SLC Friends

Settled into my room in SLC.  Made plans to visit with Danny & Ricky the next mornig.  They were Nature's landlords when he first moved from Las Vegas to SLC.  Dinner at a sports bar a block from my hotel.

Had a nice visit and lunch.  Went to the Levi's outlet in Park City (wanted a pair of white 501's).  Rested that evening.  Repacked for the last 2 nights on the road.

Pipe Spring National Monument

Hungry, I ordered sausage and eggs for breakfast (I was at the lodge just after they opened at 6:30).  Food was good (portions are too big), service not so good.  Took me over a hour.  Thankfully, I was not in any big hurry.

At breakfast this morning in Jacob Lake, I noticed that I would driving past the Pipe Spring National Monument.  A visit to this monument will give you understanding of the life of earlier inhabitants.  There were Ancestral Puebloan  people, Kaibab Paiutes, Missionaries, Explorers, and Mormon Pioneers.

Thankfully, my St. George room was available early.  Unfortunately, it is in the 2nd floor (thought  I requested first floor).  Most places I  stay at automatically put 69 year old guests on the first floor and near the services.

Worked on my web site and block.  Headed out for some ice cream (the thermometer in the car said it was 107!)  Tomorrow is scheduled as a day of driving - to Tonapah, NV.  Think I and going to get comfy wearing basketball shorts for the drive.

Boring (?) Interstate Drive

I had problems sleeping last night.  Napped for a few hours, woke up, and could not get back to sleep.  I spend most if the night selecting and posting photos to Guru Shots contests.

Early loading the car and having some food and coffee before getting on the road,  Just a little tinge of ligh on the sky when I hit the road at 6:30am.  It was a cold morning - glad I gassed up the evening before.

A couple times it was rough. Not sleeping was getting to me - seemed the lack of sleep was pushing.  Mt first stop from Georgetowm, CO was the Information Rest Area some 40 miles into Utah. 

  Gassed up in Green River - the most expensive gas so far for the trip ($2.279).  Got some caffeine and back on the road.  Not looking forward to the drive across Utah.  Was thinking there was nothing to see and photograph along this section of I-70.

The road surprised me.  These section of the interstate at the San Rafael Reef was very interesting.  There were many opportunities to stop at view areas to shoot photos.

Found my hotel room in Cedar City, UT.  Brought some stuff in for the night.  Booted the laptop, and checked e-mail and facebook.  Spent some time processing photos.  Was getting hungry, so stopped in the hotel office asking a recommendation for food.  It was not easy to find local fare including a pint.  I opted to just food and water at the All American Diner a couple blocks up Main Street from my room. 

Had the chopped steak with mashed potatoes and cole slaw.  grabbed a couple other items from the car. Back at the room I finished processed my photos and crashed into bed for a nap.

Today's photo was taken at a view area along I-70.  I shows the landscape at the San Rafael Reef.

Bike on the Intrepid Trail

This weather has really getting me down.  Most of my friends are feeling the same.  Last week I took the hardtail to the bike shop to get the tires and pedals changed - studs and flats for knobbies and clipless.  Thought MAYBE the weather is waiting me to signal Winter really was over. 

Alas, the weather is very slow in changing.  This week we are getting cool temperatures, overcast skies, and wind.  Rain is in the forecast for later in the week.  Even some predictions of snow!

Thought maybe a photo and thoughts of warmer temperatures, sunshine, and awesome scenery would brighten my spirits.  This photo was taken on my birthday.  The bike is my Trek Fuel EX7.  My "buddy" on the handle bar is "Fest-er" from the MidWest Mountain Bike Festive.  I was riding the Intrepid Trail at Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah.  Was topping a great day in the red rock country near Moab.

OH, to be there today!

J.E.M. Trail

I over slept for any thought of going to Zion NP for the day or morning. Ate my waffle breakfast at the hotel and started preparations for a dirt ride.

Friday, at Over the Edge Sports, the folks suggested riding the J.E.M Trail just out of town (Hurricane). Had a little panic finding the map I had purchased at the bike shop. Found it in the tablet case.

For readers that might ride or hike in Utah's "Dixie", I recommend picking up a trail by Adventure Maps. I have the one for St. George, Hurricane, and Springdale, UT.

I had been directed to drive up Rt 59. After the climb from the valley, take the first left. I found the turn on the map and driving. I was told the trail to the left from the road would be the easier section of the trail.

Took the the trail and it was just my speed. The only problem was that it was downhill and I would have to ride UP back to the car. Back to the car (about 1/4 mile) and check out the up side trail. It was a little bit more technical but still something I could ride. Just had to stop at times to catch my breath and rest my legs.

The upper photo was taken riding back down the J.E.M Trail.

I stopped and turned around before I got too tired. There were a lot of folks on the trail today. A couple times I stopped to let down-hill riders pass. LOVE the ride back down to the car. Awesome ride (and the scenery had nothing to complain about).

As I was in the area, decided to check out Gooseberry Mesa. A few miles down Rt 59 and down at dirt road - 6.5 miles down the dirt road! Parked at the frist parking area I found.

Web sites show that the double-track was the easy trail. Rode almost 1/2 miles up, but it was just not fun like the J.E.M Trail singletrack. Back at the car, I checked the map and found there was another parking area further down the road. That was there was singletrack branches from. Oh well - the singletrack there was either black diamond or blue square - and I was not looking press my luck out there. Drove back to Hurricane and stopped in at the bike shop. Lower photo is the dirt road (which I rode) between the parking lots.

Wanted to tell them how much fun I had on the J.R.M Trail. the guy there agreed it is a fun trail. When i mentioned how far I rode, he said they were suggesting the trail be one way downhill in the weekends. Further, he lectured about the damage done to the desert when stopping off trail to let others pass.

Well "Excuuuuuse Me"! I had talked with the gal at the shop Friday, and she suggested I could make an out-and-back to ride as far as I want. No mention made about one=way trail downhill on weekend. Kind of put a damper on my enjoyment basking in the after-ride.

Stopped at Subway (third time food from a chain), Was a bit hungry from the ride. Only had a 6" as I am still planning dinner tonight.

Processed the photos from today. Posted a couple day's photos to facebook. Into town (Hurricane) for dinner Was going to eat at Ted & Allens - Closed. Next tried a Mexican restaurant - Closed. ended up at JB's. Good food and service. Topped off dinner with a Heath Blizzard at DQ.

Packing up the room this evening.

Cedar Breaks

Well, I sure CANNOT recommend staying in Hurricane, UT. Last night I found Ted & Allen's Sport Grill. Looking for a good beer after the day I had and they had Slickrock Amber Ale in the menu. But they no longer have it, looking for a new amber ale supplier. I prefer to eat at local restaurants when on the road - not a chain restaurant. More on food and beverages later.

Slept in a bit this morning. Breakfast (waffle) and coffee. Planned to head to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Desk cleark there had been some problem on the roads in the Cedar Breaks area. I pulled out my map to ask where the problem was. All she could do was give me hand directions to the area. Said she did not read maps. Duh?

I went anyway and found NO problems getting to the Monument. Was a bit cooler up there - snow in the sheltered areas! Had a good time shooting photos. Construction at the Visitor's Center so passed it by.

Stopped in Cedar City - wanted to check out the Sports Authority and restroom. Was a small store and did not see any sale/clearance racks. Did not find the rest room. Took care of that problem at the rest area on I-15.

Figured I might as well check out St, George while I was out and about. Did a little shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Put today's photos on the spare drive for the laptop and processed today's photos. After that, I was time to look for dinner. Wanted to eat local, with a good beer (amber ale). The afternoon desk clerk could not help me (new to the area). The younger clerk from yesterday was in the back office. Tried to explain what i was looking for - not easy since he speaks with India/Pakistan accent.

Bottom line - the only place with draft beer with dinner was the place I are last nigh. URGH Had to drive back down to St. George for chain restaurant food.

Had been a while since I are at Chili's, so went there. Wrong decision. The hostess started talking about where to sit, and turned her head away from me - I hate it when people do that. I cannot hear/understand when the turn away from me. Sat at the bar. Waited for service. A different server came up beside me and asked it I had been served yet. I said "No". Instead of letting me tell her what I was looking for, she started trying to make suggestions. I stopped her and said I was looking for a draft beer, preferred Amber Ale or IPA. Guess she had no idea what they were, so turned to waiter. He made two suggestions - I opted for the Sam Adams. She opened at BOTTLE of Sam Adams. At that point, I had enough of it. Left and went to Applebee's.

Much better luck at Applebee's. The bar gal stood in front of me where we could converse. Ordered am Amber Ale and Chicken-fried steak. That almost did not go well as their "seasonal vegetable" was a mixture which included broccoli and zucchini - NOT. I could substitute with corn or cole slaw. That was better. The food was great - large steak with garlic mashed potatoes.

Frustrating Day

I was up VERY early this morning. Watched TV until there was a place to have breakfast. Was one of the folks in line at Ruby's waiting when the Restaurant opened. After breakfast, I quick stop back at the room and drive into the park to shoot some photos at sunrise.

A little late in getting in position. Actually, the sun was just up when I got Bryce Point. Was able to get a couple shots.

Was cold this morning - in the upper 30s. Loaded up the car and headed toward Red Canyon. Was still too cold when I got to the West end of the bicycle trail. So, figured I might as well head to Zion.

Zion National Park was a zoo. Traffic backed up at the entrance and tunnel. Most of the turn-outs were full. My plan was to get at the Visitor's Center to that I could check out the scoop regarding the shuttle buses. All of the parking lots at the Visitor's Center were full. Signs said to park in the town pf Springdale.

Even though I was needing to use a rest room, I said "screw it" and headed to Hurricane to find my hotel. Checked into the hotel. The desk clerk did not give me any hopeful signs that tomorrow morning would be any better at the park.

Decided to leave options open - plot some alternate plans. Since i also wanted to check out dirt trails, I found a bicycle shop in Hurricane. At Over the Edge Sports found out that this is Fall Break. That's why so many people in the park than it was a week ago.

There really isn't a good other place to spend the next 3 nights. So, guess I will rest, check out some singletrack, and do some local tourist activities, May go up to Cedar Breaks. Could even go the the Grand Canyon North Rim (it its still open). Across southern Utah, I found places closing for the season within the next week.

Utah 12

Was a busy day. Reloaded the car and went to the motel office for coffee and check-out. The desk clerk at the Rim Rock Inn seemed to have disappeared. I waited so I could get a receipt. When he was got back, commented that he needed to do something and he spends 23 or 24 hours in the motel.

Went down to the intersection with Rt 12. Had coffee and cinnamon roll at Castle Rock Coffee & Candy. Nice little shop with coffee, candy, sandwiches, and free internet wi-fi.

Looking forward to driving Utah's Scenic Byway Route 12. The road came to my attention with a episode on Motion on the LiveWell Network.

Headed South on Utah Scenic 12. The road climbed up to the pass on Boulder Mountain. Dropped into Boulder and turned left onto Burr Trail Road. This road is paved out to Capitol Reef.

Leading Boulder, a sign said that I was entering Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument. The first 10 miles on Burr Trail were uneventful. At mile 10, the road dips into a canyon. I was able to identify the slot canyon trailhead highlighted in Motion. The road then wound through the canyon for about 10 miles. The last 10 miles were again unremarkable.

The lower photo in this post was Burr Trail along mile 11.

Back at Boulder, I wanted to get a couple more miles before lunch. Turned South on Scenic 12 and drove until Escalante. Stopped at The Prospector Restaurant. Seemed the take forever to get lunch. The server told me the cook had to get out to the store because they were out of cheese.

Thinking I still have enough time to do the detour to Kodachrome Basin State Park. Kodachrome Basin is 9 miles off of Utah 12. A small state park but some interesting rock formations and coloring. Took a few photos. Did not do any hiking/walking. Wanted to save my legs for Bryce.

Stopped in Tropic to gas up - figured it would be better price than at Bryce. The price at Tropic was $3.999. Not so bad considering I paid $4.169 in Torrey! Moab was $3.899.

A would be a quick drive to Bryce. Knew I was getting close because the hoodoos are starting to be visible. Stopped at the Bryce Canyon Visitor's Center. Checked on best sunrise and sunset view locations. Surprising, it was NOT either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. The recommendation was either Inspiration Point or Bryce Point.

It was getting close to the hours of optimum sunset view, I drove the park drive, stopping at many of the view points and take photos. Made it all the way to the end (Rainbow Point), and took photos before going Bryce Point. By the time that I was done there, the shadows were getting too long.

Checked into the Bryce View Lodge. Went over to Ruby's (Bryce's version of Wall Drug). Picked up a couple post cards and some reading material. Settled in the room and processed the day's photos.

Having problems uploading to my web sites at this motel. Cannot access the "public_html" directory. Maybe a port restricted on their router. Will deal with it at the next spot. Hate it when places like this block ports.

Moab to Torrey

Breakfast at the Moab Diner. Wanted pancakes and sausage. The diner only has the breakfast which includes eggs. I said I did not want the eggs. I was asked what kind of pancakes - opted to try the buckwheat cakes. While easting, there was a strange tast in some parts of the pancakes. A member of the staff said it was bananas - the special of buckwheat banana cakes. That's not what I ordered. He offered a new pancake(s). No, I had enough. On the bill, I paid the full price - nothing fpr no eggs or screwing up my order.

Loaded the last things in the car and racked the bikes. Waited for the motel office opening. Had to discuss rate - availability check said $69 for senior but was being changed full rate of $79. Got that settled (got the discounted rate - thanks because had the e-mails,

Things are not started very well today. Good to be on the road. Boring drive up to I-70, and down Utah 24. Took the time to make a side trip to check out Goblin Valley State Park. This park is out in the middle of nowhere! Interesting rock formations (the "goblins).

When Rt 24 turned West at Hanksville, the scenery got better. Stopped in at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. the Ranger described the scenic road in the park. I think the visitor center and scenic drive were new since I was there some 15+ years ago.

The drive was worth it. The main scenic drive is paved. There are 2 side roads (gravel) that take you down a canyon. Great scenery!. Today's photo was taken on the Scenic Drive.

Checked into the motel - Rim Rock Inn. It was a couple miles to the town of Torrey so headed into town. Stopped at the town Visitors Information office. talked a bit with the gal un the office. She suggested the Red Cliff for food. The prices in the menu at the place i was staying was just a bit too expensice - $15 for a 1/2 pounder burger.

Canyonlands & Arches - Take 2

When I got up (late again)yeserday, I was not sure what I was going to do. Knew that I did have to repack the car. Also wanted to clean up any other things I want to do/see. I decided to trek South to check out the Needles District of Canyonlands.

Stopped for a couple photos on the way to the park. Wilson Arch is along Rt 191. Enjoyed the scenery driving highway 211 to entrance. I was disappointed with the Needles district compared to Island in the Sky district. Only a couple view overlooks along the park drive. Stopped along the road to look at "Newspaper Rock".

I thought that during my last visit to the area, I had skipped Needles. After all, it was a long off the main highway. Now, I am not sure. Newspaper rock and the end of the park road seemed familiar.

Back in Moab, I was hungry. Stopped at Wendy's (hated to eat at a chain but was not looking for a sit-down meal. On up to Arches to see some places which were took crowded (it was Sunday). Took photos at the Windows Area and Park Avenue.

The one thing I did not get accomplished was riding Mill Creek Pathway

Today's photo was taken at the end of the Needles Scenic Drive. Now, packing up the room. Next stop is Torrey, UT.

Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point

Got up for breakfast and tried the Moab Diner (down the block from my motel). Classic breakfast - and I could not finish it.

Found the Moab Regional Hospital - needed a blood draw. Napped in the room until temperature got nice (60s). Loaded the trail bike and riding gear.

Plan was to check out Canyonsland - Island in the Sky. Then Dead Horse Point for a bike ride and photos. There was a knot in my left calf, so figured I would do what I could. Tried to walk it out, but no luck.

Stopped at almost all of the turn-outs, taking photos. One big omission was Upheaval Dome. The parking lot was fill and I did not want hike up to the view point. My legs have been about toast every night.

When I got to Dead Horse Point, I checked in with the ranger. Getting directions to the trailhead. Unloading the bike, asked a couple of biker to take my photo. Seems that the Gal was from Omaha!

Was not that good of a ride. Seems that I had forgotten about riding rocks and slickrock. That, an my A-Fib, left knee and altitude. Made a 1 miles ride/hike on the Intrepid Trail.

Ended up at the Dead Horse Point view area. Took some photos at the lower view point. Just not enough energy to haul the tripod.

Had dinner at Eddie McStiffs (was my plan). For many years, any time I came through Moab, I stopped in at Eddie McStiffs. Not looking for a big meal but needed my salad and a brew. Opted for a burger.

Thanks to Jill for buying me a birthday beer. Ended up having 2 - Rock Amber Ale. Soon bed time (see if I can complete the blog posting before i crash).

Mom called for my birthday. So, the day is complete. Will process photos in the morning. Night-night...

Arches

It was really difficult to get going this morning. A couple times I tried getting up, just to nap. Guess I really needed the sleep.

Decided to drive up to Arches National Park to scope out the park again. take some photos, re-orient myself (been 15 or more years since I was there). Since it was late morning on a Sunday, there were a lot of folks in the park. The most popular trailhead parking lots were full to the brim.

Stopped in at the Visitor's Center to inquire about places to shoot sunrise/sunset. Picked up some reading material while I was there. Took a good number of photos. Started processing the files.

When I got back to the motel, I was time for my bike ride. Aired up the tires on the road bike and lubed the chain. Plans were to head out of the motel and to ride North out of town.

For the first 2 miles I was on streets, highway shoulder, and bike path - up to Rt. 128. Crossed the road and rode up to the new pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River.

From this point, I was on the Moab Canyon Trail (Pathway). The trail climbs along US 191. The scenery (read rock formations) leaves you confused of the slope of the trail. At places, the trail looks like you are descending but you are still climbing. Yup, you climb so much that you think you are dropping when you are still climbing.

Made it up to the road entrance to Arches - about 5 miles. Recruited a couple of fellow cyclists to take my photo at the entrance (see above). It was lots of fun coasting down the canyon trail to Rt 128.

There, the road (UT 191)basically levels out until it drops down into Moab. As I rode into town, I was getting exhausted, Still had enough energy to pick up some souvenirs.

Back in the room, I transferred today's photos to the auxiliary laptop drive. Then time for food.

Not looking for riding the bike or a long walk to dinner. I had seen Woody's Tavern just a block from my motel. Not impressed with the service. The bartender was paying more attention to the football gane than her customer. Eventually she saw me. Good burger and seasoned waffle fried. Washed it down with an amber ale.

Most of today's photos have been processed. Will take some time to finish up and select those for posting on fb.

Hello Moab

I was just too tired last night to blog. I woke up early on day 2 of the trip. The day dawned overcast and threatening rain. Had my coffee and hotel breakfast. Loading the car and the rain starts.

Still threatening when I got to Colorado National Monument. Getting to the East entrance of the monument from west-bound I-70 is not well marked. I followed Business I-70. About the time I was sure I had missed the turn, I saw the brown sign for the Monument (appropriately named Monument Road).

Was a bit cool (about 43 deg) during the drive of Rim Rock Drive. Stopped at almost all of the turnout along the road. Some times it took a short hike to the vista.

The upper photo here was taken at one of those turnouts along Rim Rock Drive.

Stopped in at the Visitor's center. Talked a little with the Ranger, nothing in the store I didn't need. So, finished Rim Rock Drive, dropping down to Fruita. Filled up the car and on towards Moab.

If you map a route to Moab from the East on I-70, Google Maps will take you to Crescent Junction, Exit 182 Highway 191 to Moab. What you need to is exit I-70 at Exit 214 (older maps label it exit 212). The exit is labels Danish something, but it takes you through Cisco, then a Left on 128.

The first 10+ miles of rt 128 is nothing to write home about. and you will wonder "Why so much traffic on this road"? This is the scenic route into Moab. Once the road follows the Colorado River. You will he treated on some beautiful vistas.

As I reached the junction of highway 120 and 191 just North of Moab, it was obvious you saw this is a bicycle town. A beautiful Mid-October day and bicycle riders were out in full force.

My first stop in Moab was the Visitor's Center. Got some information, directions, and reading material. Next was my lodging - The Virginian Motel. Checking in there and unloaded some of the stuff from the car.

The Viginian Motel is an older place. Rooms are roomy enough (places to park my 2 bicycle) and a kitchenette. Yes - even a small stove with oven, but no microwave.

Wanted to get recommendations for singletrack trails to ride. Googled the local Trek Bike dealer. It is Poison Spider Bicycles. Not sure how far, I opted to drive. WRONG! I should had used one of my bicycles! Traffic in town (this was a Saturday afternoon during one of the peak tourist seasons) was terrible. It was much faster (and less aggravation) riding a bike to get where you wanted to go.

Anyway, Eddie and one of the customers (don't you just love bike shops - staff and customers were always ready to help) suggested Intrepid Trails at Dead Horse Point. There, I would find some easy trails, with little climbing, but awesome scenery. Just what I wanted for my Birthday Ride on Monday. I thanked Eddie and promised to be back for some shopping before leaving town.

Back at the motel, I unloaded more for the 4 nights stay in Moab. Soon, it was time to look for some food. This was a "salad day" so was looking for a dull meal, or at least a place that has a salad bar. And, no chain restaurant!

I opted for Pizza. Zax is just 2 blocks from my motel and they offer a pizza, soup, and salad buffet. It the start of dinner time. The place fulled as I was eating. Since I had not eaten (other than a couple snacks) since my hotel breakfast, I was getting hungry! Had my salad. Beer Cheese Soup was one of the offerings - how could I pass THAT. And, of course, beer goes well with pizza. Decided for a pint of Dead Horse Amber Ale brewed locally by The Moab Brewery.

Back at the motel, I transferred photo files form the camera to the laptop. Was getting very tired as I finished up processing my HDR photos (all 93 of them). Crashed into bed.