Thursday, December 13, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the REMBOLDS


         
           Greetings from Baker City!  A week ago we drove to the mountains, cut our Christmas tree, and snow-shoed a couple miles.  A day later, we worked much of the day decorating the house.  What’s different about these ordinary December tasks?  It was a Monday and Tuesday!  We are both now retired! Hurray! 
          We felt we wanted to mix traveling and volunteering during the fall and spring of our retirement  (Those times when school schedules prevented it previously!)  In preparation, we bought a small 17' self-contained trailer last winter and broke it in with a couple short treks over the spring and summer.  On August 9th we pulled out of Baker City and headed to Pagosa Springs, CO.  There we participated in a two week Habitat for Humanity build.  Along with 11 others in the RV Care-a-Vanner Program, we worked to fix up three homes in the community.  What a great sense of satisfaction and joy!  We then explored the area for two more weeks: hiking parts of the Continental Divide trail, camping at 11,600 feet and reaching the 14,048’ summit of Handies Peak, reveling in wildflowers and aspen trees the whole time!  A two-week visit in September with Mom R, Jed, and brother Randy’s family included the Albuquerque Balloon Festival.  
Las Cruces Habitat Crew:
Rick is in yellow, Ginger in front in purple tie dye
            Then we traveled through Alamogordo and the White Sands under a full moon to Las Cruces.  We worked the first week of a Habitat build there, framing, sheathing, and decking a home for a mom and her two kids.  The second week we sheet-rocked a different home.  It is amazing what 15-20 people can accomplish while having fun!           
          On the drive home, we were awed once again by God’s creation at both rims of the Grand Canyon (LOVED the North rim!), Zion, and Bryce National Parks.  We arrived home on October 22, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience of fall travel.  The aspen trees were incredible!     Ginger keeps a blog on our trips (same as this one!) complete with tons of pictures.  If you are interested, click on Archives for 2012 and then scroll through the August, September, and October entries! 
            Thanksgiving was spent with Mom Mac in Bandon, OR on the coast.  We are now HOME for about three months (Whew!).  But….we are signed up for another Habitat build in Hobbs, NM in the spring and ponder a visit to work with home repair in Tucson, AZ as well.  We are having fun!! 
            Both boys will be home for Christmas.  Jed arrived yesterday from  New Mexico, where he has been busy filming the moon, analyzing data, and hoping to finish his doctoral thesis in time to graduate in May. He hopes to teach at a small college.  Luke is in Newport, OR, working at the community rec center, subbing as a teacher’s aide, and helping with the church youth group.  He is also visiting seminaries with an eye one or two years down the road. 
            Ginger had a tremendous experience earlier in the year representing Eastern Oregon Presbytery in Pittsburgh, PA, at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA.  Probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend  the biannual gathering as a voting delegate.  A special treat was Luke's attendance as well, serving as an intern for the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship.  
            Ginger gave a sermon in November about counting your blessings.  Ours are too many to count!  We are blessed with health, family, and friends old and new.  The holiday season seems to always provide a pause so we can reflect on God’s grace.
            We wish you and yours a merry and blessed Christmas season.  Please keep in touch!  (We might be visiting the east coast next fall!)

Rick and Ginger Rembold
Jed and Luke

1704 Broadway Street
Baker City, OR 97814
elkhornrandg@gmail.com
rgrembold@q.com

                                                                                                        

On top of 14,048' Handies Peak

On top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park

Jed and Rick's Mom at Albuquerque Balloon Festival, October
Luke working his summer recreation job in
Newport, OR
Jed in Bandon, OR flying kites
Luke with Ginger's Mom at Thanksgiving
Luke, Ginger, Rick, and Mom Mac
Thanksgiving weekend
Christmas Collage by Ginger
Scripture from Luke (The Message version)




























Thursday, November 15, 2012

Bandon Thanksgiving Visit 2012

Thursday, November 15

     We have been gone for four days now and I am finally getting around to starting in on my travel blog.  Guess I wore myself out over the past few months and I was enjoying the reprieve! 

MONDAY:
    We left Baker City on Monday morning, the 12th, around 10:30, hoping to have time for a leisurely drive over the mountains and into West Linn (Portland area) well before rush hour hit the 205 interstate.  However, it was already lightly snowing in Baker as we left, which should have been an omen!  The roads north of town was icy, we passed an accident at the rest area 8 miles north of town.  Slowly made our way over Ladd, to find signs at the Flying J interchange south of La Grande announcing that the interstate was closed for the next 20 miles.  I quickly pulled out my cell phone and dialed the road conditions number - accident on the freeway.  No word about how long!  So....we continued on to travel over Tollgate Summit.  Only I couldn't check it with road conditions because we can't find a map in the car for the state of Oregon!  I don't know the number of the road!  Call Cherrie and she and Shannon bail us out.  Hwy 204!  Conditions are packed snow, so we continue.  We have the studs on the car! 
Tucker and his Grandpa Dave
     It was actually quite pretty, but then again, I wasn't the one driving!  Little traffic, only a few trucks, which does make the route more appealing than the freeway except for the extra hour it takes to head north and then head south again on the other side! 
     We stop in Pendleton to make an exchange at Wal-Mart and switch drivers.  I drive to the Memaloose Rest Area near Hood River.  We are amazed at the green grass growing along the freeway, especially as we enter the gorge area.  There has been so much rain, but mild temperatures, so everything is lush.  Some trees are still in the gorgeous color stages.  We commented that we have been able to drag fall colors out for nearly three months, starting in early September in Pagosa Springs, CO! 
     Arrive at Liz's shortly after 5pm (205 was a mess!) and out to dinner at the local pub where Liz and Dave are regulars twice a week!  Then over to Gretchen and Shawn's house for a little niece family time with Tucker, etc. 

TUESDAY: 
     Yesterday Rick called Luke while we were driving and Luke indicated he had time and desire for us to stop in Newport enroute down to Bandon.  So we are up and on our way shortly after 8am, bound for the coast!  We took the freeway route - down to Corvallis on I-5 and then over to Newport.  Took us about 2 1/2 hours.  Thick fog in a few places, but it was nice on the coast (and just got nicer the further south we drove!)  Good chance to catch up with Luke, see pictures of his seminary visit, and then enjoy lunch with both Luke and Kady at a little Mom-Pop place right behind their house.  Kady had meetings in Newport for the morning, so she wasn't out in Toledo as we thought!  Glad she could join us because I was afraid we wouldn't see her at all. 
     Pretty afternoon driving down the coast.  Sun dancing in the clouds, lots of color, especially shades of green!  We arrived at Mom's around 5pm.  Rick stopped down in Old Town, got out of the car, and said, "I'm walking the rest of the way!"  He needed to stretch the kinks out!  So I drove the last couple miles down to Beach Loop Drive, and Rick showed up about 45 minutes later! 


Setting sun behind the
pampas grass. 
WEDNESDAY:
     Today was a pretty lazy day!  Catch up time, plan out what Mom needs done, church errands. Rick worked on straightening out the drainage of the gutters over the front porch.  Stir fry for dinner (trying to use up some of the wealth of vegetables we brought over!) and then Mom and I went in for the tone chime choir practice.  I ended up getting to play some bells because people were absent.  That was fun.  I worked on some Christmas invitations for Mom on the computer today and we printed them off tonight and will get them all colored in by Sunday.  We did have a gorgeous sunset!  

THURSDAY:  BLACKLOCK POINT HIKE!       (Pictures!)
One of our mushroom finds...
     After a relaxing morning, and with the sun still shining, Rick and I took off around noon to take a hike out to Blacklock Point - just north of Cape Blanco.  We hiked this trail once before about five years ago.  Figured we went about 6 1/2 miles all together as we wound in and out of the myriad of trails in the area which connect the point, the Oregon Coast Trail, and trails over to Floras Lake.  Much of the terrain is impenetrable salal, huckleberry, and rhodedendron bushes (with enough gorse intermixed to make life interesting!)  I was on a quest to find a blooming flower and sure enough, ONE purple aster greeted me!  Mostly I called this hike a stroll among the fungi flowers!  The mushrooms were popping up EVERYWHERE!  I found so many different types and colors.  Wish I had known more about them, but I took lots of pictures to show my expert, Pastor Katy!  We hiked out to the point, where you can look south over some rocks to Cape Blanco and the blinking lighthouse, north along the shoreline past Floras Lake, and out over a point of rocks breaking up the surf.  By the time we arrived, clouds were drifting in and the skies were hazier than earlier in the day.  We explored the point, then backtracked to where the Coast Trail heads north and followed that for about 1.5 miles to a point where the trail drops down from the headland and follows the beach for another mile.  We stopped before the drop, but found a really cool arch rock down on the beach. 
Out on Blacklock Point (view north)
Porcupine friend
    Besides the variety of mushrooms our wildlife discoveries for the day were twofold:  a little salamander that posed for us in the middle of the trail, and ....a porcupine!  The latter was only about 20' away from us!  We watched from the distance and made sure not to anger him.  I have never seen one that close in the wild before!  Pretty cool! 
This was one of Rick's mushroom
discoveries!  Lemon yellow beauty! 
Arch or Tunnel Rock down
on the beach
     The hike was wonderful, but overall most of the trek was in the damp, wet woods!  This particular trail has many little side trails to route you around lakes that have formed in the middle of the main path.  One section even has boardwalks - slippery - but effective to avoid much of the water!
     Back to the house around 4:30 to cook up our corn on the cob, chicken, and make a huge tossed salad.  Good dinner!  Now to finish downloading the pictures!  


FRIDAY THE 16TH:
     Today we have planned an outing to the big city - Coos Bay and North Bend!  Errands to run!  But we have to wait for the housecleaner to come (Susie comes once a month to help Mom with the big cleaning projects), so it is nearly 10:45 before we leave Bandon.  The day has turned out better than forecast - sunshine in the morning.  We don't get rain until the trip home! 
     Visits to Joann's Fabrics, Dollar Tree, BiMart, and Perry's with lunch at Sizzler sandwiched in the middle.  Mom picked up supplies for the Advent craft, favors for the women's Christmas party, a new faucet for when the plumber comes on Monday.  We bought paint for Rick to do the basement walls, including a first time painting of the concrete wall in the basement bedroom.  It was NOT an inexpensive day for Mom!  We  drove home via Charleston, picking up about 7 pounds of fresh tuna off a boat basin seller.  Stopped near Seven Devil's Road to scope out the property that Mac and Diane have purchased.  

SATURDAY, 17TH: 
     Work Day!  Mom went to a baby shower and was gone about 5 hours!  Rick and I did a few chores and I worked on my Santa project as well as finishing up Mom's birthday present (I had to get it sent in to Blurb while the coupon was still good!).  The weather progressively went downhill as the day progressed, although there were moments of beauty scattered about.  

SUNDAY, 18TH - MONDAY, 19TH:  
Rick puts primer on the main basement wall
     These two days were marked by some of the most intense winds and storms we have experienced here on the coast.  While Newport recorded upwards of 100 mph, and parts of Portland were without power for over 24 hours, Bandon JUST had wind gusts of 85 mph and about 2 1/2 inches of rain.  The south windows rattled and shook - and leaked!  We weathered it all well, but there were moments when you wondered!  I was very grateful for the warm shelter we had!  
Huge Bible we found in the bottom of the trunk
     We spent the two days with church activities, shopping for Thanksgiving, and working in the basement on Monday cleaning out the trunk and basement shelves while Rick put on the primer coat of paint.  Mom and I discovered a Bible in the trunk that belonged to my Great Grandfather Walker....circa 1880.  It is about 5 inches thick and includes poetry of all the Psalms, a concordance, a dictionary, an illustrated glossary of the Bible, and is a parallel Bible to boot - both King James and Revised Version.  (That's NOT Revised Standard which came much later!)  Not much family history inside unfortunately, just the record of the five children who were born.  Mom's wedding dress has yellow stains all over it.  I was hoping maybe it could be donated to the theater group, but at this point....it may be terminal.  We did wash the embroidered quilt that was given to Dad upon his retirement from Northminster - it spruced it up considerably!  

TUESDAY, 20TH - WEDNESDAY, 21ST:
     Can you tell that I have waited an entire week to catch up with my blog/journal??  Bad girl, Ginger!  Hence the brief and somewhat dry and dull narrative.  
     By late Tuesday the storm had abated.  The winds only howled for two days!  We spent Tuesday working on projects and baking....rolls for Thursday and a pecan pie.  The rest of the pies were baked on Wednesday, along with prep for soup for Wed dinner, planning out dishes, fixing decorations, etc.  We also finished up Mom's Christmas cards!  
Shore birds in foam
Foam on the beach
     Rick and I took a walk Tuesday afternoon and marveled at the amount of water along the road, the battered pampas grass, and run-off water everywhere.  Wednesday the sun came out once again late in the afternoon after an intense high surf.  I was between baking and the rolls were rising, so I escaped to the BEACH - my first time down since arriving over a week ago!  What a shame!  I walked down past Face Rock viewpoint, where I couldn't go any further.  The beach was covered with frothy foam - blowing and tumbling like tumbleweeds across the sand.  Found three birds huddled in the foam, uprooted trees, and enjoyed photographing alphabet letters from the kelp, etc.  I found a bottle on the beach with Asian writing on it and covered with barnacles.  Tsunami??  After a magical time on the beach, we finished it off with a stellar sunset!
Sunset Wednesday evening
     Rick worked much of Wednesday finishing all the painting in the basement - stairway cement wall down, storage shelves and doors, sewing wall, bedroom wall and closet!!  It looks so nice now!  He left a window open to vent things out since Luke opted to stay in that bedroom!  
     Other highlight of Wednesday?  Luke arrived!!!!    And in testing the roll recipe for Thursday, I misread the time to bake at 25 minutes instead of 15 minutes - our rolls were a little heavy on crust!  Oh well - they were edible when dipped in the soup! 

THANKSGIVING DAY, November 22:
Luke and his Grandma Mac
     What a beautiful day!!  Sunshine most of the day and for the second day in a row, ending with an amazing sunset display of color in the western sky.  Mom and I worked in the kitchen much of the morning, although Rick and I left for an hour for a walk in the roads on either side of Seabird Drive.  Luke helped Grandma decorate and set the table while we were gone.  We were experimenting today by cooking the turkey upside down and in a cooking bag.  We found it cooked FASTER (only 3 hours for 18.5 pounds) and it was VERY moist!  
     Rick left for about an hour around 12:30 to help with the community dinner and in particular to deliver a meal to one of the women in the church who fell and injured ribs.  
Rick, Bobbi, Jenna, and George
     Bobbi, George, and their daughter Jenna arrived around 1:00.  We managed to sit down for our meal shortly after 1:30.  Menu included turkey and dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, yams, broccoli, apple salad (Bobbi), relishes (carrots, celery, olives), rolls w/ pumpkin butter, cranberry juice or sparkling cider, pecan, apple, and pumpkin pies.  In other words, a pretty standard Thanksgiving meal!  
     Jenna had to leave by 3pm to go to work, but Bobbi and George stayed and played a round of dominoes.  Then George went out to talk with Rick and watch football, while the rest of us played a round of Quiddler.  Good game day for me personally, as I think I won both rounds!  Later in the evening we also broke out Sequence!  

Friday, November 23: 
Sunrise Friday morning! 
     Here I am again, trying to play 'catch up'!! It is Tuesday, the 27th and  I haven't written in the blog for five days!!  
Rick & Luke build a railing. 
     Friday morning Luke and Rick built a railing for Grandma along the ramp built off the porch deck - she uses the ramp to wheel the garbage can out and to get the mail, etc.  We want hand holds everywhere!  It came out nicely, although too damp to apply paint until a drier time of year! 
Mom tries it out! 
Luke enjoys a moment on the beach. 
Sea scape at the entrance 
     Mom and I ran errands and checked chores off "the list".  After lunch Luke and I took a walk on the beach while Rick and Mom delivered pumpkin pie to Betty and bought some more safety handholds to install.   Mostly we watched the weather and tried to decide if we should venture up to Coos Bay and Shore Acres for the Christmas Light Show.  When the forecast rain still hadn't arrived by 4:30, we decided it was time to chance it! 
Cruising the lights
Reflections in the pond. 
     And we timed it perfectly!  A very light mist subsided as we arrived at the state park and the rain didn't return until we were preparing to leave!   Mom made a very WISE decision in suggesting maybe she should use the wheelchair!  It was dark, and the paths are bumpy and a little slick.  The wheelchair made it so much easier to navigate!!  And I think Mom thoroughly enjoyed it!!  The lights are incredible - the animations just get more complex each year!  I especially always love the area down around the Japanese Garden because the pond reflects all the lights in so many amazing ways.  Afterwards....we were going to stop at a Chowder House, then Luke remembered there was a Thai Restaurant.  We opted for it, only to discover it was closed already!  So we ended up at KumYon's Chinese in Coos Bay.  Good meal!  Ended day with games .... and a chance to try out my new mini cribbage board with Luke!
     
Saturday, November 24:
     Relaxing day with Luke - he and Rick watched alot of football including following the Baker Bulldog game on the computer!  What a game that was...and the Bulldogs are again playing for the state championship next week!  
Back side of Grand Army of the Republic star. 
     Mom and I went through the "heirloom cupboard" up above the refrigerator - recording with a photograph and description what the items are and where they came from.  Then we got to looking at some of the jewelry in her dresser, and discovered Civil War medals and memorabilia from my Great Grandpa Robert McLean (brother of Eneas).  That was kinda fascinating!  

Sunday, November 25: 
Traditional Grandma Visit photo! 
     A beautiful day today!  Luke is up and ready to leave by 8:30 am.  Ends up he has to drive up to Vancouver, WA to pick up Kady.  Her ride clear back to Newport fell apart.  Hence, no church this morning for Luke!  Mom and I take off right after Luke for her SS class and church, while Rick takes a long walk clear down to the jetty.  
Reflections were awesome at low tide. 
     Sunday afternoon I returned to the basement to finish up some projects.  Late in the afternoon I headed down to the beach for another walk.  I went down to the end of Coquille Point and watched the waves crash into the tunnels there!  The tide was quite low and will get even better in the next few days.  Did see a few star fish!  

Monday, November 26:
     Baking day!  The women's group has a bake sale tomorrow at Hennick's and Mom wants to take a couple of pies, in addition to nut bread.  She is up early and busy in the kitchen! Nut bread done before we head into town to recycle cans and fix the bulletin boards at the church.  Back after lunch to make two apple pies.  Mom handles the crust while I peel and chop apples and fix the 'innards'!  
     Later afternoon Rick and I head over to Betty's house.  She has asked for some help in putting up a wall hanging.  It takes Rick about 5 minutes to finish, but we stay and visit a little.  She is lonely!  
ANOTHER gorgeous sunset! 
     I spend part of the afternoon reading through magazines!  We had a stack delivered by Jed in Pagosa and I still hadn't finished looking at them.  Mostly pulled out recipes, pages to fold, and then recycled them.  
     Been cooking a roast in the crockpot all day.  Mom had a hankering for a pot roast.  I am a little disappointed - the meat got overcooked while the veggies were undone.  I had to put them into the microwave!  
     A few games and then Mom goes to bed, while I head downstairs to finish up my projects in the basement!  I can't do any more for lack of polyfiber stuffing!  But I have accomplished alot!  (One complete Santa, and partially completed Santa and two partial snowmen!)

Tuesday, November 27: 
Mom's Tree all pretty! 

A couple of Jed ornaments! 
      Up really early today for some reason....like before 6am.  I finish my devotion and drawing by 8am.  Most mornings I have spent until 9 or later in getting everything done.  Mom is intent on having an apple pie to eat, so that is the first item of business on her list today!  I peel more apples!!  We get that into the oven and then begin bringing all the Christmas stuff upstairs.  TODAY IS DECORATION DAY!  
     With a short break to deliver the nutbreads and pies to Hennicks and pick up a few items (including wheat bread to serve with tonight's dinner), we work until 3 to decorate the Christmas tree, hang all the banners, change greenery, and put up the lights outside (Rick did that part!).  What would have been a tremendous job for Mom alone!  All looks really good and festive!  
Sunset behind Face Rock (a little too north to see
much of the Face!)
     Rick and I take a walk down on the beach to Coquille Point (low tide and sunset) and then walk back along the road to Mom's.  In the meantime we have had turkey soup simmering all day in the crock pot.   No more turkey in the fridge....just soup stock in the freezer!  
     Games and apple pie in the evening, while I also try to get caught up on this blog!!  















         
     

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Elkhorn Peak in November!

FRIDAY, November 2
Click HERE to view the best of today's pictures!

Turning off on Marble Pass Road
     So...Rick and I decided to climb Elkhorn Peak one final time before the snow really flew for the year and then....it snowed the night before!  Friday morning I looked up at the mountains and thought, "they have more snow on them now than they did yesterday!"  We took off up Marble Creek Pass Road anyway, figuring we would get as far as we could get and make our final decision from there as to our goal for the day!
Honda on top of pass
     The Elkhorns were gorgeous with their fresh dusting of snow and the tamarack trees, along with lower elevation cottonwoods, still in golden glory.  Western dock, which Luke long ago renamed Wild African Turkey Grass, was a flaming red-brown, a beautiful contrast with the white snow, blue skies (MOST of the time), browns and greens.  We found Marble Creek Road just as awful as usual, particularly with the rocky sections always worrying you about punctured tires.  Rick wondered if the snow didn't pad things a little on the higher stretches.  It takes about 50 minutes of slow, deliberate driving to trek the six miles to the top of the pass.  But...the Honda is a trooper!
Western dock reds contrast with the snow. 
     Windy on top!!  We put on plenty of windproof gear, warm gloves, and take off up the Elkhorn Crest Trail.  It is about 3 miles of gradual uphill to the point at the base of the ridge that cuts UP to the summit of the peak.  The trail has more snow than we expected - remains of the heavier snow two weeks ago - but in patches in odd places!  Much of it had been shaped by the wind into interesting fins and cornices already.  The red dock provided bold splashes of color against the white of the snow.  In one place I thought, 'why is there an orange electric cord across the trail?' when I then realized it was stems of the dock broken up and scattered!  (Rick said it was a LONG extension cord to light up all the Christmas trees!)
Ice Flowers! 
Twin Lakes Basin from Elkhorn Peak
     We love this section of the crest trail for the many 'peek-a-boo' saddles where you can capture a glimpse of the Baker Valley even though you are hiking for the most part on the Sumpter side of the range.  The Wallowa Mts. were visible in the distance with their own fresh cloak of snow.  The skies were EVER changing - with the gusty winds, clouds were moving quickly over us in swirling fashion.  Sometimes black clouds, sometimes puffy, sometimes just wisps of fog.  Everything was layered on the southwest side with a covering of hoarfrost.  I remarked to Rick at one point that I couldn't find any wildflowers, until I realized I was seeing plenty of white flowers: ICE FLOWERS!  Many of the flower seedpods were totally covered in frost, giving them a petal-shaped crystal flower formation.
Rick in a reflective moment...or was he waiting for me?
     We stopped at the point of the trail where we were going to start the cross-country UP, grabbed water and snacks, and then became the actual climb.  Footing in the partial snow was better than we expected - but glad we were wearing our summer boots with excellent traction (although by the end of the day our boots were definitely soaked through!)  I commented to Rick at one point that I felt like a true mountaineer: bundled up, wind howling, slowly climbing with hiking poles providing a little extra stability (Thank you, Jed and Luke!)  It was beautiful!!   We climbed to the top of the ridge...to the false summit, and decided that was good enough.  We had a view from there and at the moment the peak was hidden in the clouds.  It would have been another 10 minutes to gain the actual summit, but not necessary.  (With old age comes great wisdom as when to stop!) We didn't stay on top long.  I didn't even get an inuksuk made for Luke. (Sorry, son, but I did THINK of you!)  We were never sure which of the dark clouds might decide to linger and actually produce something white and wet that could make a great day spiral downhill fast!
     Back to the truck at 3 - total trip was four hours up and back.  What a great adventure!  And a view of Elkhorn Peak we hadn't seen before!  Thank you, God, for the opportunity and health to experience your glorious creation!


On top of Elkhorn 'false' Summit.  


Sunday, October 14, 2012

NATIONAL PARKS NORTHWARD

WEDNESDAY, October 24
Nampa, ID to Baker City
111 miles
NO PICTURES :(
     This will be short and sweet!  We are home!  Arrived at 9:45 PDT in the morning after getting the trailer winterized at Bish's RV in Nampa at 8am MT.  That only took 45 minutes and we were on our way!  Final stop for gas at Flying J in Caldwell, across the border into Oregon.  Our last big switch was when we crossed back over into Pacific time...for good!  (We were in Pacific momentarily yesterday going through the corner of Nevada.)  The Elkhorn Mts did NOT cooperate and dazzle me with their snow covered visage as we drove around the corner at Pleasant Valley.  Instead, we were greeted with foggy, overcast skies, and the beginnings of a few flakes of snow as we entered town!  Total trip was about 5800 miles.  

THIS IS THE FINAL POSTING FOR THIS BLOG PAGE.  

TUESDAY, October 23
Wendover, NV to Nampa, ID
319 miles
Pictures Click HERE
     We are like two horses heading to the barn now!  Bypassed our intended goal today of Mountain Home due to weather reports of sub-freezing cold and even colder wind chill.  Decided to take the direct approach and go straight to an RV park a block down the road from Bish's RV.  Stopped to see if any chance they could take us today, answer NO.  But have an 8am appointment for Wednesday morning and then we are on the road to Baker City! 
     We eventually pulled the back bed out last night when the wind apparently died down, only to have two more wind storms come upon us during the night.  We figured we were anchoring things down at that point, so rolled over and went back to a 'somewhat' sleep!  It also sprinkled a few times, but nothing major.  
Snow on mountains south of Wells, NV
     However.....it WAS downright chilly this morning as we packed things up and hit the road by 8:30.  Forecast for the day was 40% chance of rain and or snow showers, winds up to 25 mph in places.  Time to get home!!  As it turned out, God once again blessed us.  No problem on either pass between Wendover and Wells (and the second was at 6900').  There was a dusting of snow on the ground on the higher pass and definitely up in the mountain tops.  We stopped in Wells for gas...AGAIN...and continued up US93 toward Jackpot and Twin Falls.  Skies went from sunshine and clouds to snow showers, but nothing major.  Enough to see the flakes, but not be dangerous on the road.  The winds were still an issue, however, and Rick ended up driving the entire way to Nampa. 
This isn't nearly as bad as the weather forecast
made it sound! 
     We stopped in Twin Falls at a MacDonalds to try and get information as to camping possibilities in Boise or Nampa.  After a successful log-in in Wells (to order our Bountiful Basket!), we couldn't get the Twin Falls system to work.  I tried again at the Flying J, and finally signed up for their one hour $1.99 internet program - we can now go on-line at any Flying J or Pilot for $2!  That's where I found the campground just down the road from Bish's.  
Isn't this cloud awesome?
     A pretty drive much of the day as the clouds and sunshine were awesome!  Course I wasn't driving, just admiring the views and finishing up the needlepoint on two kings for the creches.  
     Arrived in Nampa around 3:30, got set up, and then took a field trip back to WinCo to stock up on dry good supplies a bit.  Attempts to have a rendezvous with Erin Lair failed so we spend a quiet evening cleaning up the trailer and preparing for HOME!!  
     PS.  Boise has the most incredible sunsets, but unfortunately tonight's came mostly while I was in the shower.  :(  I missed it.  


MONDAY, October 22
Glendale UT to Wendover, NV
407 miles
Click HERE to view ALL of today’s pictures
     This has been a long, windy day!  We pulled out of Glendale right on schedule shortly after 8am.  I have my “smart camera” (as opposed to a smart phone!) – I put all the gas and lodging info for our options from here to home on a Word table, and then took a picture of it on my camera.  Everytime Rick wants to know how far, how much, or what were our options, I just tele in to the picture and tell him the information!  It’s almost like having internet at your fingertips!  ALMOST! 
Beautiful canyon!
     We gas up in Panguitch, so we can go all the way to Nephi south of Provo.  Shortly after Panguitch, we change our plans of going directly over to I-15 and decide to stay on US89 as it winds its way through beautiful mountain valleys and canyons.  Traffic is almost non-existent – we think everyone must be out hunting!  Just before we hit I-70 for a short 20 mile stretch to the east, we stop for a ‘potty break’ amidst a beautiful canyon of rocks and golden trees.  I still have trouble getting used to having the ability to just pull over and use our own facilities when necessary! 
     From I-70 at Salina, we take US28 north to Scipio and I-15.  Our route takes us up a valley between two 12,000 and 10,000 high mountain ranges.  In a few places to the west, we spot traces of snow on the higher range.  It has been windy all day, but we really feel it when we hit the interstate and a bit more open area.  Tumbleweeds are blowing across the freeway and as I take over driving, I have to dodge a few!  I only drive the 40 miles up to Nephi where we gas up, and then 20 more to Exit 44 and lunch at the Subway.  Our plan is to avoid Salt Lake City traffic and take US6 west to Utah36 north to Tooele and then to I-80 west.  The plan worked beautifully as far as NO TRAFFIC was concerned, but the wind really played havoc!  We stopped in Tooele to gas up AGAIN, and made a quick call to Patty Eardley to say hi AND to get the phone number for Road Conditions because we had heard that I-80 was closed to large rigs.  Just warnings, especially for the area directly south of Great Salt Lake.  We were going to miss most of that, so….onward we go!
Out on the Salt flats
     I was going to drive the Interstate portion of this extra long day, but…too strong of winds.  Rick opted to keep the wheel!  (I was probably relieved!)  It seemed like the 80 miles of interstate took nearly two hours, as we had to slow down or run the truck at super high RPMs.  We just let everyone pass us by as we plodded along at about 50 mph!  I told Rick if we could just catch up to one of the big semis and use them as a draft, we would do better! 
The Tree of Utah out in the middle of the flats!
     Somewhere about 20 miles east of the Nevada border we passed a most unusual sculpture out in the middle of the salt flats.  It looked like a series of brightly colored balls mounted on a stick, with a few broken balls scattered around the base. Most odd.  No sign. Nothing.  I will google it later when I have internet access.  (Note: Called Metaphor: Tree of Utah, the sculpture was erected in 2002.  The description is of a concrete square pillar with leaves of colorful tennis-ball like spheres, the only vertical object for miles in the flatness of the Bonneville Salt Flats.)
Wall of white
     A wall of white separated us from Wendover at one point and we wondered just what in the world was coming up.  But we never really drove through it – the winds were swirling all around at this far edge of the flats.  We passed the exit for the Bonneville Speedway. 
     Wendover, UT and West Wendover, NV straddle the border.  The gambling is in Nevada.  But mostly the two towns share everything, including Mountain Time Zone.  Technically Nevada is Pacific Time, but the Nevada side of this town sticks with its Utah counterpart.  We find the Pilot to gas up (as per my smart camera!) and then the KOA.  Not a lot of choices here – KOA or the casino and reviews of it weren’t good!  The KOA is nearly empty – just four other rigs.  We ask to park next to one of them for a little ‘protection’ from the wind!  A few sprinkles of rain as we start to unhitch and set up which quickly stops so we can finish the task. 
     We opted to leave the main bed up as the wind is coming from that direction.  Instead we shall sleep on the front bed tonight, but we don’t drop it down until later in the evening – closer to when we will be helping to ‘anchor it down’ with our weight!  Actually it feels like the wind is dying down a little bit as the temperature cools down. 
     Phone call from Annalea tonight to confirm when we are coming home.  Evening spent watching TV and unwinding from a long day of driving (more Rick than me!)  Hope we don’t blow away tonight!  (Note: Internet not strong enough to add the pictures yet, so that will have to wait.)


SUNDAY, October 21
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Click HERE to view today's top pictures. 
     Each one of the past mornings has gotten lazier and lazier!  Today we got up and moving to leave by 9:15, heading north to Long Valley Junction and then up to the Cedar Mountain area and Cedar Breaks National Monument.  Rusty Munn had highly recommended this monument as a must visit.  We are lookly closely at the skies, however, and we packed plenty of warm clothing.  It is a cool and breezy wind blowing and dark clouds dot the skies.  The forecast today is for rain showers possibly this afternoon.  The nearest Presbyterian Church is 20 miles in the opposite direction and not until 11, so....I don't think I have gone this long without going to church on a Sunday ever!  
Duck Creek Community Church
     And what should we find right away nestled on a side road of Duck Creek Village on the flanks of Cedar Mountain?  We saw this awesome Scandinavian style church across the meadow and Rick drove around to take a closer look.  We assumed it would be LDS because that is the only church in many of these tiny communities, but it sure didn't look like typical LDS style.  And it wasn't!  It was the Duck Creek Community Church - unfortunately we didn't stay because the weather was urging us forward and worship wasn't for another hour or more.  The stained glass windows were covered with creation scenes - so appropriate.  
Navajo Lake
     Past Duck Creek Village we came to a beautiful forest service campground nestled in an amazing grove of aspen trees - all had lost their leaves, but they were still impressive.  One loop of the campground was still open and ONE campsite was in use!  We then turned off to take a look at Navajo Lake, and saw another sign to Cascade Falls.  Not having a map or any information about it, we followed the road down about 2 miles until we came to a broad valley and another sign.  We decided we wouldn't drive forever and returned to check out the lake.  The lake is dammed in the middle and we couldn't find an outlet.  (Did a little internet research - there was a breach in the dam last winter during high water and the lake is losing water, much to the chagrin of the local economy.  No outlet because it drains into two different drainages through sinkholes.)
I am loving the white aspen trees! 
     Back on the highway toward the national monument!  One of the surprising aspects of this drive is the presence of huge lava flows.  I was NOT expecting this.  We saw even more on the second half of the loop after the monument and I suspect that Brian's Head is some sort of dyke or plug - it is definitely volcanic.  The aspens grow right in the lava, along with firs and a spruce forest devastated by bug kill.  But young spruce trees are rebounding within the aspen groves.  
     We begin seeing patches of snow around Navajo Lake and more as we turn north on the road through the monument.  Cedar Breaks NM is officially closed - all services are shut down.  I couldn't get my passbook stamped, so I just wrote it in!  The park will begin operating - with volunteers - a yurt during snowmobile and XC ski season.  It's the backcountry, off season ranger headquarters.  You can get hot chocolate!  
Cedar Breaks National Monument
     For today, the wind and snow provided a very different look to the monument which has formations very similar to Bryce Canyon, only on a smaller scale.  The wind was howling up on the first lookout and blowing the clouds so fast across the landscape that shadows and light just danced across the hoodoos.  Pretty cool.  Literally, actually.  All the north-facing south slope of the 'breaks' was layered with snow; the south-facing north slope completely clear.  The edge is formed by 10,000 cliffs on the eastern side and several canyons of rivers and streams finger down to flow west toward Cedar City and the valley floor.  I took a couple of short movie clips to show the movement of the clouds and shadows AND as a panorama picture.  
Snow Inuksuk at Cedar Breaks NM
     We drove north on the road, stopping at all of the viewpoints (all 4 of them!) At the second one, Rick found a patch of snow and built a baby inuksuk.  We moved him over to the edge of the viewpoint so a picture could be taken looking out over the breaks also.  We didn't take any of the hiking trails - today was a day meant for "Sunday Driving" - too cold and windy out there for very long!  
     This entire area must be a blaze of color the end of September when the aspens are in peak yellows.  It would be a key reason to come visit at that time of year.  
Aspens in the lava flow 
     Our loop trip followed the road toward Panguitch and then the Mammoth Creek Road.  Mammoth Creek is a village at the bottom of the canyon - almost more of a town than Duck Creek!  Mammoth Cave was also highlighted here, but we didn't know where or how far, so we didn't explore that option.  Back to Hwy 14, following lava flows, and plenty of green trees.  
     We are back to the campground by 1:30 or so.... in time to hear rain drops fall on the trailer later in the afternoon.  We planned and discussed our route home, got information, emailed Moms, and I got a chance to talk with Mike Braymen who is ready to take off in the morning and officially head east to Washington DC.  We will miss him.  Cook up spaghetti and meatballs for mid-afternoon dinner and in general get caught up and ready to return to civilization and Baker City!!  


All bundled up at Cedar Breaks National Monument
SATURDAY, October 20
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Click HERE to view today's top pictures! 
     I made a vow today to limit my pictures to a mere 200 after spending so much time last night editing over 300 photos!  That meant I also deleted some bad ones as I took them, and spent some time deleting some that didn't erase after loading last night.  With all that, I did delete my first picture of today - an awesome sunrise shot of the hoodoos just five miles north of our campsite!  Rats!  We left today at 8am, just after the sun had popped over the hill and into the campground.  We headed north on Hwy 89 - destination?  Bryce Canyon!  
Red Canyon 
     Long Valley is truly a beautiful sight - big pastures, orchards, ranches, and occasional views of red rock among the forested slopes.  We climbed to Long Valley Junction, and then gradually descended to the town of Hatch where we bought some gas (3.99!  We still have paid over $4 only once!) and Rick got a coffee.  North of Hatch we turned east, through Red Canyon, which has its share of beautiful red rock hoodoos as well as Bryce!  
     Into the park and immediately to the Visitor Center.  I wasn't going to be denied my stamp today!  We also made up for missing the gift shop at Zion with purchases at Bryce!  Ah well. Just after leaving the Visitor Center, we passed through a wide meadow - pronghorn antelope greeted us!  
Pronghorns ran right in front of us! 
Natural Bridge
     Our plan for the day was to drive to the end of the Bryce Road - to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points and then work our way back up to Sunset Point and a good hike.  We stopped enroute out to Rainbow at a few of the viewpoints.  Our favorite one was Natural Bridge which was beautiful with the morning sun shining through the opening.  Rick discovered that the bulk of the hoodoos are all in the main amphitheater - he had thought the whole canyon was like that.  But various other formations are found along the Rainbow Point Road and we explored many of them.  At Rainbow Point we took a short mile hike out to the Bristlecone Pine trees and to viewpoints over the southernmost hoodoos.  We could see southeast to Navajo Mountain on the Utah-Arizona border, and east to the stairsteps of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.  Lunch and we were ready to hike down INTO the hoodoos!  
The main amphitheater from Bryce Point
     First a quick stop at Bryce Point where you get a superb overall view of the entire amphitheater of the heaviest hoodoo concentrations.  There you find the Grotto rocks - deep holes and windows, which are also the homes of peregrine falcons.  We saw one falcon soaring below us.  I took a fairly large panorama but won't be able to stitch it together until I get home - Hugin isn't working on the laptop.  
     Then we drive to Sunset Point.  We took this hike with the boys and Grandpa ten years ago during our last visit to Bryce.  We can't remember what all we hiked then, but we definitely remembered the Wall Street part!  Today we decided to do the three mile Navajo-Queen's Garden Loop, which started at Sunset Point, followed the rim trail to Sunrise Point, and then dropped down into the Queen's Garden.  The trail was NOT well marked from the direction we approached and we walked right past the trailhead to Queen's Garden....we eventually walked back and found our trail, but not until we had walked an extra half mile probably!  
Queen's Garden area of Bryce Canyon
     Queen's Garden Trail drops quickly down past a variety of tall hoodoos of various colors and shapes - a palette of colorful 'flowers'.  I was constantly turning around to take pictures looking backward because the sky was SO BLUE behind us!  We went through about three tunnels in the rocks, and several narrow slots.  
Through one of the tunnels
Baby Inuk in the Cairn Village
     The connector trail winds through Ponderosa pines on the amphitheater floor - past dry washes where you can imagine roaring waters at times of the year (the very waters that continue to carve and change the features of the park!)  It was cool down in the shade of the pines.  Rick suddenly started laughing in front of me, and I came around a corner to discover why: a whole field of rock cairns, looking much like Bedrock City outside of Phillips Lake in Baker City!  Some had even been built in the tree branches!  One was at least three feet tall.  But all were cairns, not inuksuks, so Rick and I quickly grabbed a few rocks and built a VERY short inuk among the cairns!  
One of the fir trees at the entrance to
Wall Street
     The Wall Street portion of the Navajo Trail is one of the most amazing stretches of trail within Bryce - at least to our judgment!  Rick said it is an OMG place!  Three huge Douglas Fir trees grow up in the narrow slot canyon of Wall Street.  The slot is so narrow and the rock walls so high - the shadows and lighting are incredible!  The final part of the trail exits Wall Street through a series of switchbacks that climb and climb back up to the canyon rim.  Pant! Pant! But we made it!  

Fairyland with Sinking Ship in background
Aspens!
     Our final stop of the day was at Fairyland Viewpoint, just before the exit from the park.  This is a relatively 'new' amphitheater and smaller in size.  But  all the different types of hoodoo formations were there, including the Sinking Ship, which is really just a uplift block on edge.  Much less crowded out at Fairyland!  
     We stop at Ruby Inn on the way out, get drinks, and then I drive back down to Glendale.  Highlight of the return trip was the western sun highlighting all the aspen trees in the Long Valley region.  This morning they were in the shade and not nearly as noticeable.  
     Back to the campground just before 5.  Quiet evening as again it cools off quickly as soon as the sun sets.  

FRIDAY, October 19
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Click HERE to view today's top pictures!
     An early morning after listening to the wind blow all night!  Both of us were concerned that it might be too windy to tackle our day's destination: Angel's Landing in Zion National Park.  But the internet said it would be a BEAUTIFUL day in Zion....and it was!  
Sunrise on the rocks
     With the time change, it was still dark when we left the RV Park shortly after 7am.  Dark enough that we had to brake for deer several times and we came upon a flock of wild turkeys about 20 strong.  Sunrise was scheduled for 7:44 and it began to touch the tops of the monolith stone mountains about the time we arrived!  Soooo pretty - I had forgotten how magnificent the drive into the park is from the East Entrance.  The rock formations just keep coming turn after turn.  
     As we were early, we find a parking spot in the small parking area at Canyon Junction.  The shuttle will pick us up here and take us the rest of the way into the heart of the canyon.  Zion operates a free shuttle bus system similar to Grand Canyon during the peak months of the year.  The Scenic Drive road will be open to cars beginning on November 1.  We take the shuttle up to The Grotto - a shaded cottonwood tree area nestled below a 3000' wall of rock.  This is where the Angel's Landing Trail (via the West Rim Trail) takes off.  The trail is marked by warning signs right from the start: Danger! Dropoffs!  Narrow trail!  Don't hike if you are afraid of heights!  Not appropriate for young children!  Six people have fallen to their deaths since 2004 on the trail.  They have reason to warn well.  Amazingly, Rick and I were stunned by the number of families with children under the age of 10 hiking up!  Hopefully some of them were stopping BEFORE the really dangerous section at the end.
Rick heads up trail: Angel Landing
dead ahead!
     It was cold in the shadows when we left at 9am, so we bundled up with gloves on our hands and Rick wearing his ear warmer band!  The trail follows along the Virgin River gradually  heading uphill toward a steep section that climbs to a notch between Angel's Landing and the canyon wall.  This section of switchbacks was all in the shade climbing up and, while it was definitely uphill, it seemed much steeper coming down later in the day in the full noontime sun!  All of the trail is 'paved' from the Grotto up to the top of "Walter's Wiggles" - and virtually to Scout's Landing.  At this point the West Rim Trail takes off.  
     Once we got to the top of the notch, we entered a narrow slot canyon - no creek this time of year - but you could surely tell where water often flows!  The canyon was cool, breezy, and level!!  Wonderful holes and depressions, carvings and lines in the sandstone rock.  At the far end of the slot canyon, we came to the famous 'Walter's Wiggles', named for Mr. Walter who helped build the trail back in the early 1900's.  This series of 21 switchbacks, all about 20-30 feet long and built up with brickwork and a series of drain pipes, ascends a virtual vertical wall of rock. Luke has a picture of Walter's Wiggles from our visit here in March of 2002 - we couldn't climb Angel's Landing then as it still had snow on it! 
Yes! The trail goes out this ridge of rock!
     At the top of the Wiggles, you come to Scout's Landing.  A park service ranger had passed us on the way up and he was spending the day up at the landing - warning hikers of the dangers of the trail and giving talks on the California condor which has been reintroduced in Zion and is thriving here.  Later in the day as we were riding the shuttle back down valley, we saw a huge black bird soaring on the updrafts - I suspect it might have been a condor.  
     From Scout's Landing the trail gets .... interesting!  Basically it is a half mile out to the point - along the rock arete jutting out from the canyon wall.  In places the trail is only 4' wide, with drops of 1200-1500' on either side!  In other places you are rock scrambling up the sandstone, looking for steps carved in the rock or for blackened spots indicating good handholds.  In the worst places, a thick metal chain was anchored into the stone and you could use it as a handrail.  In several places, I literally pulled myself up by the chain because the step was too big for me.  We had to work around several groups of hikers already coming down - they must have gotten a REALLY early start.  This is definitely a one way only trail, so you have to look ahead for a good passing zone!  I don't have alot of pictures from this area, except when we had to wait for people to pass, because I wasn't taking my hands off the chain long enough to take pictures!  
On top of Angels Landing
     Finally we reach the long flat top of Angel's Landing and work our way out past several pine trees to the actual point.  We are the only ones there for at least 10 minutes.  How that happened I don't know because by the time we left, the point was crowded, and we passed hundreds as we hiked down.  
Inuk and views down valley. 
     The views from the top encompass the whole valley and are the most spectacular in all of Zion NP.  The point is narrow enough that you can look north into the Temple of Sinawava (end of the road) or south down the valley toward the visitor center.  Jutting out from a lower section of Angel's Landing is The Organ, a rock formation so named as it resembles the pipes of an organ.  We can watch the shuttle buses snake their way along the road - little white trains on the valley floor.  Yet we can also still look UP - to the tops of the formations that rise another 1500' above us.  With Rick's help (he found the rocks), I built an Inuksuk and took a couple of good down valley pictures.  (It was destroyed even before we left).  Down from the point, Rick spied a number of rock cairns - perhaps the Inuksuk that Luke built three years ago is still there!  If so, his mother is going to have words about the danger of where he built it!  
     By 12:30 we are back down to the Grotto.  The hike down from the top was slow - passing a great number of uphill climbers.  I found coming down easier than I anticipated.  I made good use of the many chains!  The worst part of the down hike was the steep section of switchbacks further down!  That was hard on Rick's knee and my toes always feel like they are pushing through the end of my boots!   But it was a great hike!!  Total of 5.5 miles. 
You can't miss the trail down! 
     We refill our water bottles, grab a little more lunch, and then hop back on the shuttle for the rest of the trip into the Temple of Sinawava.  There we hike the 2.2 RT Riverside Trail out to the Narrows - where the canyon narrows down on the Virgin River.  You can continue 'wade hiking' up the Narrows Trail nearly 9 miles, but the footing is difficult and the water is COLD!!  We opted not!  The trail itself is beautiful, however, through cottonwoods still green, springs dripping off the rock walls, ferns and flowers.  Evidently the valley floor doesn't really change color until the first weeks of November.  
     The park is literally crawling with people!  It is October - where did they all come from??  Many, many families.  We find out later that today is the Teacher Inservice Day for Utah - no school for the kids, and Monday and Tuesday are Fall Break Days, so many take an extended fall holiday this weekend!  Nice timing, Rembolds!
     Our plan was to return to the truck and drive down to the Visitor Center, get my passbook stamped and check out the gift shop, and then do a little Grocery shopping Springdale.  When we got to the Visitor Center, all the parking lots were full - you were sent to Springdale to take the shuttle from there.  But the entry station was packed with cars waiting to enter the park!  What a mess!  We drove around once looking for a spot and then I said, 'bag it, I'll just write our visit into the book!'  We weren't going to Springdale and have to re-enter in that gridlock!  
Another Zion look from Visitor Center area
     So, we slowly make the drive back out the East Entrance, again amazed at the cars and people everywhere.  All the rocks that were in the shade this morning were in full sunlight.  As we gained elevation we found more maples in red leaf, along with a mix of yellow color.  We drop back down into Carmel Junction, and stop at a little grocery store in Orderville for salad makings.  Back to the RV park for a short walk down to the river, apple picking in the tent area orchard, showers, and an evening of blogging and TV.  I still am amazed at how fast the temperature drops as soon as the sun goes down!  Hot one second and cold the next!  
     Tomorrow.....Bryce Canyon National Park!!  


THURSDAY, October 18
Glendale, Utah 
Click HERE to view today's best pictures
Check out the temp! 
     BRRR!!  A chilly morning!  We went to bed last night early, knowing we would have the time change back to Daylight time today, and because it was cool in the trailer!  When I got up around 6:45, the sun was just peeking through the trees, and the trailer thermometer registered 38 degrees!  But we both slept relatively warmly!  When Rick got up he turned on the propane furnace - that took the chill off quicker!  In the meantime I wrapped myself up in the sleeping bag in the corner to do my morning devotion.  
Changing trees as we descend from the Kaibab Plateau
     By 10 MT we are finally on our way!  Into Jacob Lake to grab a coffee and then north on 89.  We gradually lose elevation as we wind down from the Kaibab Plateau and into a huge valley, bordered on the north by the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.  Somewhere out 'in the flats', our cell phone rings and we find Luke on the other end.  I talk with him into Fredonia, where we get gas.  
     From Fredonia we head north into Utah and the town of Kanab.  The cottonwood trees along the Virgin River (East Fork) are gorgeous against the deep red and white rock formations.  
     Today we drove all of 64 miles to Glendale and Bauer's Ranch RV Park, along the Virgin River and nestled between apple orchards.  Friendly gal at the desk who hands us all sorts of materials about the parks.  The cost is only 23.65 per night - full hookups AND free wifi.  Rick is evening watching TV as I write - only a couple stations, but better than nothing!  
Valley views near Glendale, UT
     We decided to take the rest of the day to catch up - I had blogs to finish, pictures to organize, and devotions to post.  Rick took a nap!  The sun was warm and felt good at first, and then it got a little too warm!  We put up the awning!  But....when the sun goes down, and it dips below the ridge behind us early, it gets cold fast!  Not as cold as last night however!  
     Showers were in order for both of us and they felt GOOD!!  Then we took the time to actually COOK a good dinner - a recipe I found while waiting at Lowe's in the book section.  Can of cranberry jellied sauce and equal amount of salsa (Rick did not use equal as all we had was medium salsa!) as a sauce for meatballs.  We served it on rice.  Really good!  
     Early night tonight as we will be on our way early to Zion National Park.  Our goal is to tackle the Angel's Landing Trail tomorrow!!!  Weather looks to be great!  Stay tuned tomorrow for the results!  


WEDNESDAY, October 17
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim
Click HERE to view today’s best pictures
     I took over 220 pictures today….does that tell you what kind of God beauty we saw between sunrise and sunset today? 
     Up to pack up the trailer and depart from Trailer Village.  We made our get away around 8:30 am…to a gorgeous sunny day and clear skies.  Destination?  The North Rim of the Canyon ….a mere 215 miles away! 
     As Rick noted, the first 50 miles backtracking along Desert View Road and then to Cameron was slow.  We had already been over this way, the views are few, and we were anxious to get on and see new country!  When we arrived at Speedy’s Gas in Cameron, Rick filled up while I made some phone calls to Jacob Lake and Bauer’s RV in Glendale.  We finally had cell coverage!  Good news and bad news.  I couldn’t get any leads on campground in Jacob Lake – everything has closed for the season as it snowed last Friday and that was that!  North Rim is still open as far as the visitor center is concerned.  I called Jacob Lake back about the prices of rooms or cabins for the night. It would be $100 at the least.  Ouch.  The good news was I made reservations at Bauer’s for four nights – it is centrally located amid Bryce, Zion, and Cedar Break National Parks and will have internet!!!  
Rock formations north of Cameron, AZ
     North from Cameron is all new road for Rick and I!  The first 40 miles up to The Gap was dry, desert land.  A few rock formations, strata, etc. but mostly barren land.  Reservation land – again we gave the Native Americans prime real estate.  (sic)  At the Gap we found another reasonable gas station, so we topped off the tank again.  Thank shall be our pattern for today! 
Navajo Bridge over the Colorado
     Between The Gap and Bitter Springs (where we part company from 89 and follow 89A AND cross the Colorado River), the road was bordered on the east by a series of impressive rock outcroppings and ridges.  In the distance we could see what I identified as Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, but it wasn’t until we actually crossed the river and stopped at Navajo Bridge Interpretive Site that I realized how impressive the cliffs are!  I wasn’t able to get my passbook stamped because the office was closed for lunch!  There really isn’t a Visitor Center for Vermillion Cliffs itself. 
     The Navajo Bridge over the Colorado was built in 1929 and at the time was the ONLY crossing in a 600 mile stretch of river.  The original bridge is now a pedestrian crossing.  A more modern replica (and it is a carbon copy) spans the river just 50 feet downstream from the original.  The river was green here – much prettier than the brown we kept seeing from the top of the South Rim.
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
     The next 20 miles bordered the Vermillion Cliffs – a 2000’ rock wall of varying colors and strata.  In places rocks had broken off and were located on the opposite side of the highway.  Not rocks – car-size boulders!  At the end of the cliffs, the highway climbed!  Near the river crossing we were at 4000’.  By the time we reached Jacob Lake, we were at 7800’.  The entire terrain had changed to a Ponderosa Pine forest!  It felt like driving around Baker County, up near Anthony Lakes!  Beautiful! 
Boondock Campsite
     We arrived in Jacob Lake around noon and asked about camping options.  Basically learned that it is ok to camp anywhere on Forest Service land, so tonight we are going to Boondock for the first time!  Literally!  We decided to eat a good hearty meal for lunch and sidled up to the counter at the Jacob Lake Inn Café.  Rick had a bacon cheeseburger and I ordered the Portebello Mushroom Burger.  (Unfortunately, I am developing a fond taste for these more expensive burgers!)  We gas up AGAIN at the gas station to make sure we have a full tank going into the North Rim.  Price was only $4.22. 
     We take off around 1:45 from Jacob Lake headed toward the North Rim.  About 2 miles outside of town, Rick pulls over where a road takes off from the highway.  There is a flat spot and a campfire ring!  We make it home for the night!  We unhitched, grab some warm clothing and continue on with just the truck south to the North Rim. 
Slash burning adds to the eerie feel of the past burn. 
     I can’t remember when major forest fires burned in the North Rim region, but the evidence lines the highway heading into the park.  The aspen trees are making a comeback, however, and in other places the ponderosa pines were able to withstand the flames and still stand – charred, but whole.  Aspen groves cover the Kaibab Plateau region here.  Some were still in all their golden fall glory, but others have shed all their leaves and were white lines against the green evergreens. 
     While we were driving through the burned areas, we saw smoke in the distance – fire type smoke.  We found out later as we entered the park that they waited until the park officially ‘closed’ for the season to start the slash pile  controlled burns.  The smoke will make viewing in the park difficult, but you can understand why they are burning now – the recent snow dampened everything down and it is cool. 
North Rim Lodge, Grand Canyon
     As soon as Rick drove into the North Rim area, he proclaimed “I will never go to the South Rim again!”  This is beautiful!  There were cars in the parking lot, but only two small lots.  That alone tells you the North does not see nearly the number of visitors!  The lodge is gorgeous, but also includes a host of small guest cabins scattered over the grounds.  We walked out to the end of Bright Angel Point, got the passbook stamped, and filled our water bottles to guarantee plenty of water for tonight’s dry camp. 
View from Bright Angel Point across canyon to
South Rim - smokey skies! 
     I drove the 26 miles from North Rim village out to Cape Royal.  We stopped several times at viewpoints, took a short hike, visited some Indian ruins (they wintered down on a delta in the river and summered at the top of the plateau), and then parked at Cape Royal and walked out to Angel’s Window Point and the cape – the latter just in time for sunset.
     Impressions from our drive out:  --- North Rim is not as steep as the South Rim (duh – we learned that last night at the geology museum!)
Angel's Window
---- North Rim is much greener due to more tree and shrub growth between the layers of rock.
--- From the Encantada Viewpoint, you can see past the Vermillion Cliffs to Navajo Mountain.
--- Smokey skies make for eerie sunset pictures!
--- Rick was happy as we walked out on TOP of Angel’s Window, and got to see it from two other viewpoints.
--- Surprised to find a number of people out on the Cape Royal point – several were more professional photographers capturing the light on the formations.  
North Rim sunset colors
     By 6:05 we were headed back to the trailer, Rick driving again in the darkening skies.  The drive back was spectacular as we watched the setting crescent moon, first a silver sliver in the sky, then as it grew larger and oranger as it passed through the smokey haze as it set.  The stars were glorious and bright.  We must have seen 2 dozen or more head of deer, a couple right on the side of the road.  We had to watch carefully as we neared Jacob Lake to make sure we wouldn’t pass our road and trailer! 
Sunset glow on rock formations
     We drop the bed and get set up.  Run just one light to conserve the battery.  None of the plugs work anyway off the battery – lights only.  Good thing the computer was fully charged! And now….I am going to turn in – my feet are getting cold!  All this can finally get posted tomorrow, perhaps, when we arrive in Glendale.  G’Night!  
     
TUESDAY, October 16
Grand Canyon National Park
Click HERE to view today’s TOP pictures!
     What a great beautiful day this has been!  Sunshine in the 70’s!  A clear crisp morning. 
Quick view of canyon while waiting for the shuttle
     We slept warm last night, setting the heater for low just to keep warm enough for the water pipes.  The trailer was 47 degrees when I got up at 6:15 – I heard the heater come on several times during the night.  Quiet time early in the morning, although we have no internet connection so I cannot post anything for several days!  Maybe by Thursday!
     After a lazy start to the day, we ready ourselves for a bike ride along the canyon rim.  We bike about 2 miles down to the Grand Canyon Village – and the transfer point for the Red Bus line out to Hermit’s Rest – the end of the shuttle road.  We are able to follow one of the new greenbelt paths much of the way.  I was hoping to grab a little air for my front tire, but we never found that spot so I just road all day with it low. 
Entrance to Hermit's Rest
     Each shuttle bus has a bike rack on the front that will hold 3 bikes.  Rick said it was a very slick and easy system to mount the bikes and lock them in place.  We took the shuttle bus out to the end of the road, unloaded, and filled up our water bottles at the free water tap (they are not selling individual water bottles in the park, but do provide refill stations in several spots.)  Hermit’s Rest is the site of a way station for a stage line that traveled from the Rim Village west to a trail built as an alternate to the toll-fee Bright Angel Trail in the early 1900’s.  When the park service removed the toll, the alternate trail was no longer useful and fell into disuse.  The Station, however, is still popular! 
Colorado River is visible from Hermit's Rest area
Canyon views....
     For the first 2.8 miles, we were able to follow another bike path along the edge of the rim.  For the last 5 miles we had to ride on the road, with instructions to be completely stopped and off the road when a shuttle bus passes you.  They have first priority!  Most of the time, that wasn’t a problem – the buses only pass by every 10-15 minutes.  We stopped at several viewpoints, notably The Abyss (where the canyon wall drops about 3000’ in a sheer cliff) and Powell Point – a narrow promontory honoring Captain Powell.  Great viewpoint up and down canyon from there.  We could see the river below in several places, including a couple of rapids.  Overall, however, the Colorado looks very sluggish and brown down below.  Rick spent time panning the canyon with the binocs.  We were able to pick out the North Rim lodge nestled below the rim. The Grand Canyon is just so…..GRANDE!  BIG!  I started to grasp the size when I realized the developed part of the park only encompasses maybe 60 miles of the 277 mile length of the Colorado River that is contained in the park.  You have to really gaze and look to continually pick out different formations, colors, and shadows.   
Up on top of Powell Point
     Saw some orange mallow flowers in bloom and purple asters.  I couldn’t believe flowers were still in bloom, although for the most part, everything has gone to seed. 
     There was plenty of up and down on the road – my legs were telling me so by the end of the trip!  Maybe I can just blame it on a semi-flat tire!   But tired enough that when we got back to the village, we hopped on the Village Transfer shuttle for a ride back to Trailer Village where we arrived at 3pm. 
     Threw together a quick ‘dinner’ of beans, salmon, and tortillas while Rick put the bikes away and took the legs off the dining table (we had decided while driving on Monday that the table would be more useable sans the legs that stick out!) By 4pm we are off again via the shuttle, this time bound for the Visitor Center and hopefully an internet connection.  We found the VC and a café that we thought had advertised internet, and while I could get it to connect, I couldn’t get Firefox, Chrome, or Explorer to load!  Ah well – we just wanted to check with Bauer’s RV Park in Glendale, Utah. 
Sunset from Yavapai Point 
Sunset glow
     Rick found a book (National Geographic on National Parks) this morning at Hermit’s Rest which he wanted to buy, but we didn’t have room to carry it on the bikes.  We couldn’t get it at the VC, and they suggested Yavapai Museum.  So, we changed our plans to watch the sunset at Yaki, and took the Orange Shuttle out to Yavapai.  Good little geology museum and we learned why the South Rim is steeper than the North Rim, but no book.  (The South Rim is only 3 miles from rim to river, while it is 7 miles from North Rim to river.  Difference is due to drier conditions and the water running AWAY from the canyon on the south, hence less erosion.  On the northside, all rivers run down into the canyon and erode faster.)  Book should be available at the hotel gift shops.  So ….. new plan.  We walk the 1.75 miles of the rim trail as the sun sets, snapping pictures and admiring the changing colors and shadows of the canyon.  By the time we arrive at the village, it is fairly dark!  The first stop didn’t have the book, Hopi House had just closed, but Rick was successful at El Tovar Lodge!  Whew! 
      Walk in the dark down to the Shuttle station where we got on this morning, and caught the Blue Line bus back to Trailer Village.  It is pitch dark with a skyfull of stars!  A crescent moon in the sky which set just an hour after the sun. 
     Relaxing evening at the trailer and ready to head to the North Rim in the morning!  G’night!




MONDAY, October 15
Holbrook to Grand Canyon Village
Sunset Crater National Monument
Wupatki National Monument
Click HERE to view today’s best pictures
     A cool night!  But the stars were BEAUTIFUL and we used the sleeping bag finally as a cover so we kept snug and warm.  The temperature in the trailer was a cool 45 degrees when I got up at 6am.  And yes, I finally turned on the little space heater we bought in Albuquerque!  By 8, the trailer was warmed up to nearly 60 degrees. 
     We forgot about the free coffee and muffins down in the office, packed up, and were on the road by 8:15.  Rick had checked the truck tires and wanted to find some air.  We had to charge $2.00 worth in a machine, but we got our air (and coffees as well!)
San Francisco Peaks
     It is 85 freeway miles to Flagstaff, so I drive!  As we head west we see snowcapped mountains in the distance.  The only peaks I can think of are the mountains right north of Flagstaff.  And it turns out these are those peaks, the San Francisco Mountains, and fresh snow fell on Friday night of last week.  I love driving toward them for the next hour plus! 
     Luke calls as we are passing through Winslow (we sing the song for him) and Rick visits with him until we arrive in Flagstaff and the turnoff for Hwy 89 north.  A stop for gas at Safeway and we are off for the National Monuments. 
Sunset Crater
     Sunset Crater is first – we enter with our Annual Pass and stop at the Visitor Center, where Rick realizes that our gas can is leaking.  A little bit of a mess to vent it and then clean up, but all is well.  The Sunset Crater is a recently formed volcano – it erupted and was created around 1000 AD – while native people were living in the area.  The VC had some wonderful artwork done by Hopi artists depicting the eruption.  Lava flows 100’ thick spread out from the crater.  Damage to the sides of the crater and the slow rate of regrowth due to lack of moisture led the feds to close the crater to rim hikes in 1973. 
     Quick bite to eat and then we head off on the loop road which connects the two monuments.  We take a mile hike out toward the crater and through a lava flow.  Collapsed lava tubes, spatter cones, mini cinder cones, aspens turning colors, rabbit brush, and apache plume seed pods waving in the breeze.  A really nice hike!  And we can still see the snow on the San Francisco Peaks and Mt. Humphreys. 
     Eventually the road leaves the lava and ponderosa pine forests and drops in elevation to the flat lands and views of the Painted Desert in the distance.  Grasslands and some rock outcroppings, but very different from what we have gone through and expected! 
Wupatki Pueblo Ruins
     Wupatki National Monument  is carved from land that was originally part of the a HUGE cattle ranch north of Flagstaff in the 1800’s and the ancestral home of Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni Puebloans.  Native Americans were living side by side with the National Park employees as recently as 1940’s.  In the 1950’s the natives were basically kicked off the land.  The main ruins was probably more of a gathering place rather than individual homes – it was multi-level (four stories) and built among a rock outcropping.  Big slabs of stone comprised parts of the walls.  A ball court, kiva, and plenty of storage rooms for the corn, squash, and beans grown.  We didn’t stop at the other ruins and got back out to the main highway around 2:30, ready to head to Grand Canyon!! 
     Just north of Gray Mountain we enter the Navajo Reservation, and Speedy’s Gas at the junction of 67, the road west into Grand Canyon South Rim.  Speedy’s is priced reasonably – we will stop again on our way “out” on Wednesday. 
     Amazed at the number of scenic vista points that have been built on the road on reservation land – which then are lined with the booths for selling jewelry, pots, etc.  As soon as we left the reservation and came onto forest land, the booths stopped – abruptly!  The Little Colorado River gorge is pretty awesome as it winds north to join the Colorado. 
Watchtower at East Entrance
 of Grand Canyon
     We enter the national park – our annual pass saving us $25 this time around! – and then stop at the Watchtower – built in 1930’s to replicate ancient native spiritual towers.  The view of the east end of the canyon is awesome from here.  We climb to the top of the tower, admire the native Hopi designs drawn on the interior walls, and watch the ravens soaring below us on the updrafts. 
     Twenty five miles from the Watchtower to the Grand Canyon village.  We struggle to follow the signs to Trailer Village – the roads wind and twist here and it is so confusing to figure out where you are!  But…we get settled into site B-8 and get all hooked up. 
A quick pose in the darkening skies! 
      Then a quick unloading of the bikes and a ride out to the canyon rim to see the sunset.  We aren’t really on the right spot to face the west, but still get a little color in the sky.  We will make sure we are in a better spot tomorrow night.  It gets dark so quickly AFTER the sun goes down, so we ride back directly to the campground, arriving just as it was getting dark enough I wouldn’t have wanted to be riding anymore! 
     Dinner and reading through the materials to plan our day for tomorrow!!  

SUNDAY, October 14
Las Cruces, NM to Holbrook, Arizona
Click HERE for today's pictures


Mts. north of Las Cruces
     Time to head NORTH!!  And maybe BRRR!  It was colder last night in Las Cruces - Rick actually got up and grabbed his sleeping bag during the night.  I had put on longer pj's and a long sleeve shirt which made the difference for me - I was toasty enough.  
     We are up and packed and ready to pull out from the Habitat 'Park' at 8:15 am.  Good thing we said our goodbye's last night because no one else was up and about!  Into the Chevron station for coffee and I take the wheel for the first stretch of the way - it's  interstate freeway after all!  
     A BEAUTIFUL morning!  Sun is shining, the mountains looked gorgeous all the way up the Rio Grande Valley.  We stop in Truth or Consequences, again, because I have to go to the bathroom!!  Rick drives the rest of the way into Socorro, where we arrive at 11 am.  Meet Jed at the Denney's - his favorite breakfast place!  He was even able to report that his volleyball team won a match last night up in Albuquerque!  Good meal for us all - Rick and I were ready to eat as we hadn't eaten much breakfast (just coffee!)  I ordered a FitFare Meal from the Senior Menu - an excellent little omelet and big bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit.  It was good!  Reminded me how much I enjoy oatmeal for breakfast.  
VLA dishes strung out in north direction
VLA dish
     A final gas up (including our spare 5 gallon tank) in Socorro and by 12:45 we are headed west on Hwy 60 across the central part of New Mexico.  Not quite a green as when we made the drive in August one year, but still plenty of yellow bushes in bloom, and a green hue to some of the fields.  We could find the Magdalena Observatory up on top of Baldy Mt., and then dropped down to the Plains of St. Augustine and the VLA.  All the radio dishes were in the C position - stretched way out, but the dishes were pointed mostly straight up.  I thought they looked like a series of funnels stuck in the ground, Rick thought mushrooms.  Either way, they looked different from other trips!  
     Up over the mountain passes, across the Continental Divide at 2pm - elevation 7796' here - and through PieTown!  We missed the Pie Festival earlier this month!  Nearing the Arizona border the terrain flattens out more - the hills are gentler, the landscape drier.  We cross the border into Arizona and realize it is now an hour earlier in the day - Arizona doesn't honor Daylight Savings Time!  Mountain Standard Time here, which effectively puts us on Pacific Time for the next three days.  Once we cross over into Utah, we will 'lose' this hour again.  
Flat roads in western NM
     We decided to continue on up to Holbrook and put another 50 miles under our belt - mostly skipping Petrified Forest in lieu of Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments tomorrow.  They are between Flagstaff and the turn-off to Grand Canyon.  
     North of Springerville (we gassed up there), the terrain is back to dry with a layer of black volcanic rock underneath everything.  Not what I pictured it to be.  We past St. John's, where we planned originally to stay, never even seeing the Moon Meadow RV Park we had considered!  
Sunset in Holbrook
     Two choices in Holbrook - we opted for the cheaper of the two: OK RV Park!  Has everything we need, even though the connections for the hookups are weird - not all together so we had to rehitch at one point to back the trailer up 3 feet so the water line would reach!  Guess it fits the big rigs better, but not so hot for us short little guys.  
Our spot at OK RV Park in Holbrook AZ
     Beautiful sunset and a starry COOL night!  We both call our Moms and then get ready to crawl into bed earlier.  The clock may say one time, but our bodies say another!!