Thelma: “Hey Louise, better slow down, I’ll just die if we get caught over a speeding ticket. Are you sure we should be driving like this?”
“WARNING! Steep, Narrow, Rough Road Ahead”
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Category Archives: USA
And Now! The Star of Our Show…
No question about it, there is a “star attraction” in Arches National Park. In fact, it has achieved downright rock star status. Not only does it have its own dedicated trail, but two overlooks as well! It graces the Utah license plate, was once featured on a postage stamp, and was a milestone on the 2002 Olympic torch route. Rock star, indeed! Continue reading
A Day with the Devil
My original intent for standing in line at the Arches Visitor Center when the Fiery Furnace tickets became available was to ask the Ranger about the Devil’s Garden Trail. I read in the park newspaper that it is an excellent chance to get up close and personal with eight different arches! Continue reading
A Fiery Furnace That Could Have Been Hell
When Lynne and I were caravanning to Big Bend last March, we celebrated her birthday with a trip to the “Star Party” at the McDonald Observatory. So since my birthday just passed, she kindly offered to reciprocate with a Ranger-led tour through the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park. Little did either of us know that this trip books up months in advance. Continue reading
GPS: “Turn Right and Go Off Road.”
I haven’t seen my friend Ethel (aka Lynne from WinnieViews) since we said goodbye and went our separate directions, blowing out of Big Bend in 25mph winds last March. Lynne spent the summer liquidating a garage full of gadgets (they don’t call her “Gadget Girl” for nothing!) becoming a Craig’s List and ebay mogul while preparing for full timing, while I took off on The Amazing Race around the Olympic Peninsula. We agreed when we both ended up in the same state, we would reunite for more “Lucy and Ethel Adventures.” Only now, being in Southern Utah, somehow the theme seemed to morph into more “Thelma and Louise!” Continue reading
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
It is eerily empty here in the Red Rocks boondock. The gang all pulled out this morning bound for Kodachrome, while I am headed east to cross a couple more national parks off my never-ending task master, my Bucket List. But without a list, I lose track of my desires. And without desires, there is no expansion, no growth. Right? Continue reading
Fording the River Fremont
One thing I have quickly learned to appreciate about the Red Rocks Gang is that no hike is going to be “pedestrian.” You may find yourself skirting stagnant tanks in the side of the mountain or being hoisted over boulders, but one thing for sure, it will be an adventure! So bring your water shoes, as today, we are walking across a 20 ft wide river and bushwhacking through the bulrushes to reach the trail! Continue reading
Ladies Choice!
Hiking with the “Red Rocks Gang” takes on a whole different aura when it’s a “Ladies Only” hike. One would think tempo or pace would be the obvious difference, but quite the contrary. Of our two dynamic duos, Gayle and Jim and Mark and Bobbie, both women tend to be the trail blazers, up front setting the pace. Continue reading
“It’s like DISNEYLAND!”
Box Canyon Mark and Bobbie have been everywhere, and have mental files of boondocking spots and scenic hikes that would rival any travel publication. So when Mark says “It’s one of my most favorite hikes,” I take note.
It’s over Jim’s celebratory birthday lunch when Mark makes his pitch. “Hear me out. I know of a place you would love. It’s a long drive, and we would have to get an early start, but it is one of the most fun hikes ever. It’s like Disneyland!” Continue reading
What’s in the Wash?
There is unfinished business in the Capitol Gorge Wash. After the Golden Throne hike, only five of the original eight opt to hike the wash, and two out of those five turn back early. So the group decides to return the next day, as there are many reasons to revisit the wash. Continue reading