Capitol Reef Adventure 9/21/08

We hadn't planned on visiting this national park, but turned in at the last minute for a “look see.” Wow, we were impressed ... what a treat!  We camped in a lovely grassy area in Fruita (named for its large orchards - free apples, oh boy), with mountain bluebirds, robins, red-shafted flickers, and deer in our backyard, and impossibly beautiful vistas at every turn.

 

On Sunday 9/21, we hopped on our bikes for an UPhill ride on the 10-mile Scenic Drive (we had to dig deep to pedal up those hills), past Grand Wash, to Capital Gorge, and then 2-miles on an unpaved road with towering, sheer canyon walls, that took us to the very end – a truly spectacular ride with panoramic views to the left, right and above!  We spotted our very first Chukar partridge, which came right up to us, and then a herd of Bighorn sheep surprised us.  We saved the best for last, tho – the breathtaking 10-mile downhill! We literally flew down (top speed 33.2 mph – yeehaw!) and into camp grinning like (and feeling like) ten-year-old kids.  Four hours altogether, and we had a blast.

Look at this stunning "Natural Amphitheater"

I'm pretty sure that sign reads "Bald Rock," which is apropos for Jimmy!

What an adventure!