Never Know Unless You Go!

[mph]

The desert rains of this Spring had yet to stop as our 12-day June trip approached. Each June, a few friends and I rally to the deserts of Utah. Yes, I know...June is not the best time of year but it's the time I've got! This year the rains made the desert "green" and the roads a little tricky. There was a severe thunderstorm watch out and a flash flood warning as we departed Park City in early June. Luckily, for my friends Dave and Barb; we had planned driving miles of backcountry roads and canyoneering a few slots canyons. Perfect forecast Off we went...

We were escaping the rain all around us the first day. Every drainage was flooded. The clouds, the lighting...it was awesome!



Our hope was to find a rock art panel...Luck would have it...we found it! The rain stayed away...



The setting sun put the desert aglow...We were off to find a campsite.



The following day dawned clear and blue. We were packing for our canyoneering adventure...when, you guessed it. The black clouds came back As we parked our cars; we thought for sure it wouldn't happen. I-70 is directly behind us. The secrets that are just off the highway...



We hiked in the rain and scouted out the canyon. It was narrow but not too narrow. We slowly approached when the clouds broke! The sun poked out on the first rappel. Barb was probably hoping that we wouldn't descend. But down we went...



Dave wondering if we are really here...



The canyon showed its true colors as the sun continued to warm us. Luck was on our side...



Not all raps end in a nice, easy landing. I'm trying not to get wet here. It didn't happen



It was good day...A complete day...the desert gods were watching us.



The wilds of Utah desert are just around the corner. More to come...

 

[unkamonkey]

We used to always go to Moab in June, it's when the school teachers got out. If you think the students are ready to escape, the teachers are just as ready to get out of there. I quit doing the rope things in 1992 when a friend did a too rapid descent from Half Dome. Enjoy your time, wherever you are.

 

[mph]

The desert was a blooming and muddy after the rains. We timed it well and the roads had a little time to dry!



The landscapes were out of this world. Someone had neatly placed these beautiful black boulders astetically around the road.



Barb and Dave discussed the treacherous water crossing. Barb went first



Barb led the way across this bridge.



Our second day would lead us into Capital Reef. Across the Last Chance Desert...Love the name!!!



It was stunning...




We entered Capital Reef National Park. No one was there to welcome us. No visitor center crowds...No maps...Just the way we like it!



The setting was outstanding. Desert...Thousand Lake Mountains above that...The range was misnamed. But, that's another story...



The Land Rover in its natural environment.



We weren't the first ones to settle this land...The cowboys of days past...



The desert wander continues...more to come!

 

[SmoothLC]

. . . looking forward to more!

 

[mph]

We enjoyed Capital Reef...There didn't seem to be too many crowds out and about. Barb enjoying the quietness.



The landscape was dotted with blooming cactus and room to explore. We found this gorgeous spring in the middle of the desert. Crystal clear water!



Not all travelers make it out of the desert. Or at least their vehicles.



The desert had received a great deal of rain. The clay roads were luckily dry for us on this particular day.



The gang...



If you ever find water in the desert; look around...if you see it flowing down a beautiful canyon...hike it! We followed this advice and were not disappointed!





A good day!



Dave enjoying his surroundings! A magical evening!





What would tomorrow bring? More to come...

 

[mph]

Thanks for the kind words!

. . . looking forward to more!

 

[mph]

Funny...2 of us are teachers!

We used to always go to Moab in June, it's when the school teachers got out. If you think the students are ready to escape, the teachers are just as ready to get out of there. I quit doing the rope things in 1992 when a friend did a too rapid descent from Half Dome. Enjoy your time, wherever you are.

 

[unkamonkey]

Funny...2 of us are teachers!

Both of my teacher neighbors are retired now and both got called back to serve another semester at the high school in Kersey. Actually, Petra went back twice. She taught ESL, German. French and Spanish. Mike was in charge of the Special Ed program there. The replacement teachers hired were not up to the task. He was still getting calls to go out there and be a sub this spring. When Mike went back it was with the agreement that he wouldn't have to deal with all of the BS paperwork. The Principal was fine with that. The paperwork is why he got out of there. He used to take gangster students down to visit the prisons and there was always a former student up in a cell "Hey Mr. Gore".

 

[pcut]

Damn it Mike- now I'm even sorrier I couldn't make it this time. Looks like your usual great report complete with photos and dialogue.
Keep it coming so I can live it vicariously.

 

[mph]

Funny...Yeah, you missed a great trip. But, good news...the desert isn't going anywhere Always up for another one! Give you a shout when I get back from CO!

Damn it Mike- now I'm even sorrier I couldn't make it this time. Looks like your usual great report complete with photos and dialogue.
Keep it coming so I can live it vicariously.

 

[SmoothLC]

Can't see the images above . . .

Edit: All good now - thanks for fixing.

 

[Bushcoat]

Very nice report!

 

[ETAV8R]

Looks like a great trip.

 

[mph]

Dang. Sorry about pics and delay. Been in Colorado for a few weeks. Signal spotty. Will correct and finish when I'm home��. Thx!

 

[mph]

The day dawned bright and clear. We were a little tired but rallied to make Dave's final day of the trip fun! Off we went...sometimes you have to get the car dirty to find the goods



Dave airing up the tires for a little pounding pavement...



We were off to do some canyoneering. The camera didn't come out much on this part...But a few shots! You know fun is about to be had when all you see is rope going down!



A few raps down...we were walking out!







Dave said his goodbyes. Barb and I were headed south. Once again, we entered the southern part of Capital Reef National Park. Once again, no one seemed to care we were there...



Barb enjoying the day...



Up the Burr...Burr Trail that is...



Barb enjoying canyon country! All is going well until water starts to come at us...Yep, the canyon flash flooded. More to come...