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NATURE ALI'S
GRAND ADVENTURE - Day 3 - June 22, 2009
Bryce Canyon National Park to
Arches National Park
I drove into
Bryce as dawn broke at 5 a.m. A family of pronghorn lazily grazed beside the
road. Dad was to my left and Mom with her twins was to my right. No great photos
but a fun way to start the day. Of course, the day had me thinking of my own
family and my brother Ned who was hopefully enjoying his birthday.
Knowing
nothing about Bryce Canyon National Park and being so early in the morning there
was no one to ask, so I drove to Bryce Point which seemed like a logical spot to
start. Over a dozen other people had the same idea. It was amazing the grandeur
of the place as all in attendance seemed to take something spiritual from the
experience, complete silence from the crowd, except for the click of many camera
shutters.
Took a walk
toward Inspiration Point on the trail, along the way boisterous Clark's
Nutcrackers shared the trip with me. I saw and heard Mountain Chickadees and
Violet Green Swallows, then heard some warblers that I was unfamiliar with, a
pair of Virginia Warblers greeted me. Fun. While chasing to photograph the
warblers, a Hopi Chipmunk sat quietly hoping that I did not see it. Well the
photos prove otherwise.
On the walk
back to my truck, a family of Golden-mantled ground squirrels scurried about. A
few more photographs and I was off to Paria Point. I spoke to several friendly
people along the boardwalk to the overlook. Green-tailed towhees were singing
their heads off, unfortunately all were back lit so no great photos.
Bryce Canyon
National Park is beautiful but not a park for those who are car touring, best
for the adventurous hikers.
I left to
explore Capitol Reef via Grand Staircase - Escalante. The Grand Staircase is an
amazing place, you can see for miles and just my luck the day was pretty clear.
The drive is over 110 miles from Bryce to Capitol Reef and their is no cell
service or other services. Gas and food are needed before heading out on this
adventure.
Capitol Reef
was a delight although my stay far too short. I saw five different species of
squirrel right in the picnic area where a herd of pretty tame deer hang out.
I continued on
to Arches National Park, where the campgrounds were full so I spent the night in
an expensive motel in Moab. I did get access to the internet there though so it
had a benefit. |
