Homeward Bound

This summer was so enjoyable living with my friends and having adventures that the time went by quickly.  I discovered an appreciation and love for the environment of the Capitol Reef National Park and surrounding areas. This part of the earth is gorgeous. I hope to continue coming back often. It's now time to say goodbye. Next stop: Home.

Photo: family cross country trip (circa 1977)

Freemont Gorge Overlook Trail

 The path

 Castle Rock in the distance

 View from the top

Crazy rock formation

I ended my summer adventures with a final hike on the Freemont Gorge Overlook Trail. The day couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was cool and overcast which was great because the entire trail was open with no shade. However, I kept looking for lighting in the distance or a low rumble of thunder. I wouldn't want to be caught in an open field with lightning bolts crashing to the ground. Yikes!
The trail was narrow and lengthy, but no real challenge until the sharp climb to the finishing point. I had a chance to sit on the edge of the gorge while eating snacks and pondering my great summer with friends and nature. I feel truly blessed for these opportunities. I realized why I enjoy this area and these views so much. Coming from the Pacific Northwest in Washington state, the environment is extremely dense. It's rare to stand in one place and be able to see all of your surroundings for miles. I appreciate the differences.

Country Store

 

This little country store was located up and around the corner from where I was staying this summer. I first noticed it last year when I was visiting. I often dream of owning it and making it a working store again, or just living there and making it into a cool modern/vintage home.  This could be the perfect fixer-upper.

Grand Wash Trail and Cassidy Arch

 

The Grand Wash Trail was incredible. I felt like a tiny ant walking through a maze of cliffs. In the first photo above I marked where people were standing just to show the enormity of the red rocks. At the end of the Grand Wash Trail I veered off to hike up to Cassidy Arch. I had hiked it at the beginning of the summer but failed to take any pictures of the arch. On the way to Cassidy Arch I saw Fern's Nipple. Hahaha.  

Cohab Canyon

Cohab Canyon was a fantastic trail. It was simple with lots of interesting views and things to see along the way, such as cactus and odd rock formations.

North and South Rim Park Views

You can detour from Cohab Canyon to the north or south rim overlooking the park. I sat high above the south rim of the park while eating a small lunch. The view was tremendous on both sides.

Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point

Two hike's/walks across from the other. Short, easy and worth the view. The Goosenecks looks into Sulphur Creek Canyon. Sunset Point has an amazing panoramic view of cliffs and domes.

Good Boy

This sweet boy has kept watch all summer long. I feel safe at night knowing he's around.

Miller Lake

The drive to Miller Lake was beautiful. The sky was overcast with lighting and thunder.

Petroglyph Walk

This was an interesting and simple board walk to see faded petroglyphs along red cliffs.

Sky

View from back porch.

Hike: Wildcat Pasture

Summer Continues...

I spent the evening of the third of July watching fireworks in Logan, UT. Normally I become bored with the redundant selection of fireworks displayed each year. However, this year in Logan, I was amazed and excited at what I watched in the dark sky. It wasn't just the fireworks but the entire atmosphere. The temperature was comfortable. There were no large crowds. Families and friends gathered on blankets as kids ran around barefoot. We had the perfect view of the fireworks as they shot up into the air. It was a good evening...except for the car ride home later that night which took us well over an hour just to get out of town.

Belated Birthdays

Happy Birthday. I hope you have/had a fantastic day.

Project: The Fem Tie

It's a quiet Sunday afternoon. I decided to share another of my summer projects. This necktie was sewn with a small floral print fabric.  The lining is plaid to contrast the floral pattern. A bright piece of coral color ribbon was used to hold the tie in place.  I would enjoy wearing more neckties.  I don't believe they are made just for men.

Saturday Hike: Cassidy Arch

Trailer Talk:

Unfortunately I started out the Cassidy Arch hike a little too late in the morning. I had plenty of water, but only took an apple as a snack. I figured it wouldn't take me that long.  What I didn't realize until beginning the hike was that it wasn't 4.5 miles round trip, it was 4.5 miles to the arch and 4.5 back to the starting point. Ugh! I was determined once I got started. It was a beautiful trail with slick rock and red rock and amazing views. I met a foreign couple on the way sitting underneath a large shaded rock. So far they were the only people I met on the trail until another trail from the campground combined with my path. About two miles into the hike I met up with five German students and was invited to join the remainder of the hike with them. It was refreshing to hear their comments of excitement regarding the environment around us. Sometimes I take for granted the extreme beauty surrounding me everyday. My photos are only a mere peek at what my eyes can describe to you. I recommend experiencing the grandeur with your own eyes.
  Needless to say once I joined the Germans the remainder of the hike went quickly to the arch.
I would do this hike again, but definitely get a much earlier start or begin in the early evening. By the time I got back to the trailer I was feeling ill. The heat, sun and lack of food in my stomach was finally taking its toll. I have proof behind the trailer where I  upchucked some little red, yellow and orange peppers I tried to eat. It looked like colorful confetti spewing out of my mouth. Once that happened my stomach finally calmed down. Let's just say I will be much better prepared the next time I tackle a long hike.

Baaaaaad to the Bone

 These guys may look innocent (well, maybe not Bob), but turn away and they will be chewing the shirt off your back. These two hoodlums escaped and were caught chewing the memorial tree of a woman who had recently passed away. Usually I can hear them making noise. Although I haven't heard them yet today...Uh oh.
 These guys are going to be used as pack goats for long hiking trips into the wilderness.

Bill Monroe seems a little more docile compared to Bob. I'm under the impression that Bob is the ring leader. I can imagine him talking Bill Monroe into wreaking havoc on the neighborhood. Bob you're so baaaaaaad.

Friday Hike: Chimney Rock

Friday I enjoyed a nice hike on the Chimney Rock trail. I was the only person on the trail and had the entire view to myself.

Project 1

Before heading out on my trip I completed a few projects I had been working on. One of the projects was this linen dress. I hope to get some use out of it this summer. The material is very light and airy.