Utah

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Travel Journal, Day 4 (Part II): Arches National Park ~ Red Rock Wonderland

June 19, 2018

If Arches National Park is the famous park of Utah could be argued. But back in the day living in Germany, when someone mentioned Utah, the first picture coming into my head was the Delicate Arch. Therefore, the park was the one that stuck in my head. I didn’t know that Utah had many more National Parks, State Parks, Monuments, etc., until I moved to the United States. Since years, seeing the Delicate Arch was on my bucket list. On this trip, I’ve finally got to see it. We looked at it from the Lower Viewpoint, and we hiked all the way up the hill to the Upper Viewpoint. I scratched the Delicate Arch very lightly out on my list. Because I still want to hike all the way up to it and touch it.

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Arches National Park Sign at the Visitor Center at the entrance

But the Arches National Park has more to offer than just the Delicate Arch itself. There are many view points of interesting stone formation. Sometimes I think, these places are Mother Natures playgrounds. If she doesn’t want to play in this “sandbox”, she’ll play in another.

We didn’t make all the way back to the “Devils Garden”. There were just too many places to see along the road. And I’m not gonna post all the photos I’ve captured. Here are the 36 best photos I’ve shot in Arches National Park:

This boulder could come down any minute … at least that’s what it looks like from the road.
Near the entrance of the park
Getting to the Park Avenue
Park Avenue
Sara and Katelynn at Park Avenue
The Waxing Crescent Moon and the red rock
Courthouse Towers
This formation reminds me of a whale.
Kevin said: “Look, here is Santa with his sleigh, the bag full of toys and a waving elf in the front.”
Petrified Dunes
Petrified Dunes with the La Sal Mountains in the background
At the Panorama Viewpoint
Balancing Stone
Balancing Stone
Delicate Arch from the Lower Viewpoint
Looking south, while hiking to the Upper Viewpoint
Delicate Arch from the Upper Viewpoint
Garden of Eden
Double Arch
Courthouse Towers
The Three Gossips

When we left Arches National Park, we drove to Cortez in Colorado, to rest for the night there.

… to be continued …

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Travel Journal, Day 4 (Part I): Travelling From Zion National Park To Arches National Park

June 19, 2018

While Kevin and I were resting on the front porch on Monday afternoon, I was looking on my Rand McNally map. Kevin said, going to all five parks would get quite expensive when we stay in each park only for a couple hours. After some thinking and debating, we came to the decision, we would go to Arches National Park on our way home. Seeing the Delicate Arch is on my bucket list for quite some time. It would be a nice highlight for the end of our trip and before we leave Utah.

Tuesday morning, we packed our gear and put it in the car before we had breakfast and checking out at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch. We drove through Zion National Park for the third time in a couple of days, so we could reach Interstate 15. From there we would drive all the way up to get to Interstate 70. Along these two Interstates we’ve stopped several times to see Utah’s beautiful landscape along the way. We took a last stop to eat lunch at the rest area, right before exit to Highway 191, which leads to the entrance of Arches National Park.

Eagle Crags West south of Zion National Park
Beautiful scenery along Interstate 15
Beautiful scenery along Interstate 15
The mountain peaks still had some snow in mid-June.
Sand Bench Rest Area at Interstate 70
Sand Bench Rest Area at Interstate 70
Sand Bench Rest Area at Interstate 70
Sand Bench Rest Area at Interstate 70
Sand Bench Rest Area at Interstate 70
San Rafael Reef Cliffs near Spotted Wolf Canyon at Interstate 70
San Rafael Reef Cliffs near Spotted Wolf Canyon at Interstate 70
Spotted Wolf Canyon
Katelynn looks for some fossils near Spotted Wolf Canyon
Near Spotted Wolf Canyon

… to be continued …

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Travel Journal, Day 3 (Part II): German Foods & A Relaxing Afternoon At Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

June 18, 2018

Prior to find our resort on Sunday, we went through a small town named Kanab. There was a sign stating, that there is a German bakery in Orderville, which is right around the corner from the resort. Coming into Orderville, we had to get to the other end of the town and a couple of miles further to arrive at the Bäckerei Forscher. When I looked at the yummy food at the display counter, my mouth became watery. Oh my, it looked so good. Katelynn, Sara and Kevin ate Salami-Arugula Sandwiches with a side of potato salad and a pickle. I had a Black Forest Ham-Gouda Sandwich with a side of potato salad and a pickle, and as desert I had Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake). I loved it so much, biting into a real crunchy bread roll again. Well, I definitely can’t deny my German roots, when it comes to food. 😀 While we were waiting for our order, Kevin purchased a German Rye Bread for me. We ate that on our way back home to Texas. The food is pricey, because the sausages, hams, cheeses … etc. are imported from Germany. But it was so worth it. The only thing that could have been better was the Bienenstich. It was a bit on the dry end. I’m not sure, if they import the cakes or bake them on side. If it is a couple of days old, the freshness is unfortunately not there anymore.

German Rye Bread … so yummy!
Bienenstich/Bee sting
Katelynn had a Salami-Arugula Sandwich at the Forscher bakery.

For Monday afternoon, we decided we relax at the resort. Katelynn and Sara wanted to go to the pool. And Kevin wanted to recover from the long ride. So, Kevin and I just hung out on the porch. In the late afternoon, the girls came back to rest from the pool. Right in time for eating dinner at the resort. When we came back to the cabin, Katelynn and Sara were ready to go back to the pool. In the meantime, Kevin and I watched some Mountain Bluebirds, a few American Robins and a Black-billed Magpie roaming our campgrounds. There are always some berries and human foods laying around on the ground. It was dinner time for them as well.

Horses at a nearby ranch, close by the resort
This American Robin looks for food at our camp ground.
Male Pinyon Jay
The neighboring cabin
Female Pinyon Jay sits high in the tree, while the males looked for food on the ground.
Female Pinyon Jay sits high in the tree, while the males looked for food on the ground.
Female Pinyon Jay sits high in the tree, while the males looked for food on the ground.
Kevin relaxes on the front porch of our cabin.

Because we wanted to start early on Tuesday morning, we went to bed early on Monday evening. Unfortunately short before midnight, I had another episode with my Anemia. My pulse was racing and I felt nauseaous. I woke up Kevin, and we sat on the porch for a while. I took my medication, which takes the edge away of feeling nauseaous. When I felt comfortable enough, I told Kevin it was okay for him to lay back down. Poor guy, every so often I have to wake him up in the middle of the night for the last four weeks. But I’m in good doctor’s care, eat healthier and take my meds. So, I hope it will resolve soon. Anyway … while I got some fresh air on the porch, Kevin grabbed the camera for me. I looked at the Milky Way. And it looked so stunning, I had to photograph it for the second night in the row. Since it was later in the evening, the Milky Way was much higher in the sky. And it was bright. Something, what I don’t see in the light polluted DFW Metroplex. After focusing on the neighbor’s fire in the firepit for little bit longer, my mind relaxed and I was able to go back to bed, again.

The Milky Way in southern Utah
The Milky Way in southern Utah
The Milky Way in southern Utah

… to be continued …

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Travel Journal, Day 3 (Part I): Zion ~ The Hidden Gem of Utah’s National Parks

June 18, 2018

Zion National Park is only a stone’s throw away from the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. Coming down from Twin Knoll Road and making a right turn on Highway 9, we could see the East Entrance of the park already. Once we entered Zion National Park, we all were in awe. I said to Kevin: “Bryce Canyon N.P. and Arches N.P. might be the famous Utah parks. But Zion N.P. is a hidden gem.” I wish, we would have taken the shuttle bus, since it is free of charge. But we didn’t know that. And of course, we didn’t go to the Visitor Center to ask, if there was a fee to ride on the bus. Now, it’s one of many excuses to come back again. 😉

Zion’s East Entrance
Looking north across from Checkerboard Mesa at the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway near the eastern entrance of the park.
Scenery along Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
An undefined hiking trail along Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
Kevin, Katelynn and Sara at Zion National Park
Turkey Vulture
Zion National Park
I’m amazed, how beautiful this place is in southwestern Utah.
The East Temple
The Sentinel, Streaked Wall, and the Altar of the Sacrifice
Scenery along Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
Katelynn and Sara at Pine Creek Canyon
Silver Leaf Night Shade
Kevin and I at Pine Creek Canyon
Pine Creek Canyon, Zion Canyon and the West Temple in the background
The West Temple
The famous Watchman at the South Entrance of the park
The Sentinel
Scenery right before we drove through the tunnel from the west side
A couple interesting facts of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel
In the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel
Along Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
Checkerboard Mesa
Checkerboard Mesa
Near the Checkerboard Mesa and the East Entrance

… to be continued …

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Travel Journal, Day 2 (Part II): From Page, Arizona To Utah

June 17, 2018

When we left Page in Arizona, we still had two to two and a half hours, before we arrived at the resort east of Zion National Park. Southern Utah has the same landscape as Northern Arizona.

Landscape west of Lake Powell in Arizona
Southern Utah doesn’t look different than Northern Arizona 😉

Kevin, the girls and I finally made it to our destination, the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, in the early evening. After we checked in, we went to our cabin to get our luggage in and have a sandwich for dinner. Sara wanted to go for a swim, so we’ve got her ready and walked down to the pool. While Kevin kept an eye on her, Katelynn and I walked around to check out the area. They have quite a bit of activities for children and teens at the resort. There’s ping-pong, wall climbing, mini golf, a pool … just to name a hand full of activities.

The Check-in area of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Cowboy Cabin in Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
We know, who sleeps on top of the bunk bed.
It says it all. 😉
The pool had guests from dawn to dusk.
I saw a hummingbird at the Hot Poker. Unfortunately I wasn’t fast enough with my camera. It’s alright. I still enjoyed the hummingbird, saying “Hello”.
Sara loved the pool in Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Sara goes down the slide at the pool.
Beautiful weather

When Katelynn and I came back, Kevin went with Katelynn to the Recreation Center on the property. Katelynn went sip lining, and Kevin informed himself what we could do with the rest of the evening at the resort. He found out, that Zion Ponderosa has a Sunset Jeep Ride, which takes the guests up to a mountain. The area is hard to reach with a regular car. The best way to get up there is in a Jeep or with an ATV. I was definitely in for that. At 8 PM local time, we went with three Jeeps up to this mountain. On top of it, our guide/driver explained to us how this mountain range formed and that the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument doesn’t end in so-called park. It reaches all the way from Salt Lake City to the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. Standing on that mountain, it can be seen perfectly as a staircase. It was very beautiful up there. We watched the sunset, while standing on the roof of Zion National Park. The guide showed us, where the Narrows begin in that valley in front of us. Looking on the other side of the hill, we could see our resort. Shortly after the sunset, we made our way back to Zion Ponderosa. Getting up was the easy part, getting down was a little more adventurous. The trail is much narrower. Sometimes we’ve got a little smack across the face from nature. 😀

Haha! Bret Michaels’ mini-me 😀 😉
On top of the mountain
All the way down in the valley begin the Narrows
I love this tree.
Looking southwest from the moutain
Kevin, Katelynn, Sara and I enjoy this wonderful view from the mountain.
Our star is almost set.
This photo could be a part of an add …
… so could this one. 😉
Cool looking tree and the waxing crescent Moon
It got a little bit dusty down hill.

Coming back, we walked to our cabin. Katelynn and Sara tumbled on top of the bunk bed, while Kevin and I enjoyed the view on the cabin’s porch. I’ve got my camera set up to capture several photos of the Milky Way. That Sunday night, I was too tired to get a perfect shot. But it was fun seeing so many stars in the sky.

The Milky Way in the late evening hours.
The Milky Way behind a Pioneer Wagon

… to be continued …

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Travel Journal, Day 2 (Part I): From New Mexico To Page, Arizona

June 17, 2018

After a good night rest, Kevin, Katelynn, Sara and I had a nice breakfast at the Motel on Father’s Day. The sky didn’t look promising, outside. I was worried, it would rain when we arrive at the Four Corners. We still had a few sprinkles. But when we arrived at the corner of all four states, it was surprisingly nice. The sun came out and the ground dried up for Sara putting her hands and feet in each state. Since we arrived early, it wasn’t so busy at the Four Corner Monument. A bus full of British tourists, and a few couples and families were there. I guess, the early hours are the best to go and see it. If you decide to go there, be prepared for a steep entry price. We paid $30 for the vehicle to enter. Since we were four, it was $7.50 per person. And we stayed maybe for about 30 minutes. Looking at it that way, it’s still a decent price.

Four Corners Monument: I’m standing in Coloardo, looking towards the Arizona mountains in the background.
Each family member is in a different state at the Four Corners.
Sara has all four “paws” in a different state.

Kevin and I decided to take Highway 160 and Highway 98 to get to Page, Arizona. This seemed to be the most efficient way to get to Zion National Park. While Kevin looked at the route, I looked at the map and said: “I have an idea. Since the Horseshoe Bend is only a couple of miles outside from Page, I really would like to see it this time.” In 2008, we were rafting in the Horseshoe Bend. And when we came back to Page, it was getting too dark to walk all the way down the trail and see it from above. Now ten years later, I really wanted to see it. When we arrived there, it was a long way to get to the bend. There were long stretches walking through red sand and down hill. But the hardest part was hiking back up. It was in the afternoon, and the sun was beating down. But I was determined. And therefore, I’ve finally got to see it and can scratch it off my bucket list.

Arizona landscape along Highway 160
Cool shaped rocks along Highway 160, just south of Monument Valley.
More formations along Highway 160
Arizona Desert Windmill
Square Butte at Highway 98
Reminds me of Australia, but it’s across from Antelope Canyon, just right outside Page.
Salt River Project-Navajo Generating Station
Sara and Katelynn at the edge of the Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend
Katelynn takes a rest on a rock at the Horseshoe Bend trail in Arizona.

Before we entered Utah, we made a stop at the local Walmart to refill on food and water. At the Glen Canyon Dam, I asked Kevin to let me out so I could see the dam better. Kevin drove across the bridge, while I crossed it by foot. Katelynn came halfway on the bridge, because she wanted to see the dam. I asked her, if she can remember the Glen Canyon Dam from riding on the raft boat in the canyon. She said, she has only a vague memory of it, because she was only four. “… But I remember, you showing me pictures of it, Mom!” Across the bridge, we went into the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Katelynn was hoping to see more dinosaurs. But she was happy with the foot prints outside the entrance of the center. Once cooled off and refreshed, we all were ready to get to Utah.

Katelynn in front of some dinosaur foot prints at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center entrance.
The Glen Canyon Dam with Lake Powell in the background. After the dam was built and ready to hold all this precious water, it took Lake Powell about 17 years to fill up to its full capacity.
Glen Canyon Dam & Lake Powell
The Star Spangled Banner in front of Carl Hayden Visitor Center

… to be continued …

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Back From Utah

This was a fun trip through the Four Corner States in the last five days. We left on Saturday morning, and arrived at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort on Sunday afternoon. In the meantime, we saw a whole bunch of landmarks along the way; took a Jeep ride on top of the mountain to see the sunset over Zion National Park; saw two National Parks; and yesterday evening, we came back home. After a good night sleep, we will take it easy today. And the next days, I will post about our adventures out in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions. As much as I love travelling, it is always good to be back home.

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Each family member is in a different state at the Four Corners.