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.
Thursday April 6th– We leave this BLM primitive camping area near Goblin State Park as early as we can, as we have hopes of getting an electric site at the Green River State Park.
Primitive BLM camping in central Utah
As we traveled yesterday, we discussed the need to do TAXES, and for that good power and internet are necessary. We arrive at Green River by 10:00, but there are only limited sites available and none with electricity. We pick a spot with no hookups on an outside loop; cell service is decent here and we hope for enough sun on the solar panels to keep laptops charged. Seems very civilized here compared to where we were last night.
Civilized camping at Green River State Park in central Utah
Across the road from us is a golf course with lawns and trees, pleasant and peaceful. We are positioned so Terry provides privacy from other campers; we feel quite fortunate to have gotten this spot at such a busy campground. The temperature is mild, so the herbs go outside for the afternoon and I play cello. In the evening I do some photo editing and stay up too late even though I’m tired from all the travel of the last few days.
Trees across the road from our campsite at Green River SP
Friday April 7this our TAX day. We start right after breakfast, work steadily, and are done in time to get to the post office before closing to mail the completed forms. Hooray!!! Send birthday cards to a couple family members, also. In the evening Clifford has a call with with his brothers. It was a very productive day.
Saturday April 8th – Good hot showers at this state park, which I thoroughly enjoy. When Becka calls, we have a conversation about ways to clear energy and promote healing. When life throws curved balls, as it often does, it helps to be able to talk and share what we have learned.
Clifford and I continue to work on CI accounting, getting current with 2016 and starting 2017. I take care of getting our personal accounting up to date before posting a blog, editing photos, finishing a chapter I am editing, and sending agent information to Ang from the research I have done. She is actually able to call me, which rarely happens living off-grid as she does, and we have a conversation about solar power, a topic she is very familiar with. She has ideas about improving our situation – it sure would be great for laptops to stay charged, even on cloudy days.
Desert blossoms
Sunday April 9th– I am missing the running I was doing while we were camped at Virgin River, so run from the campground down to the Green River, which flows along the boundary of the golf course and the state park. It is not as interesting as the trail at the Virgin River, but good to be running anyway.
Clifford and I do a couple more months of CI accounting and then go for a drive to Fossil Point, named for the dinosaur fossils that have been found here. Clifford actually found a few fossils imbedded in the rocks. I didn’t find any, but I picked up some small pretty stones to send to Becka.
Colorful mesa at Fossil Point. Notice the tiny Suburban in the photo.A rock formation at Fossil PointA body of water near Fossil Point
In the evening, more editing and blog writing for me, while Clifford continues the in-depth weather studies that he has been involved with the last couple of weeks.
Wednesday, April 5th – Only 19 degrees this morning… brrr! We start packing as soon as Clifford gets up and are ready to leave by 10:15, but the electric brakes are not working. The Suburban starts, however, and we are glad for that.
We are ready to leave our campground at Bryce Canyon
We stop at the Sinclair station in Bryce Canyon City for gas, and while we are there, I ask the mechanic if he has time to take a quick look at the electric brakes. He does have time; it needs a new plug and he has one in stock, hooray, and we are soon on our way with everything working.
On our way; formations can be seen from outside the Park.Rich-colored mesas are seen as we head north
The drive is very scenic and I am so glad the electric brakes are working, as there are many steep ups and even steeper downs… almost makes Lookout Pass on the Montana/Idaho border feel like a stroll in the park.
Steep down and a curve, like a roller-coaster
We stop at the small town of Escalante to check out the post office, as we plan to camp a couple weeks at the Calf Creek BLM Recreation Area about 10 miles down the road. There is a Wells Fargo here and I get fresh spinach at the little organic food store next door. Nice little town.
As we approach our intended destination, I am excited about the gorgeous red rock cliffs that surround us, thinking this will be a great place to camp, but when we get there, the campground is full. We are disappointed, but continue on, with Capitol Reef National Park being our next destination. We head on up and over Boulder Mountain…. lots of snow, but fortunately the highway is clear.
Heading up Boulder Mountain, UtahSnow on Boulder Mountain, UtahNear the top of Boulder Mountain, UtahView from Boulder Mountain
It is quite steep in spots, but very scenic, as we are paralleling the formations of Capitol Reef, with the snow-capped Henry Mountains on the far side of the park.
Rock formations of Capitol Reef National Park seen in the distance with Henry Mountains in the backgroundDown from Boulder MountainScenic drive toward Capitol Reef NPHeading toward Capitol Reef NP
When we finally arrive at Capitol Reef NP, I am super-disappointed that the one little campground here is full.
On to Hanksville for gas, an odd place with the station being built right into the cliff.
Utah formations
It is getting late in the afternoon and the next destination is Goblin State Park. The landscape is less colorful here, having left the red rock formations behind, but there are still impressive formations.
Utah formations
We have heard that Goblin SP is unique. However, it is also pricey, seeing as how we are getting in too late to take advantage of the hikes. After we leave the highway, we see a BLM dispersed camping area and decide this makes more sense for us tonight.
As we begin to situate ourselves on a bluff, a young man comes up from where he is parked nearby.
A spot on a bluff overlooking a ravine near Goblin State Park
He is quite friendly and hangs out chatting. After a bit, I get a campfire going while we continue to chat and eventually I invite him to have dinner with us – nachos at the campfire.
Campfire for warmth as we share stories and a meal with the neighbor
He usually travels by sailboat and is new at land-based camping. He enjoys meeting people and is eager to learn, so we stay up quite late talking until he finally wends his way back down the hill to his own spot. After so many miles on the road, Clifford and I are ready to call it a day. I put out the campfire and we head to bed.
Sunday April 2nd – In the morning here at Bryce Canyon, we are happy to see at least partial sun today. After breakfast, we take care of some bookkeeping business, then put tar on the seam of the roof, and hopefully this will take care of the leak over the table. In the warmest part of the afternoon, with the solar panel hooked to the Suburban battery, the vehicle starts and Clifford drives it to the auto repair shop in Bryce Canyon City to drop it off. He rides his bicycle back to camp, making use of the great bike trail here.
After he gets back, we go for a hike on the Rim Trail to Sunrise Point.
Walking the Rim Trail to Sunrise PointRim Trail to Sunrise PointSpires at Sunrise Point
It is a lovely day for a hike, except the melting snow has caused the trail to become exceedingly muddy. Back at camp, after a couple of brief calls, I work on the next blog and do some editing for one of my authors.
Monday April 3rd – There is snow on and off all day. I walk down to the entry station to pay for a couple more days and over to the Visitors’ Center to mail a postcard to friends. Then I hike to the Rim Trail, but it is so muddy, worse than yesterday, that I don’t go far.
Snow “off” at the junction of the campground and the Rim TrailSnow “on” again, making the trail even muddier, since it melts as it reaches the ground
We hear back from the auto shop; the Suburban needs needs a new fuel pump and a new starter. Whew, that is going to be a lot of money for us.
No solar today, but there is electricity in the restroom, so I take a chair, laptop, journal, and thermos of coffee, and get myself set up to write in my journal while my laptop charges. Good thing the restroom is clean. In the later afternoon, after the laptop is charged, I do quite a lot of research on book agents, learning what is needed to find an agent for Ang’s books. (Novels of Shannon series by Angela MacDonald.)
We have fried chicken and quinoa and veges for dinner, then more journal writing, as the laptop is done for the day.
Tuesday April 4this a rather chilly day. It is 18 degrees this morning and the high only reaches 38 degrees; mostly sunny, but a very chilly wind. So much for spring! Clifford rides his bike to Bryce Canyon City to pick up the Suburban and then, in spite of the chilly temperatures, we go for a drive to Inspiration Point. The light is better than the last time we were there. Even though it is chilly, I walk to other close-by viewpoints to get slightly different angles of the canyon formations. We then to back to Bryce Canyon City to treat ourselves to a late lunch at Ruby’s Inn. This is our last opportunity to do so, since we will be leaving tomorrow.
Inspiration Point, looking southInspiration Point, looking north
We stop at Fairyland Point on our way back to camp, since we have not been there yet.
Formations at Fairyland Point
For the rest of the day it is great to be inside out of the chilly wind. With the sun shining, the laptop is charged and I get lots done: editing, blog writing, and email. A couple of my kids called; always good to talk to them. It was a busy and interesting day, in spite of what the weather is doing.
Saturday April 1st we wake up to six inches of new snow, which I think is very exciting!
Six inches of new snow at Bryce Canyon
This morning I hike to the Rim Trail from our loop, thinking there is a trail all the way to the rim, but if there is, it is soon obscured by the new snow and I am doing a steep cross-country hike to get to the rim. I probably won’t do that again, but at least I get to see a different part of the Rim Trail.
Rim Trail toward FairylandFormations seen from the Rim TrailFormation along the Rim TrailFormations along the Rim TrailOverlooking the canyonSpire seen from the Rim TrailFormations along the Rim Trail
I was especially pleased to find an arch, with views to the canyon beyond.
A view through an archA different angle and a different view through the arch along the Rim Trial
Returning to camp, I hike toward the section of the Rim Trail that I am familiar with, as I know it will be a safer way to way back to camp.
The junction of the campground trail and the Rim Trail – I have been here before!
After I get back, we both walk over to the Visitors’ Center to look at maps, considering whether or not we will try to go backpacking overnight, but it does not seem likely, given the snow and chilly temps.
Although the Suburban wouldn’t start this morning, it does start in the afternoon, so we go to Bryce Canyon City for propane and then drive the scenic road, finding that it is closed at the halfway point. We won’t get to see the furthest view points, but do stop for photos on the way back to camp.
Inspiration Point – looking south with snow still seen on this northern exposureInspiration Point looking north: the snow is nearly gone from the southern exposure on The Silent City Amphitheater
Once there, since the sun is shining, we sit out for a bit. Too chilly for cello, however, and soon to chilly for us.
Friday March 31st – Snow and sleet off and on all day, with the high being only in the mid-30’s.
Snowy morning at North Campground
For this whole trip, while much of the nation, including where my kids and siblings live, has been overwhelmed with snow, on our travels we have had none. Until now!
This morning I go to the Rim Trail, hike to Sunset Point and then on to Sunrise Point, which is another half mile. I was mesmerized by the snow, almost mist-like, falling on the formations in the canyon.
Living on the Rim (Trail)View where the trail from the campground joins the Rim TrailSnowy morning on the Rim TrailSnowy view from Sunrise PointHiking on the Rim TrailHiking on the Rim TrailHiking on the Rim Trail – close up of the formationView from Sunset PointMisty snow in the canyonSnowing on the trail as I hike back to campNearing the junction to the campgroundOld tree at Bryce Canyon
I sure was hungry by time I got back to camp. Memo to self: be sure to take a snack of some sort in the camera bag when going on a photo outing before breakfast.
After breakfast we planned to go for the scenic drive the length of the park and stop at other view points that we have not yet seen. However, the Suburban won’t start, which is a great disappointment to us, as we thought that it had been fixed. So, it is a stay-at-home day. Clifford does his studying and research while I download my camera and do some editing. Talk to my daughter Becka when she calls on her way home from school. It is a productive day, in spite of the Suburban issues.
Wednesday March 29th– a bit cooler this morning (24 degrees) being here at Bryce Canyon, further north and high higher elevation that we have been. I hike to the Rim Trail from the campground and am delighted to see the rock formations.
Rim Trail junction with North Campground
While it is tempting to hike the trail toward Sunrise Point, I resist and head back to camp, as we plan to go to Bryce Canyon City, about three miles away, to do laundry this morning. However, the Suburban won’t start! So, we scratch the laundromat plan and get on with other activities, waiting for the day to warm up.
In the afternoon, the Suburban starts and we drive to the auto repair shop in Bryce Canyon City. It is very fortunate that a small town like this has an auto repair shop and they also have a fuel filter in stock, which the mechanic thinks is the problem. So we walk across the highway way to Ruby’s Inn, which has everything from food, to camping supplies, to a rather well-stocked gift store. We get snacks and sit in the outdoor seating area to wait for the Suburban to be fixed.
After we pick the Suburban up, we decide to head on to see other view points, going to Paria, Bryce, and Inspiration Points. Each one is quite awesome.
First stop – Paria Point (I think – we were confused about where we were before we got there, let along after I review photos days later!)Moving along the rim to take photos, I’m not always sure where I am, but I think this is closest to Bryce PointClose-upInspiration PointInspiration Point
Back at camp, I do some editing and post a blog. Turned out to be a good fun day.
Thursday March 30th – This morning I get up a little earlier and make it up to the Rim Trail right at sunrise and then hike the trail to Sunrise Point, about a half-mile further on.
Sunrise moment at the junction of the trail at North CampgroundView of the canyon walking the Rim Trail toward Sunrise PointView of the canyon at Sunrise PointClose-up taken at Sunrise PointFormation seen from the Rim Trail hiking back to North CampgroundFormation seen from the Rim Trail hiking back to North Campground
After breakfast we head to Bryce Canyon City, taking care of the laundry and browsing the Ruby Inn gift shop as the clothes wash and dry. Back at camp, I post another blog (someday I will get caught up!) and do more editing. Becka sends a text with the news of a huge fire under I-80 in Atlanta that has caused a portion of it to collapse. In talking to her later on the phone, that section of the interstate is one that she might have traveled to get home if she had not decided to meet a colleague after school for an adult beverage. Glad she is home safe and sound!
Tuesday March 28th – We are up at 8:00 a.m., finish packing and are on our way by 12:30, leaving the Virgin River Canyon BLM Campground. Once again, the Suburban is reluctant to start. Hmmm…..
As we head north on I-15, we begin to see snow on the mountain peaks around us.
First signs of snow as we head north
I am excited to see it, but hoping the road over/through the mountain is clear! North of Cedar City, we turn east on state highway 20, and as we wind our way east through the mountain, the snow creeps down the slopes and right up to the highway.
Snow creeps down to the highwaySnow surrounds us
As we descend, reaching highway 89, we head south and out of the snow. Highway 12 takes us east through the Red Rock Canyon, aptly named, and onto Bryce Canyon National Park.
Red Rock CanyonTunnel at Red Rock CanyonApproaching Bryce Canyon
We drive around the campground and find a spot that is suitable for our needs. It is not on an outside loop, which I always prefer, but we have a big front yard and a wonderful tall ponderosa pine right at the door.
Campsite at Bryce CanyonBig front yard and tall ponderosa
We get set up and then head over to the Visitors’ Center – lots of maps, as well as the usual gift shop items. Then we drive out to the two nearest points: Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, both of which are quite spectacular.
Sunrise PointSunrise PointClose-up at Sunrise PointAmphithreatre at Sunset PointColumns at Sunset Point
The wind is fierce and chilly, however, so back at camp, we are especially grateful for our cozy home where we can be comfortable out of the wind.
Later, I work on the next blog until the laptop runs out of battery. Clifford is studying one of his many scientific books, always learning something in preparation for new testing.
We are glad be here at Bryce Canyon, and tomorrow will be a day of exploring; tonight is dinner, cleanup, and off to bed.
Thursday March 23rd– Clouds today with rain off and on, wind coming and going. Tea with David and Glen, but since Clifford is fussing with the solar panel, which is not working, we all end up at our place, watching Clifford and offering suggestions. Eventually the right connections are made and the solar panel is on track again.
Rainy view of Virgin River Canyon
I extend an invitation for us all to have dinner together, since David will be leaving tomorrow. We agree on a time and then proceed with the day’s activities. Clifford works with his visible light spectrometer; I edit and write blogs. In the later afternoon I run to the lower campground, hike back on the trail, and then get everything ready for nachos for dinner.
Somber light on the mesas
We meet at David’s place; he has a campfire going, Glen and another neighbor come over, and we have a good visit as we eat. I certainly have enjoyed the friendliness of the longer-term campers here.
Warmth of the evening sunlight on the mesasLast moments of lively light before sunset
Friday March 24th – I have tea with Glen this morning, sitting outside and enjoying the sunny morning. Clifford is too busy already to join us and David has left for California. The day’s activities are similar to yesterday with editing for me and Clifford working with the spectrometer.
Another gorgeous day with the mesa in the background and the Joshua tree that I visit on my run/hike every day.
While editing photos in the evening, my laptop battery goes dead; I must have ignored the warning beep. I am not at all comfortable with this forced shout-down… memo to self: pay attention to little beeps!
Saturday March 25th – I get up earlier this morning, but it is too overcast to see the rising of the sun, which I was hoping for. Make a campfire instead, intending to have my quiet time and journal writing, but Glen comes over. Guess he is a bit lonely, especially now that his buddy David is gone.
View of the Virgin river on my run this overcast dayJoshua tree on the ridge above me
In the afternoon, the sky clears enough to get some light on the solar panels and charge my laptop, finding, fortunately, that the forced shut-down did not cause any damage to any files.
Some clearing in the later afternoon
Sunday March 26th– Have a nice visit with the couple who came in late last night, parking in the spot next to us. Then Clifford and I get ready to head to St. George for supplies and errands, since we will be leaving Virgin River on Tuesday and won’t want to take time for errands. The Suburban is very reluctant starting – not sure what that is about… On to St. George, run our errands and get back in time to put food and sundries away, go for a run, and then start dinner. I have invited Glen to join us, since he will be leaving tomorrow. Start cooking fried chicken, rice, and veges inside, but finish cooking over a campfire so we can sit at the picnic table and enjoy the evening here at this great location – one of my most favorite.
Monday March 27th – The weather is quite a mix today, moving from cloudy to clearing, cloudy and windy, rain, calm, and then cold wind.
Clearing – for the moment
Good day to stay inside and take care of business, since we might not have internet (hotspot via cell service) at our next campground. Check email, download new documents to edit, upload those that are complete, post the next blog, and so on. Today I run the full loop of this campground rather than running to the lower campground, pausing to visit with neighbors on the way, saying good-bye to those we have met.
Overcast on the run todayOvercast soon replaced by real cumulus clouds
We look forward to spending time here next fall on our way south.
Monday March 20th – Today we go to St. George, across the state line in Utah, for errands and supplies. It is a very windy day and we when get back to camp, our awning has blown down. We don’t bother to put it back up, as it is still too windy and the forecast is for cooler weather, so we won’t be needing it so much.
Our campsite at Virgin River – before the wind blows the awning down
Glad to be back out at camp, chatting with Becka when she calls, and seeing a cell video from Ang showing melting snow creating a small river down her driveway. I love hearing from my kids!
Tuesday March 21st– This morning on my way back from my morning walk, the neighbor Glen invites me over for coffee; we wave David over to join us and I go see if Clifford wants to come over, also. What fun! In the afternoon, we meet a couple who pull into the spot next to us for a view of the canyon, but noticing Clifford’s ham antenna gets a conversation started. We chat for about an hour like we have been friends forever. After exchanging contact information, they head on their way home to St. George. Maybe we’ll see them again – who knows?
Our campsite at Virgin River BLM Campground
My son Fin, who lives in China, has just successfully run a marathon! That is an inspiration to all of us, and in talking to Becka this afternoon, (she also runs regularly), she encourages me to start running. So, in the late afternoon I run, rather than walk down the road to the lower campground. Even downhill, it is tiring, and I end up fast-walking much of the way. From the lower campground I hike on down to the river, catching light on the mesa to the east as I go, returning to our campsite on the below the rim trail.
Early evening run/walkHeading down to the riverRiver bottom
I check the sunrise photo contest on FB: quite a few people have responded, but no clear winner yet.
Wednesday March 22nd– Coffee with Glen and David again this morning. I am noticing a pattern of calm in the morning and increasing wind in the afternoon, so today I take the cello out earlier and have a good playing session before the wind comes up.
There are some real clouds today. I run down to the lower campground, making it a bit further than yesterday before running becomes fast-walking and hike down to the river again,
Heading down to the riverThe Virgin River Canyon
…and back to camp on the below the rim trail. I really like this private quiet trail surrounded by the great walls of the Virgin River Canyon and all the desert vegetation.
Joshua tree on the below the rim trailReturning to camp on the below the rim trail
Back at camp, I do some book editing and download my camera. Always fun to take a look at the newest round of photos. I post the winning sunset photos on FB, happy that so many people voted.
In the evening the wind increases and rain obscures views of the mesas to the east.
Evening rain obscures views of the mesas
We watch a western movie segment on our little DVD player while we eat dinner.
Sure enjoying our time here at Virgin River Campground.
