On the Road Again!

I have truly been on the road again!  My brother Andy and I went on the ultimate of Nat’l Park trips—priceless.  We started our journey on St. Patrick’s Day around 2:30 in the afternoon.  Andy, drove all the way to Primm Nevada before calling it a day—between me, having chemo that morning, or him being slightly tired from traveling all day … we were ready to park our little RV.  Oh, did I forget to mention, that instead of my Mini we were traveling in style with our little 19’ camper.  Neither Andy or I typically glamp (glamorous camping)—so  this was indeed an adventure!!

What a fabulous trip—beginning with witnessing  sunrise at Kolob Canyon, the Western-most part of Zion Nat’l Park….the ever changing colors….spectacular.  This is the last park stop of our previous trip in September, so it is a bit poetic that we begin our NP II at the same spot!!  Next stop—breakfast at the All American Classic Diner in Cedar City Utah……we then start our journey on 14E…..a very scenic and beautiful drive towards our next destination, Bryce Canyon Nat’l Park.  The spires and Hoo Doos throughout the park are awe inspiring!!

After touring through Bryce we literally drove up some random road in the backwoods of the Dixie Forest and parked our camper for the night.  There is something about that first cold Corona of the day….beyond enjoyable…..in the midst of forest…..hanging with your brother and absorbing the good vibes that surround you.  I am  ALWAYS ready to take on any good vibes.  The next morning we had a truly scrumptious breakfast at Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder Utah on a referral from Barbara and Richard—thanks guys, that was a truly wonderful spot for the soul!  We head to Capitol Reef Nat’l Park, we take the scenic drive and hike in on a trail just beyond the visitors center…..sadly, my stamina for hikes not so great…..

Needless to say–all wimpiness aside–we visited 8 parks in the course of 6 days….Kolob Canyon, Bryce Nat’l Park, Capitol Reef Nat’l Park, Arches Nat’l Park, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde Nat’l Park, Petrified Forest Nat’l Park and finishing at Joshua Tree.  We actually made it to Anza Borrego State Park also–It was quite the adventure to say the least….magical in every sense of the word.  Thank you Andy for showing me all the wonder that is at our doorstep!

Can I describe in a few words how much this trip means to me–not likely…the unending miracle of stars on a clear Utah night or the amazement of the cliff dwellings from many moons ago or the super bloom of wildflowers that were like a carpet of colors in an otherwise desert landscape–priceless.