Winter Journey – Canyonland NP – October 2016

Monday, October 17^th, the mild morning temperature turns cooler as the wind shifts from SW to NW.

Leaving Price, the wind does not hamper us, but once we reach I-70, it is problematic.

After getting gas at Green River, Utah, we decide to take a frontage road that parallels the highway, since we are having a hard time maintaining interstate speed. Turns out this road is not maintained and it is a very rough ride until we rejoin I-70. At one point we have to stop because the hitch support post slips and hits the ground.

Near the junction with Hwy 191, which will take us south to Moab, we pull into rest stop located on the top of a barren windswept mesa.

In spite of the wind, we have a picnic, partially protected by one of the shelters, before we get set up for the night. Quite a switch from last night’s lovely spot.

Tuesday, October 18^th, we leave the rest area shortly after 8:00 a.m., as we were advised to be at the Willow Flat Campground in Canyonland National Park by 9:00 a.m.

It is a small and popular campground that is filled daily by 10:00 a.m. We arrive shortly after 9:00 and are pleased that the first site, a pull-through with a view, is available. The temperature is mild enough that Clifford sits in the sun to study and I am able to play cello outside after we get set up.

In the afternoon I walk down to the Green River Overlook, a view of the Green River as it cuts its deep meandering channel across the desert.

and later Clifford and I walk down in time for photos at sunset.

We are very pleased to be here.

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Wednesday, October 19^th, I make a small campfire this morning, as I especially appreciate the quiet time outdoors before the busy-ness of the day.  Today we make a sight-seeing trip to the Shafer Trail Overlook,

the Grand View Point Overlook,

the Orange Cliff view point,

and then stop for a picnic at the same place we had a picnic last time we were here, over three years ago.

In the evening, I walk down to the Green River Overview.

Clifford has a sore throat this evening, which is not good. We use remedies that we have with us and hope that he feels better tomorrow.