Up bright and early -- what's new -- had great breakfast at the Jail House Cafe. Then it was off for a mile walk on Park Avenue at Arches in the brisk morning aird. We finished it quickly since I was with John and Betty -- he keeps up quite a pace. I realize some of you have fainted by now at all this activity on my part!
We then walked around other Arches in the park. Loved it and it was -- I don't know -- I've run out of adjectives. What a spectacular country we live in!! The scenery is beautiful, awesome, spectacular, moving, sacred, larger than life -- all these things and more.
Dead Horse Point is a must see. I walked all the way out on the point -- it had a railing. Some of this will be clearer when I post pictures. We returned to Moab for a night on our own but we like each other so much that we all went to dinner together. The day started cool but was hot as blue blazes later. Took a nap which felt good!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Colorado Rockies and Durangoe/Silverton Railroad
It was with trepidation that I faced the train ride in the brisk morning air of 40 degrees in an open car. Operative words here are "narrow gorge" railway. It turned out to be a delight and totally unique experience. Although very high and very narrow, the aspens were glorious and the scenery breathtaking!! The train ride takes 3 1/2 hours, the drive an hour.
We arrived in Silveraton and had lunch in a former brothel. Wasn't too impressed with Silverton -- touristy -- but I did make a great purchase. Three young boys greeted the train in their red flyer wagons. I bought an amythest geode for $3.50. We won't talk about what I bought in Durango.
Thinking the worse was behind me, I settled into the "nest" Betty and I had created in the back seat to traverse the "million dollar highway." There are several reasons it's been given that name. After experiencing sheer drop offs on each side -- think North Rim of the Grand Canyon -- I spent a lot of time NOT looking out the window. One of the reasons for the name that fits me -- you couldn't pay me a million dollars to travel that highway again!!
A highlight of the trip down was a stop in Ouray for ice cream -- I didn't have any -- but it is a beautiful small, picturesque town I'd like to visit again as long as there is a alternate route other than the million dollar highway.
We rolled into the vibrant, bustling town of Moab and went to the microbrewery for dinner. After the day I'd had, I needed a .beer and had an excellent local, raspberry wheat beer.
Tomorrow is an early start -- they've all been early -- none later than 8-- to walk Arches National Park. I can log points on My Wellness Works for EVERY day of this trip. Who knew. After all the sun, think my vitamin D deficiency is cured!
We arrived in Silveraton and had lunch in a former brothel. Wasn't too impressed with Silverton -- touristy -- but I did make a great purchase. Three young boys greeted the train in their red flyer wagons. I bought an amythest geode for $3.50. We won't talk about what I bought in Durango.
Thinking the worse was behind me, I settled into the "nest" Betty and I had created in the back seat to traverse the "million dollar highway." There are several reasons it's been given that name. After experiencing sheer drop offs on each side -- think North Rim of the Grand Canyon -- I spent a lot of time NOT looking out the window. One of the reasons for the name that fits me -- you couldn't pay me a million dollars to travel that highway again!!
A highlight of the trip down was a stop in Ouray for ice cream -- I didn't have any -- but it is a beautiful small, picturesque town I'd like to visit again as long as there is a alternate route other than the million dollar highway.
We rolled into the vibrant, bustling town of Moab and went to the microbrewery for dinner. After the day I'd had, I needed a .beer and had an excellent local, raspberry wheat beer.
Tomorrow is an early start -- they've all been early -- none later than 8-- to walk Arches National Park. I can log points on My Wellness Works for EVERY day of this trip. Who knew. After all the sun, think my vitamin D deficiency is cured!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Bluff, Utah;Four Corners;terrifying Mesa Verde
In addition to the wonderful Desert Rose hotel, we ate at Twin Rocks. When I post the pictures, I'll let you figure out why it's named that. We returned for breakfast as well -- no beer.
It was off to Four Corners. If you don't know why it's called that, look it up. We arrived in the middle of a big dedication ceremony complete with speakers that addressed the crowd in Navajo. We weren't allowed to walk onto the Four Corners -- so much for the practice poses to get feet and hands in all four states.
Little did I know what awaited me at Mesa Verde. We viewed the cliff dwelling from across the valley. Betty and I were less than enthusiastic about going down the very narrow steps to get to the cliff. It was hot as blue blazes. Jeff, the park ranger, informed us that if we couldn't get out, the helicopter ride was $12,000. Off we went like good soldiers. Going down was a little scary but we made it.
We hung out at the cliff dwelling built by the Anasazi in the 1200's. Jeff told us how the women had to climb down the sheer cliffs using only hand holds chipped into the rock to get water or dump the human wastes. They carried the bucket on their heads with a kid on their back.
It was difficult to concentrate on what Jeff was saying because we know to get out we had to climb 4 10-foot ladders attached to the climb walls. Remember what I told you about high, open spaces? Obviously I made it but all I could think about as I pulled myself up was that it could be worse -- I could be carrying the "poop bucket" on my head!!!!!!! Betty and I had claimed the back seat and our "nest" never looked so good!! Nothing like going from a "desk jockey" to climbing 4 10-foot ladders attached to a cliff wall at 700 feet elevation in a 100 degree heat! Linda, the water bottle has been a godsend and quite the fashion statment
We made our escape and it was off to Durango which I loved -- - it's a "happenin'"place. We were on our own for the evening. Not sure what's more dangerous -- cliff dwellings or me loose in a town with galleries having open house! Tommorrow a train ride from Durango to Silverton on a narrow gorge rail. Can't wait!!!!!
It was off to Four Corners. If you don't know why it's called that, look it up. We arrived in the middle of a big dedication ceremony complete with speakers that addressed the crowd in Navajo. We weren't allowed to walk onto the Four Corners -- so much for the practice poses to get feet and hands in all four states.
Little did I know what awaited me at Mesa Verde. We viewed the cliff dwelling from across the valley. Betty and I were less than enthusiastic about going down the very narrow steps to get to the cliff. It was hot as blue blazes. Jeff, the park ranger, informed us that if we couldn't get out, the helicopter ride was $12,000. Off we went like good soldiers. Going down was a little scary but we made it.
We hung out at the cliff dwelling built by the Anasazi in the 1200's. Jeff told us how the women had to climb down the sheer cliffs using only hand holds chipped into the rock to get water or dump the human wastes. They carried the bucket on their heads with a kid on their back.
It was difficult to concentrate on what Jeff was saying because we know to get out we had to climb 4 10-foot ladders attached to the climb walls. Remember what I told you about high, open spaces? Obviously I made it but all I could think about as I pulled myself up was that it could be worse -- I could be carrying the "poop bucket" on my head!!!!!!! Betty and I had claimed the back seat and our "nest" never looked so good!! Nothing like going from a "desk jockey" to climbing 4 10-foot ladders attached to a cliff wall at 700 feet elevation in a 100 degree heat! Linda, the water bottle has been a godsend and quite the fashion statment
We made our escape and it was off to Durango which I loved -- - it's a "happenin'"place. We were on our own for the evening. Not sure what's more dangerous -- cliff dwellings or me loose in a town with galleries having open house! Tommorrow a train ride from Durango to Silverton on a narrow gorge rail. Can't wait!!!!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Awe-inspiring and sacred Antelope Canyon; Kidnapped at Monument Valley
The slot canyon of Antelope is located on the reservation and it can only be toured with a Navajo guide, for it is a sacred place in their culture. We got lucky on two counts -- Ivanna was our guide and we went in a Suburban, not an open truck. She is an attractive and funny Navajo. Access to the canyon is via a VERY sandy area that floods during the rainy season. It can only be traversed in 4-wheel drive. She took delight in spinning us around.
o enter Antelope is no less inspiring that entering the most beautiful cathedral. Ivanna showed us things about our cameras we didn't know they did and we got great pictures. The 6 of us on our tour were joined by Roy - nice man from Boston. Ivanna kept referring to us as "Southern and Roy." We're tring to think of a drink by that name. The pictures will say all that needs to said.
We packed up and headed for Monument Valley which is also a Navajo site. We loaded into the back of Jimmy's pickup truck which had been outfitted with three rows of seats and a roof. We left about 2 on a very bumpy road that has never been paved. It's about a million degrees and very dusty . It appears that the Indians are getting their revenge by hitting every possible bump!
The monuments are awesome and Jimmy showed us all the possible images in each one. We stopped for a picnic about an hour into the trip in a well hidden spot in the valley. We were hungry, hot and dusty. The lunch was great and then it was back in the truck and more monuments. We stopped to visit a 98 year old Susie,who has lived there all her life and has 5 children and a total of 74 great, great, great-great grandchildren.
The tour continued with many photo stops. By this time John, who is originally from England and is a retired vascular surgeon was yelling "STRAIGHT home Jimmy" every time we stopped. Our camera batteries were all dead from taking so many photos and what was supposed to have been a 2 1/2 hour tour had been going on for over 3 hours. When Jimmy announced we were stopping for 10 minutes at the last photo opp over our protests, none of us got out of the truck. He probably had family selling jewelry there! It was back over the very bumpy road. Even our tour guide had gotten worried!! We thankfully piled into the van and headed to Bluff to spend the night at a great "log" hotel called the Desert Rose.
o enter Antelope is no less inspiring that entering the most beautiful cathedral. Ivanna showed us things about our cameras we didn't know they did and we got great pictures. The 6 of us on our tour were joined by Roy - nice man from Boston. Ivanna kept referring to us as "Southern and Roy." We're tring to think of a drink by that name. The pictures will say all that needs to said.
We packed up and headed for Monument Valley which is also a Navajo site. We loaded into the back of Jimmy's pickup truck which had been outfitted with three rows of seats and a roof. We left about 2 on a very bumpy road that has never been paved. It's about a million degrees and very dusty . It appears that the Indians are getting their revenge by hitting every possible bump!
The monuments are awesome and Jimmy showed us all the possible images in each one. We stopped for a picnic about an hour into the trip in a well hidden spot in the valley. We were hungry, hot and dusty. The lunch was great and then it was back in the truck and more monuments. We stopped to visit a 98 year old Susie,who has lived there all her life and has 5 children and a total of 74 great, great, great-great grandchildren.
The tour continued with many photo stops. By this time John, who is originally from England and is a retired vascular surgeon was yelling "STRAIGHT home Jimmy" every time we stopped. Our camera batteries were all dead from taking so many photos and what was supposed to have been a 2 1/2 hour tour had been going on for over 3 hours. When Jimmy announced we were stopping for 10 minutes at the last photo opp over our protests, none of us got out of the truck. He probably had family selling jewelry there! It was back over the very bumpy road. Even our tour guide had gotten worried!! We thankfully piled into the van and headed to Bluff to spend the night at a great "log" hotel called the Desert Rose.
The Mighty Colorado and Navajo Heritage
Left at 6:45 to float the Colorado on a smooth water trip. We were bused through a long tunnel to the Glen Canyon dam. Had to go through security since the dam provides power to 7 states. We also were required to wear a hard hat -- lovely look!
It was very chilly until we got into the sunlight. Josie was the river guide. The trip was 14 miles and started with the cliffs rising 700 feet above us and ended with them 1400 feet above. Although the water was smooth and there no mistaking the power of the river when you see the path it has cut. Awesome. Lunch at Lake Powell and then an hour of "down" time.
The evening was spent at the Navajo Heritage Center. We visited male and female hogans or houses. Some natives still live in them. Wally was our guide and quite the talker. One of the last 3 remaing code talkers from WWII died and he had attended the funerral that a.m. His father was a code talker. We had a dinner of Navajo tacos and were treated to native dancers. Wow.
It was very chilly until we got into the sunlight. Josie was the river guide. The trip was 14 miles and started with the cliffs rising 700 feet above us and ended with them 1400 feet above. Although the water was smooth and there no mistaking the power of the river when you see the path it has cut. Awesome. Lunch at Lake Powell and then an hour of "down" time.
The evening was spent at the Navajo Heritage Center. We visited male and female hogans or houses. Some natives still live in them. Wally was our guide and quite the talker. One of the last 3 remaing code talkers from WWII died and he had attended the funerral that a.m. His father was a code talker. We had a dinner of Navajo tacos and were treated to native dancers. Wow.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
North Rim, Vermillion Cliffs
Left Zion early and traveled to the less visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Spectacular scenery -- what I saw of it. Too near the edge and no barriers -- yikes. Didn't go out on the observation points -- how embarrasing it would have been to have to be carried off! The pictures I took which I promise I will post were taken from the deck of the Lodge.
On the way there, we stopped for a picnic at a scenic point. It is amazing how many Europeans are visitng. We then stopped at Jacob's Lake for to die for cookies -- lemon sugar, ginger snaps, german chocolate with the frosting, chocolate chip, to peanut butter,etc.
The trip took to Page took a couple of hours plus through beautiful scenery. I'm running out of adjectives!!
I don't know what time it is!! Vegas is on Pacific, Utah on Mountain, and Arizona doesn't observe daylight savings time.
Dinner on our own once we arrived in Page. Too tired to go to the Mexican restaurant -- can you believe. Had a nice dinner on the patio with John and Betty with Lake Powell in the distance.
Being picked up in the a.m. (Wednesday) at 6:45 to float the Colorado. More later.
On the way there, we stopped for a picnic at a scenic point. It is amazing how many Europeans are visitng. We then stopped at Jacob's Lake for to die for cookies -- lemon sugar, ginger snaps, german chocolate with the frosting, chocolate chip, to peanut butter,etc.
The trip took to Page took a couple of hours plus through beautiful scenery. I'm running out of adjectives!!
I don't know what time it is!! Vegas is on Pacific, Utah on Mountain, and Arizona doesn't observe daylight savings time.
Dinner on our own once we arrived in Page. Too tired to go to the Mexican restaurant -- can you believe. Had a nice dinner on the patio with John and Betty with Lake Powell in the distance.
Being picked up in the a.m. (Wednesday) at 6:45 to float the Colorado. More later.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Beautiful, beautiful Zion
The words above kept running through my head all day. Wow. There are two couples on the tour and one single guuy, plus me. Before you get excited I'll post a picture tonight. It's almost sunrise and I want to get a shot of the mountains -- beautiful view from hotel.
I took care of my Vitamin D deficiency yesterday with lots of sunshine, drank lots of water, and hiked up to Weeping Rock. We were all tired, but happy.
We're off to the north Rim of the Grand Canyon today and lots of time in the van driving to Page. I'll upload pictures tonight.
After a rough start Sunday and having Cammy come to my rescue (thank you) we're off to a good start.
I took care of my Vitamin D deficiency yesterday with lots of sunshine, drank lots of water, and hiked up to Weeping Rock. We were all tired, but happy.
We're off to the north Rim of the Grand Canyon today and lots of time in the van driving to Page. I'll upload pictures tonight.
After a rough start Sunday and having Cammy come to my rescue (thank you) we're off to a good start.
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