One of Mary and I's first trips together, before we were married, was to Bryce Canyon. The problem was that I was too cheap to pay the entry fee to the park. I wanted to "sneak" in from one of the lower trails. Mary just wanted to see the park in the normal tourist way. It was our first big argument. I ended up (can you believe this) nearly getting the truck stuck down a muddy back road and making us bushwack through the forest, ultimately not finding much of the actual park. We left that day still not really having seen Bryce Canyon.
Fast forward 6 years. As we rolled up to the 3 lanes of RV's at the pay gates I was committed to paying the fee and finally checking Bryce off of our list. TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS! Man I couldn't believe it. Thanks to politicians using the park service fees as a bank account, it now costs more than poor dirtbags can afford to see our nations natural wonders. Which, by the way, our tax dollars also support.
Was it worth it? Yes, once anyway. Bryce Canyon is Mother Natures covering peeled back, showing off her delicate beautiful heart. Amazing!
After having all the fun with summer tourists we could handle we headed down the road to a little slice of heaven, luckily not "designated" by the Nat. Park Service. Thunder Mountain! Its an opportunity to ride your bike in the same land types as the park, without the park ranger chasing you down.
We rode late evening, and a storm rolling in made for a pretty dramatic light show. The Sun peeked out for about 3 minutes as it turned the surrounding rock hoodoo's into mango madness.
For more amazing Thunder Mountain scenery and a great story to boot, check out Greg's latest trip. www.dirtanddogs.blogspot.com
We slept well that night, in the cool of 8000 ft. We were up early heading back through Escalante to Calf Creek Falls. Gus was VERY excited to be going on a hike.
Mary loved this "flower." I think of it as a noxious weed, the Musk Thistle, but it does have a rather pretty flower.
Calf Creek falls is well worth the hike. The pictures really don't do it justice. I had seen pics before, but I was not prepared for how amazing it was to finally have the falls come into view. The water was cold and refreshing. Gus was very happy to have a swim before trudging back into dazzling summer heat.
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