Part 5 April 12-April 19

Day 25 Monday April 12 85972
We drove around town a bit to check it out. Then we went to the rock shop near Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. They had lots of nice local rocks. The lady told us we could find some agates off the Posey lake road where the national forest begins. We will be checking it out. The local government visitor’s center,(forest, parks, BLM) had a very nice facility and we checked out the local roads. All the mountain roads were still closed by snow. At dinner we had snow showers which were fun to watch.

Day 26 Tuesday April 13
Headed off to Bryce National Park. There was lots of snow there. In fact we had snow snifters most of the morning. The temperature was in the low 30’s most of the day. We did get some sun in the late afternoon. We even ate lunch at a picnic table with snow coming down. The park was beautiful as ever with the snow falling making it even more interesting. Great day of scenery.

Judy’s word
Another day of gorgeous scenery! Cold, but so beautiful, with blue skies and sunshine! ! J

Day 27 Wednesday April 14
Went up into the mountains to do some rock hounding for agates at a place suggested by the local rock shop. The site was just inside the Dixie National Forest boundary up the side of a hill (N 37‘ 51.429“, W 111‘ 38.091“). The agates were found in red dirt. We did find some nice pieces. Motor home will not be happy with all the rocks. In the afternoon, we went to the local clinic for Judy to have some work done on her big toe. All is well with that. We spent the rest of the afternoon just enjoying.

Judy’s word
Foot elevated and on ice. Feeling fine. I just had to have my day being waited on. Nice! !

Day 27 Thursday April 15
We drove 67 miles to Panguich on Hwy 89, the closest city with a pharmacy so Judy could get an anti-biotic. We looked in a few shops, ate lunch, looked some more and drove back home. Instead of going to the motor home we drove up a road into the mountains to find some fossil shells. I must have gotten the directions wrong. Did find two natural bridges. One was normal looking, the other was formed a tunnel in the shape of a “C”.Never seen anything like it.

Judy’s word
We will send pictures…. I am fine. J

Day 28 Friday April 16
We headed out early today and drove to Canyonville where we turned south to Kodachrome State Park which is on Cottonwood Canyon Road in Canyonlands National Monument. Drove around, went on a short hike to see an arch, ate lunch and headed out. Drove further down the canyon road to Grosvenor Arch, which is a double arch. Hiked around and took some pictures. Rock book said there were some fossils around and we found them but not in the place the book mentioned (N37‘ 27.323, W 111‘ 49.716). Drove back the 25 miles of rutted, bumpy and wash board road back to Canyonville and home. Ate pizza for dinner.

Judy’s words
We are brushing off the red dust. Our little Jeep, (Goldie) has proved to been an A plus machine. We are really putting her to the test. J

Day 29 Saturday April 17
I did a six mile return trip to Lower Calf Falls which is up a valley carved out by Calf creek. The falls were good because of the snow melt. On the way back from the falls I wanted to take closer picture of the pictographs across the creek so I waded the creek and climbed up . As I was investigating the best view, I came across a small cave with water and ferns. An strange event occurred, I heard a flute playing and it was echoing off the walls. I did not see anyone around.
Judy spent the day walking around town looking a the shops and thoroughly enjoyed herself. After dinner we went for a drive to find the local pictographs called “Circle of Friends”. On the way we saw a flock of seven wild turkeys. Well after driving around we finally found the trail and hiked up a few hundred yards The trail starts 1.5 miles (N 37’ 45.881, W 42.658) off Hwy 12 up Main Canyon road.. Very interesting picture.

Judy’s word
Indeed I did. I met the nicest lady, who is quite the bead artist. Her work is very beautiful and se has agreed to teach me some of her secrets! I am delighted.

Day 30 Sunday April 18
Well we got in Goldie to head out to Hole-in-the-Rock road and the tire pressure monitors said the left front tire was low. Sure enough, 20 psi and there was a bulge in the tread with air coming out. Changed the tire. Looked on the internet for Goodyear dealers. Closest ones were several hours away and most stores are closed in Utah on Sunday. Made a few phone calls and decided to go to Cedar City on Monday to a Wal-Mart which has the right size.. Need to get a prescription filled also. Spent the rest of the day doing minor repair to the awning over the slide out and fixing a small water leak (I think). Took out the rock saw and found out I forgot the belt. Judy did some bead work today. Somewhat relaxing day.

Day 31 Monday April 19
We got up early and drove to Cedar City taking Hwy 12 to US 89 N to Hwy 20 West to I-15 South. Just out of town we saw flock of five turkeys. By the turn off to Bryce Canyon we saw a pronghorn antelope. Went to Wal-Mart got an oil change, prescription, new sandals and socks, and some groceries and a few things for the motor home. They did not give the standard Goodyear guarantee so I went to the Goodyear dealer. They did not have a new tire that I needed so I bought a used one for a while. Trip was about 130 miles one way. Long day.

Judy’s Word
A note of interest… When we were in the Cedar City all Mart it seemed as though we were driving down the Salt Lake City streets. The aisles were twice as big as the ones I have seen in Washington. I suggested a square dance in the main aisle and maybe a baseball game in the other. Made shopping quite pleasant!