An Incredible Journey

On Wednesday, July 18th, Chuck and I headed out on a 1400 mile journey. As usual, we got off to a late start and didn’t leave the house until 4pm. We had orginally hoped to leave by 12, but there was so much to do before we left. Mom figured we would leave late — she’s smart like that. Chuck had wanted to take the bike, however realized at about 2am on Tuesday night that I may not do as well in 100 degree heat and possible thunderstorms. We definitely couldn’t take Hecate (no ac and 200K miles) so he did some smart thinking and rented a car. Yipee!! We had the car packed to the brim with tents, telescopes, geocaching paraphenalia, cooler, sleeping bags and back packs. We wouldn’t have been able to take half of this stuff if we had taken the bike.

After taking the obligatory pre-vacation photo, we were off!

We made a pit stop at REI and Chuck picked up a new fancy day pack. He also bought a super duper 3 liter water bladder. With all that, we were definitely set for an adventure.

Around 11pm, we finally made it to Page, Arizona which is on the AZ/UT border. It borders Lake Powell and beautfiul Glen Canyon National Park. We found a motel — believe it our not a pretty swanky Motel 6 — and passed out.

The following day, we again got a late start. We slept until 11 and were on the road by 12:30. We are a family that definitely needs their sleep. Good thing we found each other. Anyway, we decided to do a little driving and Chuck wanted to show me the road we had come in on the night before. It was gorgeous with magnificent views. We stopped at an overlook called Horseshoe Bend and saw the Colorado River far below.

The views were breath taking. Afterwards, we decided to try and find a geocache nearby. Now by nearby, I mean approximately half a mile. However, Nicole and Chuck were once again foolish in their planning. Despite having a brand new 3 liter water bladder, Chuck only put 2 water bottles into it. I brought an additional 2 water bottles plus half a gatorade. While that may sound like a lot of liquid, when you are walking in 100 degree heat during the middle of the day in a desert landscape with no shade, it can quickly become a problem. What was only half a mile felt more like two. By the time we made it to the cache, we were down to only half a water bottle. Luckily, the rock formations created enormous amounts of shade that we lounged in before heading back. Periodically I had to stop and find some shade to sit in. It was crazy!

By the time we made it to the car it was close to 5pm. It took us all afternoon to do that relatively short hike (total 2 miles). Afterwards, we decided to go to the visitor center and get some maps of the area and plan the rest of our trip.
When we got to the center, it was closed, but the nicest man came outside and opened the center back up for us. I told him that if it we me, I would have ignored us and stayed inside. He gave us all sorts of great information and maps and suggestions for fun things to do. We asked about camping and he said that this time of year, tent camping was really difficult because of the heat. We decided that we would take our chances in Kanab, UT — about an hour’s drive away. Before leaving the center, Chuck did a photo shoot with all the bunnies lying in the grass outside. It was hilarious to see all of them lounging on the grass — at least seven. The nice ranger said that they’ll hang out until the coyotes come for dinner.

I love how their little legs are splayed out behind them.

We had a nice swim in Lake Powell, and the ranger manning the station did not charge us an entry. The water was just the right temperature and periodically we would feel bursts of cold water. It was very relaxing. Once we we dried off, we got back on the road and headed to Kanab. Because of the time zone difference, it was late by the time we got into town. We found a great old motel — The Treasure Trail — and went in search of food. The woman at the front desk was really funny. She was shocked that we were looking for food this late at night. “You know it’s 10 o’clock!” she said. I guess folks in Kanab don’t eat after 10. The only place that was open was the Chevron. I grabbed a hotdog and some chips while Chuck got some sort of pre-fab sandwhich.

The hotel was something right out of the 60’s — complete with baby blue porclein tub, sink and toilet. The sign was this groovey neon and there were neo lights all around the building. Alas, they turned the lights off at 11 so we didn’t get a picture. That is a task for Chuck to do during the next Utah 1088. They even had actual keys — not card keys but keys with key rings. Chuck and I kept giggling about how the hotel had that creepy, horror movie feel. Like at any moment someone might be on the phone whispering, “caaaaaannnnnnndddddy cannnnnnne” or better yet, “Norman? Is that you?” What an adventure!