Category: Bryce+ Road Trip

Wow!  I slept over nine hours last night!  That’s highly unusual for me.  Perhaps the three nights of meteor shower photography caught up with me…? 🙂

After a relaxing morning, I drove to Shoshone Falls, a city park which honors my national park lifetime senior pass, thereby saving me $5.00!  These falls are totally cool!

“Often referred to as the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is a must-see attraction in Twin Falls, Idaho. At 212 feet tall and 900 foot wide, Shoshone Falls is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States surpassing the height of the famous Niagara Falls.” (https://www.tfid.org/309/Shoshone-Falls)

I asked the kind and helpful young woman at the entrance kiosk which falls are the “Twin Falls.”  Turns out Shoshone Falls is NOT one of the “Twin Falls,” and in fact only one of the “Twin Falls” – named Twin Falls! – is active. 

“The city of Twin Falls took its name from these two waterfalls in the Snake River Canyon. So why is only one waterfall visible today? A dam along the Snake River, which uses water for hydroelectricity throughout the year, diverted water away from the second waterfall.” (https://visitsouthidaho.com/waterfalls/)

Following my visit to Twin Falls, I ate a Subway sandwich at the Love’s in Bliss.  (Love, bliss, … haha!)

Now, I’m ensconced at the Caldwell Elks, a few miles west of Boise.  Another Elks lodge experience!

Shoshone Falls

 

Rainbow!

 

 

 

Twin Falls

 

I walked down to get a better view but a fenced tunnel blocked access.

 

Twin Falls Power Plant Park

 

 

 

Final swims before school starts on Wednesday

I’m not an astrophotographer!  I’m very much a novice photographer who is learning how to capture and develop a variety of images.

With the Perseid Meteor Shower and camping in dark sky territory, I googled how to take photos of meteors…and snapped away.  Well, I mean “tapped.”  To prevent my camera from shaking, I set it up on a tripod and used the Fujifilm app on my iPhone to click the shutter.  So, for three nights, I tapped the shutter nearly every twenty seconds for one to three hours each night.

For the first two nights, Nanine and I watched the meteor shower on our own.  Last night, we met at 10 pm and clicked away until about 1 am. 

Reviewing several hundred photos, I found the following to be the “best,” meaning that I find them intriguing.

Night sky 🙂

 

 

Meteors!  I learned that green meteor streaks are due to the minerals in the rocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elon Musk’s ‘Starlink’ Satellite

 

Transition day!
Today, Nanine and Bossa journey back to California while I commence my solo leg of this adventure.

Of course, this is after Nanine and I stayed up until about 1:00 am to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower!  (Photos in next post. 🙂 )

So, on less than five hours of sleep, I drove from Castle Rocks State Park to Twin Falls.  Well, technically, I’m at the Snake River Elks in Jerome, ID.  Although I’m able to camp here with electricity – needed with 93 degree temps so I can run my air conditioner – the lodge is closed.  It’s very quiet and peaceful.

I did venture into Twin Falls for an ice cream (duh!) and pulled over to see the canyon created by the Snake River and spanned by the Perrine Bridge, the eighth tallest bridge in the US that crosses the river. 

1,500 foot long Perrine Bridge – built in 1976

 

Snake River – two miles east of here, Evel Knievel attempted to jump the river, failing and ending up with only a broken nose

 

Roadside historical marker

This morning, after sleeping better last night even with waking up in the middle of the night to capture some of the meteor shower, I grabbed my camera to snap a few golden hour images.

Afterward, Nanine, Bossa, and I went to Castle Rocks State Park, home of the Idaho Mountain Festival, to walk and photograph some rock climbers.  Using my big zoom lens, I had fun capturing pictures today of not only the scenery but also some climbers.  When we were heading back to Addie, we passed a group of six climbers – and decided to join them to take photos of them climbing.  So much fun!

Also, we now know the difference between a national park and a national reserve!  A reserve, created by an act of Congress, is owned by the federal government but managed by the state government.  There are only a couple (perhaps up to four…) national reserves in the US. Sophia, ranger extraordinaire, is a state rather than federal employee.  A reserve allows private ownership of some of the land, hunting, and fishing.  City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park are, therefore, managed by the same people.

Golden Hour Photos

 

 

 

Nanine and Bossa

 

Castle Rocks State Park

 

 

Petroglyphs

 

Aaron

 

Grace

 

Climber from afar

To start with, I didn’t sleep well last night…on purpose!  With the Perseid Meteor Shower happening tonight and, even more so, tomorrow night and with us being in dark sky territory, I set my alarm for 1:30 am so I could practice some astrophotography.  (I’ll post my best meteor shower photos after tomorrow night’s viewing.)

Given the heat and our desire, though, to do a nice hike today, Nanine and I agreed to meet at 7 am to hike.  Yep, despite having very little sleep last night, I explored this wonderful national reserve (still trying to figure out what a national reserve is…).

The hike seemed harder than it probably was…due to lack of sleep? dehydration?  heat?  calorie deficit? yesterday’s double vaccines?

Regardless, although I felt a bit “bonkish” the last mile, the hike was FABULOUS!  It combined elements Poly Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park, the Sierras, and Pinnacles! Cool, too, we got to see a few rock climbers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today had three parts!

Provo: Before driving to Idaho, we explored Bridal Veil Falls, along the Provo River.  With great scenery, a paved trail, and relatively flat walking, the trail delights walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Orem: On my way to Idaho, I stopped at the Target in Orem for groceries – and my next COVID and flu shots!  Given some of my upcoming trips and knowing that friends who traveled to family weddings contracted COVID, I decided that it was time for me to get my next booster.  I have to say, KUDOS to the pharmacy staff at the CVS in Orem’s Target!  Very competent, compassionate, and helpful!

Castle Rocks State Park, Idaho: This is a gem for rock climbers!  In fact, this weekend is the Idaho Mountain Festival, “a four-day, all-inclusive climbing retreat, hosted inside Castle Rocks State Park, right next door to the world-renowned City of Rocks National Reserve.”

We are camping for three days in the City of Rocks National Reserve.  I’m still trying to figure out how Castle Rocks State Park (where our campground supposedly is) is related to the City of Rocks National Reserve.  Also, I’m still unsure what a “national reserve” is, although I know it’s a part of the National Park System.  Sophia at the Visitors Center was helpful when I arrived with maps and hiking recommendations.  I may need to visit her tomorrow to have her clarify!  🙂

Bridal Veil Falls

 

 

Provo River

 

Bridal Veil Falls (I like the natural frame of the trees)

 

Addie patiently waiting in the City of Rocks as we explored part of the California Trail

“Although there may have been some visitation to the area by Europeans and Americans during the fur trade and exploration-era, the establishment of the California Trail through the City of Rocks is what brought the first significant number of European-Americans to what is now the Reserve. Emigrants following trails created by American Indians and trappers, crossed the continent in search of a better life, spurred on by Manifest Destiny. Approximately 240,000 people made their way west on the overland trails, primarily between the time when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California in 1848, and when the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.” Source: NPS

 

City of Rocks

 

 

 

Emigrants scratched their names and travel dates into some of the rocks along the Emigrant Trail.  This way, others knew that they had been there.

“Freeman & D. Tickner: Daniel Tickner was born in Graves End, Kent, England around 1812 and immigrated to the United States in 1826. He eventually settled in Albion, IL, with his parents and other family members. In 1840 Daniel married Mary Wood, and they made their home in Albion, where he worked as a blacksmith. Their first child, Ellis Sarah, was born in Albion in 1847. In 1850, Mary’s parents asked Daniel to travel to California to retrieve his brother-in-law, John, who had gone in search of gold. A. Freeman, a friend of Daniel’s, accompanied him on the trek (which they made on horseback). It was on this trip that Tickner and Freeman wrote their names in axle grease on Register Rock. In 1852, Tickner once again headed to California, this time with his wife, children, and two brothers-in-law. The family made this trip in a covered wagon rather than on horseback.” Source: NPS

 

Swallows also leave their marks on the rocks

Not a lot to write about tonight!  This morning, I left the very unappealing Green River State Park (the first state park that I haven’t thought was fabulous), went to an RV park around the corner to do “water out” (the state park’s dump is “under construction” – not mentioned on their website), met Nanine at the Elgin Cemetery, and drove to the Provo Elks.

This Elks lodge is lovely – big, modern, and friendly.  During the afternoon, we walked to the mall next door and saw Oppenheimer.  Wow!!!  Powerful movie – well-made, great acting, very depressing.  Good thing the Elks bartender Marianne knows how to make a good Manhattan!  (Ha!  We’re drinking Manhattans at the Elks lodges we’re visiting…and Oppenheimer headed the Manhattan Project.  Coincidence??!!)

Elgin Cemetery

 

Provo Elks

 

 

Addie and Her Buddy

When planning this road trip, I knew I wanted to see Arches National Park. On my previous trip to Utah in May 2021, I explored the southern part of the state and saw Bryce, Zion, Kodachrome, Natural Bridges, Grand Staircase Escalante, and Capitol Reef.  This time, along with Four Corners, I decided to also go to Arches.  Nanine, having been to Arches a few times in the past, decided to head straight to our campsite for the night, Green River State Park.

The drive from our mountain top home of three nights, Grand Mesa National Forest, to Arches was lovely.  The change from the forest to the desert revealed multiple layers of geological wonders.  I took the long way to Arches, traveling along the Colorado River.  Beautiful!

Arches itself was… Okay, I admit it.  I was a bit underwhelmed.  I thought I’d see, you know, more ARCHES.  The red rocks, buttes, and hoodoos are terrific.  But they aren’t ARCHES.  Maybe if I ventured out for longer hikes, I would have seen more of them.  Given the 105 degree temperatures, though, I pulled off at scenic overlooks and walked around several of them. (Hey, I still got nearly 15,000 steps in!)

Regardless, I’m very happy I went to Arches.  The photos below capture some of the beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With about 3,000 miles of trails and over 300 lakes in Grand Mesa National Forest, we decided to stay here for three days.

I’m loving the scenic hikes, gorgeous wildflowers, and abundant trees.

Here are my favorite photos from yesterday’s and today’s hikes.

If you’ve never visited Grand Mesa, I highly recommend it!  What a surprising treat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We drove up…and up…and up to Grand Mesa National Forest, altitude 10,740 feet.

After checking with the Visitors Center and picking up printed maps, we tried first come, first served camping at Island Lake Campground. Given it’s Saturday of a summer weekend, we weren’t too surprised that only one spot was available. From there, we went a couple of miles up the road to the snow park. We’re boondocking here – at least for tonight if not for three nights. It’s a big level parking lot with another RV all set up – awning and chairs out, etc.

Having settled our rigs for the day, we hiked about seven miles around lakes, through tall trees, and surrounded by wildflowers! With late snow that only recently melted, blooming flowers decorated our trail.

 

 

 

 

 

Day trip today!

Nanine, Bossa, and I hopped into Addie to go to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which has been a national monument since 1933 and a national park since 1999.  Deep, steep, and narrow, Black Canyon provides amazing views without the crowds. 

The short trails off of the many scenic overlooks are dog-friendly, so we stopped at each overlook to enjoy the views.  After seeing the canyon from the top, we took the very steep road down to the river.  Addie, in first gear, did great on the steep drive – both up and down!

Photos from the top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gunnison River

 

Nanine took this time-lapse video while I drove on the STEEP road (click on the photo to see the video)

Today’s highlight?  Box Cañon Falls in Ouray! 

“Box Cañon Falls, Ouray’s own wonder of the world, is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls. At this most spectacular geological formation, the 285-foot waterfall plummets into a narrow quartzite canyon. The narrow rock walls tower over the falls by nearly 100 feet!” (https://www.visitouray.com/box-canyon-falls)

Today’s lowlight? The drive from Ouray to Montrose Elks – lots of construction traffic, and Montrose is nowhere near as beautiful as Ouray.  (However, they do have a terrific scoop ice cream shop!)

Box Cañon Falls Video (click the picture for a wild five second video)

Box Cañon Falls

 

 

 

Via Ferrata

 

Addie and Her Bigger Buddy

What a wonderful day in this fabulous town!

We started by hiking part of the perimeter trail to a waterfall.  Yes, I was in my happy place!  A forest trail to a waterfall: perfect!

Later, we wandered around town.  Of course, I found an ice cream shop – and indulged later in the day.  🙂

We also enjoyed soaking in the hot springs.  The city has five pools of varying temperatures.  It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon!

In the evening, we played BINGO at the Ouray Elks!  There were over 100 people playing!  So much fun, even if I didn’t win any of the ten games we played.

Emmett loves sloths!  This one was at the trailhead.

 

Along the trail…

 

 

WATERFALL!

 

The town of Ouray

 

 

 

Afternoon thunderstorm approaching

 

Hot Springs

 

Bingo at the Elks

Red rocks are a feast for my eyes. Mountains fill my soul.

Today, I loved the drive from Cortez to Ouray. Mountains, trees, streams. Perfect!

In Telluride, we wandered around the historic district before taking the free – and dog-friendly! – gondola up and over the mountain to the Mountain Village. There, we got off the gondola, looked around a bit, and returned to the historic area. The scenery from the gondola was AMAZING!

First view of Telluride while walking into town after parking our rigs on the outskirts of the historic district

 

The San Miguel River flowing through Telluride

 

Lots of water flowing down the mountain!

 

Nanine and Bossa enjoying the gondola ride.  To encourage Bossa to get into the gondola, I went in first, showed him a treat, and rewarded him with it when he was inside the gondola.

 

Approaching the first station – where we did not get off

 

Surprise!  I was focusing on the mountain and another gondola passed just when I clicked the shutter!

 

Approaching the Mountain Village, where we got off and on again

 

Another view of the Mountain Village

 

Can you find Addie and Nanine’s rig?

After yesterday’s long drive, today we decided to head to Durango for a day trip.  What a lovely day!  River walk, lunch, ice cream… Perfect!

My first view of the Animas River

 

At the skate park along the river, I captured this cyclist catching air

 

Nanine’s sweet pup Bossa appreciated cooling off in the river

 

Refreshing river view

 

Several rafts and kayaks moved downstream

 

This tree trunk “chose” to rest on a big rock