Bryce Canyon

So hard to pick...but I think Bryce Canyon is my favorite of the 6 national parks we have been to so far. Yesterday and today we took the park shuttle service around the park and got off at all the view points and some trails. This is another one that doesn't need much commentary - the pictures say it all.
Comments from Eldon: If they served pie here too this would be my favorite. But since they don't, it's one of my favorites. The first day here I knew I was in the West because I saw "the deer and the antelope play." There seem to be as many Europeans visiting the national parks as Americans.
Comments from Larry: I had a Steller jay visit me - they are a pretty bird. Apparently smart too - its said they can mimic cats. I nap well in high altitude when E & C are out on adventures.

Capitol Reef National Park to Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument to Bryce Canyon National Park

Unfortunately, it rained a lot at Capitol Reef. It is the least visited of the 5 national parks in southern Utah and the hardest to get to. Also, just as beautiful as Arches and Canyonlands. Some of its roads were closed due to flash flooding in the canyons. From Capitol Reef we took Scenic US 12 Byway to Petrified Forest State Park in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It is a huge, remote area and was the last part of the continental U.S. to be mapped. We were up and down the mountains all day - unfortunately it was rainy and foggy - a white knuckle ride at times. We stayed an extra day at the Petrified State Forest because of the rain (no flash floods). The petrified wood is interesting. Arrived at Bryce Canyon today. Staying at a RV place right outside the park - the park provides free shuttle service so the "Turtle" gets a rest for a few days.
Comments from Eldon:  I don't understand why Capitol Reef is the least visited. The Fruita heritage Mormon area in Capitol Reef was full of orchards and better yet the park service sells fruit pies from the orchards to support the park. What a good idea!!! The Mormons planted the trees in the 1880's and irrigated them from a creek. The park has maintained the orchard since taking over the area in the 1940's.  Because of the orchards, the campground was full of pretty tame deer. I have never saw so many deer in one place. What a good life for a deer in a desert climate - all those fruit trees and no hunters. The drive through the Escalante was wheel gripping. Both sides of the road went straight down - way down. I'm almost glad it was foggy so I couldn't see exactly how far down. Petrified Forest was cool.
Comments from Harry: I got to see deer eye-to-eye at Capitol Reef. They weren't scared of me and I wasn't scared of them. Deer are my friend.

Just traveled from Moab to Torrey today - about 150 miles. This part of Utah is very desolate. We had to be on I-70 for 30 miles - even the interstate didn't have gas for 100 miles. It is a marvel that anyone had the guts to travel this part of the country in a covered wagon. Saw part of Capitol Reed National Park - planning to go there tomorrow to camp 2 days.

Comments from Eldon: I've now eaten at 2 of the voted top 10 hamburger joints in Utah. After we do the national parks, I might try to do the other 8 (just joking)

Comments from Harry: I got nothin' today. Oh yea, it is cooler here - I like that.

Today was Canyonlands National Park. Yesterday we checked out Moab and did laundry and other chores. Moab is a nice little town with friendly, regular people who seem to enjoy the outdoors and life - a laid back atmosphere. We felt we were at the Grand Canyon today. The canyons were not as deep as the Grand and not as wide an area, but very impressive. On to our 5th national park tomorrow - Capital Reef.
Comments from Eldon: Moab is a nice, slow paced little community where I felt comfortable. A gentleman told me just to go slow in the 100 degree heat - I can do that very well. Canyonlands was not as awe inspiring as the Grand Canyon but still specacular - a nice mini-version.
Comments from Harry: It is thundering, lightning, and hailing - I don't like it.