Closed due to Bear Sightings!

We had intended to do a 14km walk today on the Rigg Springs trail as this is our last training before we check into the Hilton Garden Inn to prepare for our 7 day back country hike. This is the highlight of the trip. 8 miles a day, self sufficient and hopefully, will see no other humans and for me, no bears. Due to bear sightings, the trail was closed.

We took an alternative track called the Swamp Canyon/Sheep's Creek trail instead. It was nowhere near the distance we wanted to cover at 6.4km. With 4 days in Bryce, I managed to take one pic at the end of the hike for this post.
We will be leaving Bryce Canyon  tomorrow, driving to Rock Springs. So, its another goodbye to a fantastic place, which I would recommend to everyone as a must-see. I think it tops Grand Canyon, not in terms of scale but the colors and formations.

On to Wyoming and bear country!🐶

Hoodoos, Windows, Fins, Grottos etc...

Another day at Bryce and we took the Peek-a-Boo loop. Its about a 4 mile walk from top to bottom to top. This walk gives another perspective to the formations with some up-close views. I am getting familiar with what's hoodoo, window, fin and a new one today, grotto.

Two hoodoos (standalone feature formation)

Today we both probably took a lot more pictures than any other days. TJ who never gets tired of lugging his camera, tripod and GoPro even commented that he is tired taking photos!

2 windows

Another window

Grottos looked like mini caves

Walking past a fin, which is like a large wall

The "Hoodoos"

Its our second time in Bryce Canyon, known for its bulbous spires called hoodoos. We initially went to the park's campgrounds but found the sites offered very little privacy to set up our portable shower. This would mean no showers for 4 days or pay for them at another location. We decided to go to Ruby's RV and Campground outside the national park. It cost a bit more but has hot showers and extremely slow WiFi.

"Fins" formations

Our first hike was the Navajo and Queens Garden trail. It took us right to the bottom of the canyon, passed the "hoodoos", "windows" and "fins" formations. It was a popular track with loads of people. That is the downside of Bryce. It is easily accessible with truck loads of tour buses. However, the view is like non-other areas. Its a must-see when in this area.

"Windows" formations

After lunch, we went to the nearest town, Tropics to get groceries for dinner, lunch and breakfast for the next 3 days. On the way, we stopped at Mossy Cave for a quick sight seeing detour.

Mossy Cave waterfall

Coyote Gulch

The trip to Coyote Gulch in Escalante National Monument took longer than we anticipate due to unpaved road. After a stopover in Escalante for a burger and chicken fried sandwich, we continued on. We finally started our trek into the canyon just after 4pm, which I think its the hottest time. Either that or it is due to carrying a heavy backpack, which I have not done for a long time.

The walk down was only 3 miles but it took about 2 hours as it was sandy and with a very steep climb down to the canyon. I had to leave my pack at a certain point for TJ. We set up camp and I had a quick cold rinse in the river.

The next day, we explored the canyon, following the river down stream and then up stream. We found huge overhangs, arches, mini waterfalls and spring water running off rocks. The water was fresh and crisp unlike the river. We spent 6 hours or so walking in ankle deep water, following the river.

After 2 nights, it was an early morning rise to walk out to avoid the heat. Again, I left my pack for TJ who did twice the work. I would not have made it up the middle section with my backpack.

Capital Reef National Park

Our next destination is Cathedral Valley, about 5 hours from Moab. We took the 4WD track via Goblin Valley State Park. Stopped by the lookout to see the rock formations.

The Goblins

Tiny me and the goblins

Our Pathfinder was up to the challenge until we hit a river. We had to turn back as the way to get across was sandy and we did not want to risk getting bogged without proper equipment. So, it was an hour or so trip back to the main road.

Along the way, we saw the change in the color of the rocks. In Canyonlands, its primarily reddish while in Capital Reef, its pale, blueish and green. Before we reached our campsite, its a visit to the Temple of Sun and Temple of Moon site.

Capital Reef

Goodbye Canyonlands

We packed up today after 6 days at Squaw Flat. It was a sad to leave, knowing we won't ever be back again. There is so much more to do and see in this area.

Its a US holiday long weekend being Memorial Day. After a bit of luck in getting a room in Moab at Rodeway Inn, we drove to Dead Horse Point located in the Utah state park for a bit of sight seeing.

Colorado River Overlook

"We rode through the desert on a bike with no name..." - a song TJ kept humming when we rode out to the overlook. I was told its by Cristopher Cross.

As we started out, we thought we made a bad call again when we did the 4WD track few days ago. We hit sand almost immediately. We decided to try letting some air out of our tires. It did the trick! Off we went and got out to the end after about 12 miles. We got to look down to the great Colorado River. Due to the trail, which is only accessible by 4WD or mountain bikes, it wasn't a popular spot. We had the area to ourselves. I was surprised at how we did it on a hybrid. I did have to get off more than a few times especially on the return trip due to fatigue legs. Yes, I had a very small fall when my bike slipped on a sandy mound when I tried to ride up it from the side.

Druid Arch

Rewarding feature at the end

Finally we made it to Druid Arch after abandoning this on the first day. We decided to drive to another entry point and walked the 11 miles. The long hike was rewarded with the view of this massive rock arch. It is quite impressive, I must say. Plus it was relatively quiet as it was only us two for about 20 minutes, giving TJ a chance to set up his tripod and take his pictures.

Amazing features along the way

Rest Day

After 2 long days, it was taking it easy. Good call as it was windy and cloudy. We decided to drive to Monticello, which is 52 miles away. Fuel up the car and topped the esky up with ice for another 2 nights. Then its off the this one cafe for coffee and connect to technology again.

We did get to light up the fire before we left to try out TJ's invention..bread wrapped in bacon and egg toast using the sandwich iron. Turned out really well and easy.

Ancient rock scribbles at Newspaper Rock

Bacon wrapped egg and cheese sandwich

Elephant Hill 4WD Track

We took our bikes today. Went to the 4WD track, which was not such a good idea. We turned back after mainly pushing our bikes for most part of 7 miles. Besides extreme 4WD, it was sandy as it runs along the creek. Wasn't too fun getting off and on my bike. Few close calls but no stacks, fortunately.

Passed by a 4WD

Its another windy day and don't think we will be able to light the fire again. Its going to be sausages on the stove again.

Our view over 18 miles of our ride

Couplefies!

Squaw Flat Trail

We commenced day 1 planning to do a 14 mile hike to Druid Arch. However, upon arrival to the intersection in Elephant Canyon, we decided it was too much and will be a long day. The weather is hot and dry and its pretty much exposed almost the entire trail. We did the Big Spring Canyon trail and the Elephant Canyon trail. The first half was absolutely amazing, with views of red rocks formations. It was only us, nature and lots of lizards. We did see one squirrel and a couple of hares. Otherwise, its just lizards of various sizes basking in the sun. Once we got near to Elephant Hill,there were more people doing the shorter loop.

After about 10 miles, our legs were stiff and was glad to see our camp site in sight. Its now time to relax and have a beer (TJ) and a sprite.

Lunch at Elephant Canyon

Starting Squaw Flat Trail

Going under large rocks

Down steep

Big Spring Canyon

Canyonlands National Park

Last day of driving. We finally crossed the Utah state line and headed to Moab. This town is like Queenstown in NZ. You can find all adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing, sky diving, you name it. We were here 4 years ago and the town hasn't changed much. We even recognized the place we met up with a friend and had dinner. This is also the nearest town to Archers and Canyonlands National Parks. We stopped at City Market to get our food and supplies for 5 nights as our next destination is 65 miles away, the Squaw Flats camp ground. We arrived at noon and not a moment too soon. Campsites are limited and we found one with a great view as you can see from the pics. Our base for the next 5 nights.

Site No. 5

Room view

It was a gusty day and we didn't think its a good idea to light up the fire. Too bad. I was looking forward to having my steak grilled on the camp fire. TJ, however, was creative in getting our cooking station set up.

Mistake 1 - never leave your tent without a fly sheet when its windy in the desert. We found out the hard way after going into our tent all freshened up and cleaned and there were dust/sand all over our sheets and pillows. Duh!

Our friend for the last 6 days

TJ's cooking station

Rocky Mountain High by John Denver

Ironically, this song started playing on the car radio when we crossed into Colorado! After another early start leaving Adair, Iowa, we passed through Omaha, Nebraska and on to Colorado. The drive was fairly mundane until we got to the Rockies. It was beautiful with snow still on the ground and the mountains. Passed all the famous ski resorts I have heard off but never been... Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat.

We decided to splurge a bit on our last day before we start roughing it out again for the next 10 or so days. We decided on a tourist town called Glenwood Springs.  It turned out well as we finally got a decent room with hot brekkie for 90 bucks after TJ commented that we only use one bed in the room with 2 queen beds. Saved 10 bucks!

With one more night to go before we lose all connection to the technology world and power source, we have the entire room power source charging our half dozen or so gadgets.

Fields of Nebraska

The Rockies, Colorado

Winter River National Park

One of the many mountains in The Rockies

Vail Ski Resort

United "States" of America

I have always wondered how many states I can visit in US. After two years living in NYC, we covered probably less than half a dozen. However, after this trip, the number should double if not triple. Needing to cover at least 700 miles a day to the west, we drove through 6 state lines today; NY, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. We, again found Super 88 motel in a town called Adair in Iowa. This time, the experience was much more pleasant. We had the 1 bedroom suite after returning the key to the first room, which smelled like an ashtray.

Taking advantage of the one hour difference, we did an extra hour's drive plus dinner at Happy Chef, which was conveniently located next to the motel. It was surprisingly OK for a highway diner plus we got 10% off coupon from our Super 88.

One more day of driving before we hit our next destination, Canyonlands.

Happy Birthday

Had my birthday breakfast of corn beef hash at Cafe This Way in Bar Harbor after packing up our camp early morning. We want to hit the road as soon as possible considering we have about 2000 miles drive to Canyonlands in Utah. Breakfast place was recommended by the guy from Coffee Hound the day before. Coincidentally, we met again at brekkie. And the strangest twist of all, he was having his breakfast birthday too!

Cafe This Way

The plan for today is to drive as far as possible towards the west. After nearly 11 hours of driving, we hit past Buffalo and found Super 88, a dingy motel by the highway. I have seen better motels but it will do for the night. At least we got a good hot shower and wall hair drier.