And they have some pretty birds here too!
Yesterday morning, we only had to drive about 7 miles (11 kms) from our boondocking spot to get to Calf Creek Canyon, and the trail that leads to Calf Creek Falls. It's a 6 mile (10 km) hike on fairly flat terrain that goes through the bottom of a steep canyon.
Lots of interesting rock formations.
Ruth, on the trail.
So we're hiking along, and a couple are coming up behind us. They pass us, and I notice that they're in bare feet! Kinda surprised me, and I say "hey, you forgot your hiking boots!" The guy mumbles something about meditation, and on they go. Some things just make me shake my head in wonder, but each to their own!
Hiking in bare feet.
Still playing with the GoPro camera...
Nice scenery
Ruth, on the trail.
Weird rock wall.
Zoomed in on the other side of the canyon. Apparently these figures are life size.
As we approached the waterfall, I took a video for you all...
What a neat spot...we love hiking to a destination like a waterfall or a cave, or a viewpoint. Makes it all the more worthwhile. Only downside on this particular hike is that you had to go back out the same way you came in. Still, a good hike. Took us two and a half hours in total.
Fantastic waterfall.
We did the hike back to Sherman, and managed to get him out of the now overflowing parking area. It's a popular spot, and we are once again reminded that we wouldn't want to be here during the busy summer season.
We then did a 50 mile (80 km) drive to the town of Torrey, just west of Capitol Reef National Park. It's a spectacular drive on Scenic Highway 12, with an altitude climb up to 9,600 ft.
Heading up!
At the top...it's still a little chilly up here!
Scenery along the way.
Sherman, at the Larb Hollow Overlook.
We stopped here for lunch with this beautiful view.
We made it down to the town of Torrey where we used the free internet at the Visitor Information building. Then, we made our way about 3 miles (5 kms) from town just outside the National Park boundary where I had heard of a boondocking spot. Several people already there, but Sherman found a decent spot to set up for the night.
It became a fairly busy location, as many stragglers showed up right until dusk. Because it can be seen from the highway, it's not an ideal boondocking spot, but it's free, and its close to the National Park.
Sherman, boondocking at GPS 38.32627, -111.36410 altitude 6,800 ft.
Today, we're off to Capitol Reef National Park to do some more hiking and get some more photos to share with you all!
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Need packing tape? Six rolls, with the dispenser. For this price, you can't go wrong...
And in Canada... a great deal today only on this Polar heart rate monitor...
Amazing scenery
ReplyDeleteIt is spectacular, definitely some of the most beautiful scenery in the US of A.
DeleteI am envious
ReplyDeleteSorry Helen! Perhaps we can do this with you some other year. :-)
DeleteThe waterfall shot takes first prize! Also the little videos are a very nice addition.
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter, it is a beautiful waterfall that you can fit the whole thing into one photo, very picturesque.
DeleteNice shot of the colors on the waterfall. I do not think it's possible to be bored exploring Utah - just plan ahead for that glass of wine with dinner :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeff! We agree, if you say you are bored in Utah, then you better take another look at your life!
DeleteWine tasted great with dinner last night, I can tell you, what a day!
It is a beautiful state but so many people.
ReplyDeleteOnly in the summer! We would not want to be here then or anywhere close to these parks then. Right now, it is pretty good and we are taking advantage of it.
DeleteYour short videos are tempting me to buy a GoPro from your Amazon link. Resistance is futile! 😀
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't be sorry if you did! Kevin is loving it but still doesn't have it all worked out yet and he needs a faster computer to handle the videos but the clarity of the videos is amazing.
DeleteYou wouldn't want to be in Utah (most of it, anyway) during the summer because of the 100 degree days. I certainly wouldn't. April or in the fall are the best times to see Utah's magnificent scenery. Nice waterfall.
ReplyDeleteNo we definitely wouldn't want to be here in the summer, not just because of the high temperatures but most because of all the people, it would be a complete zoo here then! We are finding it busy enough now. We agree early spring or after school starts in September would be the most ideal times to visit.
DeleteWe did the Calf Creek Falls hike back in '06 on our Grand Circle trip (also Capital Reef, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, etc.) SUCH a gorgeous area. I had never been anywhere out west and was absolutely enchanted. It is one of my favorite parts of the US now. So glad you two are getting to see it!
ReplyDeleteWe absolutely agree with you. The scenery is stunning in this area for sure. Can't wait to come back and see even more of it.
Deletegreat scenery yet again!!! nice to have found your favorite state!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue and Doug! So far, we think it is our favourite state but we still have more exploring to do of other states, such as Washington, Oregon, Colorado and New Mexico before can offically make that statement. :-)
DeleteAgreed regarding Utah...the Mormons were no dummies when it came to selecting a gorgeous, inspiring, even overwhelmingly mind-bogglingly amazing geographical locale...
ReplyDeleteYou said it Pete! It is so hard to find a perfect word to describe this state but I think you covered many of them.
DeleteThe bird is a Spotted Towhee.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine! We actually knew that because we met a guy on the trail and showed him the picture and he told us but Kevin neglected to mention the name in the blog post.
DeleteWhat a spectacular photo of Ruth by the waterfalls! you need to submit that one to a Natl Geo contest.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your confidence that this photo would be National Geographic material but I have to say some of the photos that are submitted to their contest each year are totally out of our league. Having said that, it did turn out great, so thanks again.
DeleteStunning! Gorgeous! Breathtaking! I could go on and on, but oh, wow, LOVED this post! Utah is one of the few states we've not traveled to, but it's definitely on our list. :)
ReplyDeleteYep, those are good words to describe the incredible scenery here! Highly recommend a visit here just plan to do it early to mid spring or early fall for to avoid the crowds and the high temperatures.
DeleteI have Merrell hiking boots and love them. My last two pairs were Merrell as well and lasted well, especially when you consider the amount of hiking we do and on rough surface. I have tried on others but found they didn't feel so comfortable but as soon as I put on the Merrell if fit like a glove right away.
ReplyDeleteKevin hasn't gotten the full grasp of the videos yet so music isn't even a consideration. Having said that I doubt that we will ever add music to them, he feels much the same way as you about the music.
Those are truly beautiful sites. I loved the waterfall. I travel vicariously through ya'll. Faye Gates / South Carolina (Not Misty. Google gave me that name, and it's just easier to keep than change.)
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment Faye. We are so glad that you are enjoying our adventures.
DeleteWe have been to South Carolina a few times and think it is a very nice state as well, just in a different way from Utah. :-)
How do you find boondocking locations in each place you visit. How do you research that?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Kevin is doing up a post on that today, so it will be posted a little later this morning. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us and we will try to answer them for you.
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