16 June

A nice leisurely drive over some great country. At one stage we went up a pass at 9660 ft and then dropped into the Dixie National Forest where we found a great camp in the trees at 8500ft. We enjoyed a short walk to a waterfall. Pleasantly cool at this altitude and much easier to sleep.

17 June

At Capitol Reef National Park we found a good site with a spectular view of the red cliffs. The camp is at a place called Fruita where the Mormons originally settled. This whole area is really remote. It was not explored until 1853 and not settled by the Mormons until 1883. The camp is in the gardens and orchards of the original settlement. Very peaceful and very green. It’s a long time since we have seen grass!!

We rode our bikes to the visitors centre to suss out the area. After
lunch we climbed the Cohab Canyon. This was a steep zigzag climb into the Cohab Canyon and another zigzag climb to a great view of Fruita. We met and had drinks with a couple from Christchurch, Ron and Joy Willems. They are doing the same trip as us in their RV. He is a photographer.

18 June

We were going to walk the Chimney Trail today but the ranger told us of two better walks. In the morning we drove a short distance to the Cassidy Arch trail. Butch Cassidy is rumoured to have hidden out in this area. The trail was a climb up to a fantastic arch.

We took photos of each other but unfortunately there was no one to take us both on top of the arch. After lunch we cycled to the visitors centre again and then followed the Sulphur River up a narrow and windy canyon. We spent most of the trip in the river and at a waterfall we stripped off and had a swim. Val nearly got caught in her knickers and bra. After dark the rangers set up a big telescope and about 30 of us enjoyed looking at Saturn and its rings and moons, a dying star (can’t remember its name) a spectular star cluster and the moon. At the exact time predicted by the ranger the International Space Station went overhead. All very interesting.

19 June.

A spectacular drive out of the Capitol Reef National Park and thru some interesting moon-scape scenery to Goblin Valley. This is a state park where we are camped. There is a valley of rock formations which look like mushrooms, goblins and any other thing you can imagine. It was a short cycle from where we are camped. Unfortunately it has
been blowing hard all day and this is a very dusty camp. We will only stay one night here. There is a great area of slot canyons that we will explore tomorrow before heading on.


20 June

We woke early so drove back to the Goblin Valley lookout to have breakfast and view the “Goblins” again.

Another short drive down to Little Wild Horse Canyon. The ranger at Capitol Reef N.P. said we should not miss this hike! We followed the dry creek bed for a mile before entering the narrowest and best slot canyon yet. At stages we had to turn side on to wriggle between the walls. These slot canyons are formed by water so the patterns in the rock are beautifully smooth and swirly.

After about 3 miles we came to the end of the narrow canyon so we retraced our steps back out. Quite a different experience going the other way. We met only two other groups during this walk. We were back on the road and heading south by 10:00am. After about 40 miles we entered the Glen Canyon. This was a great drive thru red rocks and formations. We re-crossed the Colorado River and found our next camp at Natural Bridges National Monument. We cycled a 9 mile loop scenic road to see the 3 Natural Bridges. One is reputed to be the biggest in the world but not very spectacular from the road. At the last bridge we were able to follow a trail to go under the bridge and it was not until you looked up at the bridge that you could really appreciate the wonder of it. The cycle back to “Ernie” was harder as we had descended 600ft.

21 June

A real lazy day as we only have to drive 50 miles to our next camp at Devils Canyon. We are timing our run to Mesa Verde National Park so we arrive on Sunday (less people and assured of the camp site) thus the short trip. We relaxed and read in a lovely shady camp and enjoyed not doing anything for a change.

22 June

Another relatively short drive out of Utah and into Colorado. Crossing the border was like throwing a switch. The country suddenly changed from semi desert and red rocky canyons with no sign of humans to rich farming land with many small towns. We are in Cortez at an RV park for shopping, washing, power and a general clean up. We have spied a few good looking bars etc and will go out for a meal and atmos tonight. This area is called the “Four Corners” as the borders of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah all intersect at one point about 30 miles from here. Tomorrow we are off to Mesa Verde National Park.