I have this behavioral quirk (okay, one of many) that I have come to recognize about myself. Whenever I arrive at a destination, particularly one that is short on amenities or creature comforts, (in this case, contact to the outside world) I am overcome with the urge to bolt. Whether it be a beach hut in Bali or a shipboard cabin in Seward, I spend the entire first day figuring out an escape route, and the last day crying because I have to leave. It took me some time to recognize this pattern and learn to just settle down and give it a day or two before I blow up my original plan. In keeping with my usual M.O., such was the case with Capitol Reef.
When I first arrived in the Fruita Campground on Day One, I wasn’t sure I could do the time to detox from my internet addiction. I stopped by the campground check-in kiosk to read terms and conditions for refunds to see if I could terminate my reservation early, and what kind of penalty I would incur if I couldn’t stay in my confirmed site all nine days. By the ninth day, I was checking availability to extend my stay. Typical…
On my last morning in the Fruita Campground, I stop by the Gifford Homestead for a pie for the road…this time, Fresh Apple. No canned fruit pie filling here. Just crisp, cinnamon coated apples glistening beneath a toasted streusel topping. It’s early, so the pie is still warm from the oven.
My new friend is working this morning, the woman who told me about the cottonwood trees behind the Nature Center. I thank her for the tip, and tell her I am feeling a lump in my throat this morning over having to say goodbye to my beloved cottonwoods. “I’m not ready to leave until the very last leaf leaves!” I joke. She tells me, “I think it’s sometimes good to leave while you’re a little in love. That way, you’re more likely to come back!”
My last hike in Capitol Reef was up the Grand Wash for two miles, then up the Cassidy Arch trail for a total of seven miles round trip. Although it was the most crowded of all trails I hiked during my stay, once I got away from the trail head, I still was able to find long quiet stretches of solitude.
As I hitched up to leave Capitol Reef, the dusty brown leaves were raining down to line the campground roads, furling up as the bicyclists raced by. I pondered her words of leaving while just a little in love as I said goodbye to the trees, their glorious golden leaves now falling like a curtain on the final act at the Met. Thinking about other parks like Zion and Arches and how rapidly they have changed over the last few years, I think she is right. I am grateful to still be a little in love….
Hi Suzanne, always happy to see your new blogs and photos! Just curious, what dates were you in the park? We have only been there in the spring but now see I have to plan an autumn visit. Thanks! JoanneG
When I read your title, I had to read the rest as Barb and I have a similar motto. “When the fun peaks, it is time to leave” It does not matter if it is a party or somewhere we are staying. Our thoughts are that once it has peaked your are left with great memories, wanting to come back and it is all downhill from there.
We have never regretted leaving early but have often regretting staying too long which often time spoils the memory…….
Always leave the party when you’re having fun 🙂 it’s downhill after that anyway . . . .
I don’t think t could be possible to ever fall out of love with the iconic Utah landscapes…
We were in the campground in late November two years ago. We practically had the place to ourselves. Pretty empty. Stayed just a couple of days. The only thing open was the visitors center. So, no pie. But we’ll be back.
“One should leave when still a little in love.” I think that is what my first fiancee meant all those years ago.
Shhhh don’t tell how fantastic Fruita Campground and Capitol Reef are. Mark’s most recent post is spot on. But still I swoon over your pictures and my memories. Soon I tell myself but reality is a mean bugger.
What a wondrous feast for the eyes and soul this four part series (that’s sort of the way I categorize your blog posts so I can remember where/when/what/how) has been with your time spent in Capitol Reef! As with each and every post you share I always finish with a sigh and a vow to “put it on the list”. I reckon I’m okay with being more of an armchair traveler than the real deal as long as there are folks like you who decidedly *are* the real deal…and who share their travels with beauty and eloquence for those of us who mostly dream. Thank you, Suzanne…
As I read this I was wondering also how anyone could fall out of love with those Utah red rocks. Beautiful photos Suzanne!