet up with them and chat about our journeys.
Leaving Dillon, we run into rain and then quite the sleet storm as we head up Monida Pass.
Rain south of DillonThe approaching sleet storm
On the Idaho side of the pass, the sleet eases with only occasional rain showers.
Entering southern Idaho
The wind, however, is much more troublesome. We are relieved to reach Idaho Falls where we pull off at Walmart for new tires for Terry. We spend the night in the parking lot, as do other RV travelers. It is likely that the wind has encouraged many to pull in early this evening.
Saturday – Clifford takes a shower while I visit Walmart, and soon we are on our way. On I-15, on the outskirts of Idaho Falls, an overturned camper blocks one lane of traffic. This is both sad and disturbing, and I can’t help but wonder if a gust of wind caused this accident. At Pocotello we exit looking for Denny’s for brunch, but end up driving in circles until we give up on the idea. A box of cheez-its becomes our brunch instead. In retrospect, cheese and apple slices may have been a better idea had we known we wouldn’t be able to stop for a meal.
Nearing the Utah borderSouthern Idaho scenery
A favorite rest area just north of the Utah borderUtah, here we are
The drive continues until we reach Perry, Utah, just south of Brigham City. We find the Walmart there, glad the day’s drive is done. A colorful sunset brightens the last moments of the day.
The view from Walmart parking lot
After dinner, we both stay up reading until midnight.
Sunday – Today we leave Perry and drive through the Salt Lake City complex, no mishaps, stopping at Cracker Barrel in Springville for a late lunch, happy that that leg of the journey is behind us. Once we turn onto Highway 6, we are amazed by the continuous parade of traffic, including many RV’s, heading north toward Salt Lake City. Hundreds of people are returning home after a weekend of camping in the National Parks to the south.
Northern Utah scenery
What a relief to reach Price and get off that busy highway, finding a spot to set up in the back parking lot of Walmart. Another colorful sunset brings the day to an end.
Another sunset from a Walmart parking lot
We fix a simple dinner and read until late. I finish “Coyote Waiting,” …just in time, as tomorrow we will arrive in Monticello.
Monday – There is not nearly so much traffic this morning, which makes driving a little less stressful.
Southern Utah scenery
Once we reach Moab, we stop for a few groceries at City Market as we know that they carry a line of organic food.
Autumn colors in Moab
And finally the last leg of the journey, the 50 scenic miles from Moab to Monticello, arriving in mid-afternoon.
Autumn colors are we near Monticello
Robert, the realtor comes by with the keys and we enter our new abode and a new chapter of our lives.
Tuesday May 9th is our last morning at Drinks Canyon Campground. I go down to the Colorado River first thing to say my good-byes to the river, the cliffs, the trees, and the sky. Back at camp, Clifford is up; we finish packing and are on the road by 10:15 a.m.
Saying good-bye to the river and the red cliffs
We head north, our first stop being Price, Utah. We had considered spending the night in the Walmart parking lot, but instead, being early afternoon, we buy one new tire for Terry (our camper) and continue northward. The route takes us through very scenic canyon and mountain country of north-central Utah, with lots of steep ups and downs and curves.
Curving roads through the canyons of central to northern Utah
We arrive in Provo, Utah, around 5:00 in the afternoon and head for the Walmart there, per the address that we have in the GPS.
We seem to be heading the wrong direction on University Avenue, a main thoroughfare through Provo, so get turned around, wrangling through construction on the side streets. Back on University Avenue, just as we head over a very long overpass, one of Terry’s tires flies off, the underpinning of the axle (whatever that is called) drags the pavement. We can’t stop, as it is rush hour traffic and no shoulder. We pull off into a vacant lot at the end of the overpass, in a serious quandary what to do. It was the new tire that came off, the hub is obviously damaged, and the underpinning is digging into the ground.
How to retrieve the tire during rush hour on this main street is our first dilemma. Just then a fellow in a pickup pulls up and he has our tire in the back of his truck. Whew – thank goodness! First step taken care of. There is a brake shop on the other side of the busy avenue, so we carefully make our way across and talk to the manager there. He can’t do anything to help us except that he points out a Les Schwab Tire Service just a block away and shows us how we can navigate underneath the overpass to avoid traveling on University Avenue. We walk to Les Schwab, arriving just in time to catch the manager before they close. Yes, he can fix our camper and we are welcome to camp in their parking lot. All we have to do is get there.
Back at our rig, we very very very slowly drag our way under the underpass and down quiet side streets until we arrive at the Les Schwab parking lot – home for the night with a great view of the snow-capped mountains to the east of the city.
View of the mountains from the Les Schwab parking lot – our home for the night
We have a lot to be grateful for right at this moment, as we settle down for the night.
Sunday May 7th is mostly sunny in the morning, but increasing clouds during the day. As well as the usual journal writing and editing, I also make potato salad in anticipation for having lunch with our friend, David, tomorrow.
In the later afternoon we drive to the Grandstaff Trailhead, formerly called Negro Bill Trail, just a few miles down the road. We only hike about a mile in, as it is too late in the day to do the whole trail. However, it is a very interesting and pretty canyon with the trail running right alongside a creek.
Creek hidden by boulders and willowsRed cliffs of Grandstaff CanyonSometimes golden, depending on the position of the lightThe creek along the trail as we continue further into the canyonInteresting rock sculptureMore creek along Grandstaff Trail
Carol by the creek
It is fun for both of us and it is good to get in a hike before we leave this area.
Clifford has his experiments going on in the kitchen, so I work outside on our picnic table until a big wind comes up, forcing me to head in. We have some of the potato salad for dinner, then tidy up and off to bed.
Monday May 8th is a town day in preparation for leaving the Moab area. We go to the laundromat, run errands, and pick up the supplies we will need for the next leg of the journey. David is unable to join us for our picnic lunch as planned; we are sorry to have not gotten together with him before our leaving. We go to the library to get caught up on emails and such. Becka calls, so she and I have a chance to visit before we head back up the canyon where there is no cell service.
Back at camp, we clean out the Suburban and get Clifford’s tubs all packed in the back, as well as packing up as much as I can inside Terry. I have greatly appreciated and will miss the great red cliffs here and the powerful Colorado River,
Last evening at Drinks Canyon Campground – view from our campsite
but I am not really sad to be leaving, as being camped so close to the highway with all the traffic has not really suited me well. It is said that variety is the spice of life… I guess some spices are just tastier than others!
Wednesday May 3rd – I go down to the river first thing, as I am so enchanted with the beauty and power of this flowing water.
Colorado River in the morning on a blue-sky day
I sit for awhile, and back at camp I build a little campfire, make tea, and read Mary Oliver poems. I’m not that much into poetry, but I do like her poems, as her connection with nature resonates with me.
Globe Mallow are a cheery color in the campground
I prepare thermoses for our trip to town, thinking someone from Moab Chevy dealership will be coming to pick us up; we know that they replaced the fuel pump yesterday. Get other things ready to go – items to mail, laptop for a stop at the library, and so on. No word from Chevy, so play cello awhile, working on Franck and one of Ken’s pieces. As it turns out, we do not hear from Chevy all day, so no trip to town. Errands are not done, we miss our friend’s birthday celebration and miss the bluegrass outdoor concert. What I would have missed had we gone to town was the extraordinary color on the mesas this evening, which were thrilling to see.
The mesa right to the east of our campsite at evening lightRich color on the mesa to the north of us
Thursday May 4th– This morning I make a campfire first thing; it is really nice to be outdoors for journal writing.
Soft morning light on the river as seen through the oak grove at our campsite
Call from Chevy – our ride is on the way and I scarcely have time to get ready. Once at the Chevy dealer, there is a bit of a hassle getting NAPA warranty to cover the cost of the new part and labor, but finally things are worked out and we are free to run our errands. We have a late lunch at Eddie’s before heading back to camp. In the evening I take a few photos and journal a little, but I am tired and my eyes hurt, so earlier to bed tonight.
Shadows on the mesa to the south are emphasized at the last light of dayThe river is in shadow as the last light of day plays on the mesas to the north
Friday May 5th – I sit out for tea, journal and Mary Oliver this morning, but no campfire, as it is already getting warm. We are lucky that there is always some shade/diffused light on the picnic table, making it a pleasant place to be any time of the day. I do some editing today. We decide to forego the trip we had planned to Castle Valley because it is too hot to feel like going anywhere. We spend some time looking at the map, contemplating our return route. What with all the vehicle issues, we are behind on our schedule and our itinerary needs to reflect that, as we have to be back in Wallace before the end of May. Looks like I-15 straight north through Salt Lake City will be our best bet.
Our campsite at Drinks Canyon Campground along the Colorado River
Saturday May 6th – Clifford gets up at 5:00 a.m. (unheard of!), but comes back to bed at 6:00 a.m., waking me up, so I get up, visit the river, make tea, and sit out to write in journal.
Early morning light on the mesa to the west, while the river is still in shadow
After Clifford gets up again, we get ready to head to Moab, as he has a business call, which gives me time to work on my projects at the library, mostly emails today. We make arrangements to meet our friend David on Monday, as we will be leaving on Tuesday. It is raining in Moab as we head south to see LaSal, a small town in the foothills of the great LaSal Mountains. Out of Moab a ways, it is very windy, but blowing sand and dust rather than rain. Once there, we know that this little town will not work for the CI lab for several reasons, but good to have checked it out. Back at camp, late afternoon naps are in order, and then I stay up too late editing photos and reading!
Monday May 1st – We go to Moab this morning, run a few errands, and then take the Suburban to the Chevy dealership. We wait around there until more diagnosis is done; it is decided that the fuel pump that was installed at Bryce Canyon City is faulty and needs to be replaced. Then they give us a ride back to camp.
In the afternoon, I play cello outside until our friend, David, and his daughter come out to see us. Nice to have visitors.
Aubrey at the riverAubrey at the river
Later, I head back down to the river – every day the light and quality of the sky is different, and today the sky is especially dazzling. I never tire of taking photos of the ever-changing beauty that surrounds us.
Colorado River Canyon with blue sky in the backgroundColorado River Canyon with blue sky in the backgroundColorado River Canyon in shadow
Tuesday May 2nd– this morning I make a small campfire and sit outside to write in my journal and read poems from the collection “Thirst” by Mary Oliver. Her connection to nature is so like my own. A light rain puts an end to the writing, so I go on down to the river, thinking of my mom who is no longer here and my kids who seem so far away. The sky is grey, not a good time for river photos.
Back at camp, as the sun comes out, I write some more and play cello on the protected side of Terry, out of the breeze. Then down to the river again for photos with the now-blue sky in the background.
The grey sky of morning as given way to blue sky this afternoonRather odd flat “clouds” rise above the mesasI like the shape of the tree against the sky
Clifford received a message from NAPA saying that they will not honor the warranty on the fuel pump purchased from them in Bryce Canyon City. Oh, I am getting tired of the ongoing hassle with our vehicle, but at least it runs good once it starts…….
Wednesday April 26th – I take photos of the mesas at sunrise,
Morning light on the mesa
say good-bye to the young couple who spent the night camped next to us, then run through the campground before taking the path down to the Colorado River. So soul-nourishing to just sit by the river.
Sitting by the river
Back at camp, I do some editing and then sit outside to write in my journal and play cello.
Drinks Canyon Cello
Clifford spent most of the day fussing with his radios and antennas, getting things working. We have chili for dinner and end the day reading “My Grandfather’s Blessings.”
Thursday morningwe take the Suburban into the auto repair shop, but they can’t diagnose it, since it starts there just fine. As we get ready to leave, it doesn’t start, so we wait around while they replace a part that could be the problem. It is no surprise to me when it doesn’t start as we are preparing to leave. We head on over to the Chevy dealership and make arrangements to bring it to them tomorrow morning.
Colorado River from the bridge at Lion’s Park where we stop to get water
Back at camp, it is much too windy to take the cello out, even too windy to feel like going out for evening photos.
Friday morning weleave early for the Chevy dealership. They have a decent place to sit and wifi, so I post a blog and take care of email while Clifford studies. We walk to Eddie McStiff’s to have lunch with our friend, David. From the parking lot, I take a photo of a few flakes of snow, almost mist-like blowing in from the west; we are hearing of 6” or more in places where family and friends live in Montana and Colorado. Winter is hanging on.
The Chevy dealership diagnoses potential problems and replaces the fuel pump regulator, which we discover later, did NOT fix the problem, as the Suburban won’t start once it is turned off. Bah humbug, and we are still having to use starter fluid.
Odd cloud seen as we drive back to camp
Back at camp, we have a light dinner and I finish reading “My Grandfather’s Blessings.”
Saturday morning we head back to Moab to the Chevy dealership, as we cannot call them from camp. Plans are made to bring it back on Monday and leave it. We go to the antique car show at the city park, planning to meet friends there. Lots of nifty old cars, but after an hour walking about in the chilly wind, our friends have not arrived, so we go on to the library to take care of business. Seems the Verizon tower is being repaired, so most of our messages are not getting through to each other about what is going on. Nobody’s fault, but really frustrating. Back at camp, after a light dinner, I take photos of the mesas at sunset.
Colorado River at sunset
Sunday morning is sunny, so I make tea and sit outside to write in my journal before going for a run to the lower campground.
Our campsite at Drinks Canyon CampgroundMake tea and sit outside to write in journal
From there, I decide to see if I can find a trail up the draw between the mesas on the other side of the highway. The trail is a bit sketchy, but I hike a ways in and find a nice boulder beside the creek where I can sit quietly for a bit. It is really a sweet place and I’m hoping Clifford will hike with me here before we leave.
Hiking up a little creek coming down a draw between mesasMesas on every side of meDelightful Indian Paintbrush
Back at camp, it is warm enough to play cello outside before dinner. Clifford has gotten his science instruments out and has been studying the composition of various oils, which ties into his research. Nice to have a day at camp.
Tuesday April 25th – we are up by 7:15 and leave Horsethief Campground at 8:45, which is the fastest we have ever gotten out, except for overnight stays. No breakfast or showers, but we can do that later. The Suburban needs starter fluid to start, but we are getting used to that, and off we go, heading to Big Bend Campground on Highway 28 along the Colorado River outside of Moab.
We see a few open sites in campgrounds prior to Big Bend, which is encouraging, but we would like to camp at Big Bend, as it is a little further off the highway with great access to the river. However, no such luck, as when we get there, it is full. Maybe someone could still be in a leaving mode, but not likely, so we head back downriver, pulling into Drinks Canyon CG. The sites we saw open here just moments ago are already taken. As we are heading out, someone pulls out of a campsite; the site appears totally vacant and the stub on the post indicates leaving 4/25, which is today, so we assume it is available and pull in, pay our fee for a week, and get minimally set up.
The campground is close to the highway, which I don’t care for, but our spot is in an oak grove and I can see the river below and we are surrounded by the great red cliffs of the Colorado River Canyon. Terry (our RV) is right alongside the dirt road, but provides privacy from the traffic going by on the road and the highway.
View of the Colorado River through our oak grove
We head to Moab, as we have packages to pick up at the post office and then to the library for free wifi, power, and a table to sit at while taking care of business. We also go to an auto repair shop in Moab, but they don’t have time to look at the Suburban today.
We head back to our campsite, a very scenic drive up the canyon, and finish setting up: solar, antennas, and so on.
Back at camp, we finish setting up
About then a huge wind comes ripping through the canyon and everything that is not solid blows away, including someone’s tent that almost ends up in the river. This lasts about an hour and then it is calm enough that I take the cello out and play for a bit.
Later, while Clifford is getting his ham radios working, I go for a walk, seeking views of the river and trails where I can run. I find one trail down to the river, but no good places to run.
I find a trail down to the river
In the early evening, a young couple shows up, claiming they paid for this site, but since the ticket was filled out wrong, we honestly thought it was available. Long story short – we offer for them to park next to us, and use the campfire ring and picnic table if they want. They are satisfied with the arrangement and go off for more adventures, returning late to set up their tent for the night.
In the meantime, in the minutes before sunset, I take photos in every direction, enchanted with the beautiful colors of the mesas at the last light of day.
Evening light on the mesa to the southMesa to the southMesa to the eastLess than 15 minutes later, the light has changed and the mesa sports a much more dramatic colorMesa to the north at last light of day
After the sun sets, we have dinner and I read “My Grandfather’s Blessings” to end my day. Although I miss the quiet of Horsethief, we are fortunate to have found a spot along the river, and I fall asleep listening to the murmur of the powerful Colorado flowing by.
April 16th is Easter Sunday and as I go for a morning run on the Chisholm Trail at Horsethief Campground, I think about the significance of that and what it has meant to me over the years. Thoughts to ponder.
Morning run on the Chisholm Trail
Clifford suggests taking a day off from his studies and going sight-seeing in nearby Canyonland National Park – Hooray! What a great place to spend Easter Sunday!
Such diversity as we head to Canyonland National Park! Notice snow-capped peaks in the far background
After stopping at the Visitors’ Center for water, we continue on to Grandview Point and hike the trail along the rim. From this vantage point, one can see far into the canyons below and see the rugged outlines of the even deeper channels carved by rivers over eons of time.
Great mesas of Canyonland National ParkLooking down into the river-carved canyonsAlong the trail at Grandview PointClifford on the trail ahead of meOn the rim trail at Grandview Point
From here we retrace our route and stop at the Orange Cliffs viewpoint for a short hike along the rim here.
Rim trail at Orange Cliffs viewpointLife at the Orange Cliffs
Then onto Upheaval Dome. We had a picnic here last October, but I was sick and couldn’t do the hike to view the dome. But today is a great day for it and we hike the half mile or so to the first overview and then continue on upward on a rather sketchy trail to a viewpoint further along the caldera rim. The cause of the dome is not certain, but it is certainly unusual and scenic.
Kiosk at Upheaval DomeOverview of Upheaval Dome from the trailClose-up of the unusual formation in the center of the domeCairns are essential to find one’s way on these “trails”The rather sketchy trail ahead of me – Clifford is up there somewhereCarol and Clifford together at a windy highpointIn this stark landscape, the bright rich color of Indian Paintbrush is especially enchanting
Upon our return to the parking/picnic area, we are fortunate to find an available picnic table for our lunch. After we enjoy a little repast, we drive back to our campsite, but since this is such a good day to explore, we head out again. We drive to Mineral Bottom Road, which somewhat parallels the Mineral Point Road that we explored a few days ago. This road appears to go all the way to the Colorado River, and although we don’t go out that far, we go far enough to see some new country and find ourselves, once again, on roads that are nothing but jeep trails in the wilderness.
This is NOT the sketchy part of the drive – LOLSeeing new country
Back at camp, while Clifford naps, I make a campfire and enjoy the last moments of a day spent in nature, appreciating the beauty and diversity that surrounds us.
A campfire in the evening finishes out this special day
Tuesday April 11th is a travel day, as we are leaving Green River, Utah, and heading to Horsethief BLM Campground near Canyonland National Park, about a 60-mile drive. We are surprised to see how full it is here on a Tuesday morning and it is only on the far end of the last loop that we find a spot that will work for us. Terry is close to the road, but provides privacy within the site. Juniper trees offer a sweet zen-like space to relax, and the trailhead to nearby trails is right beside our campsite.
Camped at Horsethief BLM Campground
After getting set up, I do some editing and write a blog while Clifford sets up his ham radio gear and antennas. It is too breezy for cello today, but other than that, it is a good full day and we are happy to be here for a couple of weeks.
Wednesday April 12th – I explore the trail nearest to our end of the campground. This will be a great place to go for a run, as it is both peaceful and scenic, making it a good way to start the day.
Rowdy Trail
Today is an errand day and we head to Moab, about 25 miles away, to take care of business. Free wifi at the Information Center allows for email and blog-posting. Errands include getting a new battery for Terry, as well as groceries and sundries, before going to lunch at the Moab Brewery (recommended if you are ever in Moab). We see from a poster that there is a bluegrass band performing outdoors this evening, so we stay in Moab and go to the performance. The band was quite good and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to them play. It was dark by time we drove back to camp, so no photos and no cello today.
Thursday April 13th is a very windy day. I go for a run on the Rowdy Trail and then sit outside with a cup of tea, feeling the sun and the wind, while focusing on the feel of the cup in my hands as a meditation. Too windy to be out long, so no cello (again!), but enough sun to keep laptop charged and I get quite a lot of editing and blog writing done. Good conversation with Becka when she calls.
Clifford is studying and doing experiments with biofilm, as this will be an important area of research.
Sunset at Horsethief
Friday April 14th– Running on the Rowdy Trail, I find a large outcropping of red rock that is a great place for quiet sitting. Back at camp, I call my daughter Merri to wish her happy birthday. Being mid-April and warmer temps, I pack up my winter coats and most of the hats, gloves, and scarves. In a small RV, space is at a premium, so it is good to get these bulky items packed away. Too windy to spend time outdoors, so I do a lot of editing today, while Clifford continues his studies.
Saturday April 15th– Lots going on at an international level: Missiles on Syria, bombs on Afghanistan, and serious North Korea issues – it is all absolutely crazy. Why can’t humans coexist peacefully?
Run on both the Rowdy and Wrangler trails today, taking time on my way back to sit on the outcropping of rock to send joyful thoughts and energy to all of my kids. We all could use more joy in our lives!
In the afternoon, with mild temperatures and only a slight breeze, the herbs go out to the picnic table and I play cello – hooray! Then we go for a drive on the Mineral Point Road beyond the campground, looking for dispersed camping areas.
Driving on Mineral Point RoadFrowning rock on Mineral Point RoadRock formations on Mineral Point Road
We find a spot about a mile out, so will keep that in mind as a backup if the campground is full at some future time. More exploring takes us out on sketchy roads, very scenic, but best left to jeeps!
Monday April 10th – we have decided to stay another day so as to explore the area a bit more. As we drive west on I-70, we talk about the battery situation, deciding to get better batteries, but not the expensive off-grid type that I was considering. Replacing Terry’s bent axle is a high priority and money will need to go to that.
Our first stop is the San Rafael Reef Viewpoint. From here one can see a portion of the 30-mile long sandstone barrier running north to south, cutting off east from west until 1970 when an opening was cut through the wall, allowing two lanes of traffic to pass through the San Rafael Reef and traverse the wild landscape of the San Rafael Swell to the west. As part of the growing interstate highway system, this was widened to four lanes in the mid-1980’s
San Rafael ReefSan Rafael ReefNotice I-70 cutting through the Reef
Our next stop is the Black Dragon Viewpoint where some of the great mesas of the San Rafael Swell are seen.
A very red-rock mesa to the left of us…A darker colored mesa to the right of usOverview of mesas
About 30 miles west of Green River, we take exit 131, which leads through a BLM dispersed camping area and several miles of gravel road to the San Rafael BLM Recreation Site along the San Rafael River.
Pausing to consider whether we want to go all the way to the San Rafael Recreation Site
It is an interesting area, but the campground and facilities are not being well-maintained and cows are trashing the area. After looking around, we have a picnic at a table under a big old oak tree. This could be a very scenic place to camp, but because of the condition of the campground, we will probably not come again.
Formations near the San Rafael Recreation Site campgroundFormations near the San Rafael Recreation Site campground
On our way back to Green River, we stop at the Spotted Wolf Viewpoint near the I-70 cut, but on the opposite side from our first stop at the San Rafael Reef Viewpoint.
Notice I-70 snaking through the cut in the Reef, this time looking eastHiking to the Spotted Wolf Viewpoint, a fellow-hiker and I took photos of each other
This is a very interesting area and well -deserving of more exploration time, but that will have to wait for another trip to the Southwest.
