Lower Antelope Canyon and Escalante

After Zion we drove to Page, Arizona where we toured the Lower Antelope Canyon. It is a photographers dream and such a cool way to spend a few hours.

Then off to Escalante to spend a few days at The Cowboy Country Inn.

Where they wished us Happy Trails .

After an incredibly bumpy and extremely dusty 12 mile drive, we explored a place called Devils Garden.

Then on Fathers Day we hiked the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail.

After our morning hike, we were slowly making our way to Lake Tahoe. First a stop at the Salt Lake City Airport for a cheap hotel and a gourmet dinner at Perkin's Pancake House. Then we drove across Nevada were there is gambling at every gas station which are few and far between and not much else. Last night we stayed at a 4-star casino in Reno for the princely sum of $77. But of course we threw away another $30 on the slot machines. We were up $7 and I said to Ron let's walk away but instead we donated the rest of our money to the poor folks at the Grand Sierra Resort. Today we are off for three days to Lake Tahoe spending time with a college friend and her husband.

Bumbleberry Pie, Wildcat Willies, and Zion

We started our Zion adventure at a Motel called the Bumbleberry Inn. The desk clerk insisted that we try the world famous Bumbleberry Pie. So Ron was up to the task and to please our friend Bill Askew,  we had it a la mode. The other delight of staying at this Inn was the free breakfast at Wildcat Willies. You could order anything from the menu and after assembly line meals at Holiday Inn's, this was so refreshing.

So next, it was off the Zion to conquer some trails there. I made it to Upper Emerald Pools on a truly ROCKY ROAD.

After that hike we walked along the River Trail and Ron prided himself as being a squirrel whisper. They would stand up when he called to them. After our hike to the Emerald Pools we took a dip in the Virgin River.

Then we looked up on the shore and Ron's pet squirrel had opened our backpack and was eating our peanut butter filled pretzels.

After an amazing dinner at Wildcat Willies, Ron and I went back into Zion at midnight to take some wonderful photos of the Milky Way over the canyons.

We are off to Lower Antelope canyons and Escalante.

Bryce Canyon

After stopping at the last spot at the Grand Canyon for a quick 46th Anniversary picture we ventured on through Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. Ron was able to fly his drone and then we arrived at The Bryce Canyon Lodge for a lovely anniversary dinner. Bryce has some crazy shaped HooDoos. I on the first full day there we hike down to the Queens Garden .

Later we drove to Rainbow point for a short hike there. Then Ron set up his telescope at Paria Point. After being his handy assistant I ran back to the Lodge along the Rim Trail just before sunset.

The next morning we had one last hike the Queens Navaho loop.

Then off to Zion with a drone flight along the way. So we went from the cool temps of Bryce in the mid 70's to the oven blast temps in the low 100's.

Grand Canyon

So after leaving Texas we drove through New Mexico stopping at Socorro and had a successful drone flight at the Box Canyon.

Then an early morning start to the Grand Canyon. I asked someone to take a picture of Ron and I and he hit the black and white button so the first few posts on Facebook were in black and while. What idiot posts pictures of the majesty on the Grand Canyon in black and white? Guilty till I figured out what happened and found the technicolor versions thank goodness.

We went to watch the sunset and while there saw the devil cloud.

The next day we hiked the Bright Angel Trail 1 1/2 miles down, 1 1/2 miles straight back up in one hour and 45 minutes. We encountered Japanese tourists that did their best to block the trail and photo bomb our pictures. So Ron knocked them out of the way and we ventured onward.

Went to a "Star Party" at the GC......very disappointing. Started with a one hour Powerpoint presentation which focused on ancient rock formations that may or may not have been manually arranged to indicate the summer and winter solstices and fall and winter equinoxes. Hell, it's even boring just describing it on the blog. Cathy thought the "Star Party" was a Hollywood celebrity soiree. Obviously, she was more disappointed than I.

Here is a photo taken with my telescope under dark skies at Fort Davis, TX. It's called the "Trifid Nebula" and is best viewed from southern skies.

Here is a photo of the Milky Way taken at the Grand Canyon..........

 Here is a shot of the Arizona desert from about 600 ft with my UAV........

So on our 46th wedding anniversary we hit the road from the Grand Canyon and ended at Bryce Canyon Lodge for a wonderful dinner and sweet dream.

Texas

Three days and 880 miles ago we entered the State of Texas. The drive from New Orleans to San Antonio proved longer than expected so we had time to enjoy the River Walk but alas we won't remember the Alamo since it was closed when we got there.

We had a Mexican dinner along the banks and listened to Mariachi bands. Then walked back to our hotel to get an early start for Fort Davis the star capital of Texas and the home of the McDonald Observatory. We are amazingly not bothered by these 500 mile days. As we are driving along we see the bluest, clearest skies till you guessed it, we get to McDonald Observatory. The clouds rolled in and Ron's dreams of inky black skies were dashed. So we drove down the mountain in search of our home for the night.

 So after several failed attempts we found our B&B and what a hidden gem!

The Davis Mountain Inn is a lovely home owned by a former employee of the McDonald Observatory. But better yet it had a private back yard with a deck where Ron could set up his telescope. The weather report said that the clouds would clear by 2:00 am. So Ron got everything ready, set his alarm went out at 2am and had a spectacular night. Ron also got to fly his drone. We aroused the interest of one of the locals from the trailer on the adjacent property. His name was PeeWee, a misnomer, he should have called motor mouth. We finally had to fake an emergency phone call to gracefully end our encounter.

I did not join Ron for the star show and Milky Way viewing but slept till 6am. During my run I was greeted by a spetacular sunrise while I ran through the quirky town of Fort Davis where they celebrate 110 years of the town jail. At breakfast, our host shared that you can never tell when a restaurant will be open or closed. But luckily her food was wonderful and we hit the road from there.

During our final drive through Texas, we were reminded to watch out for snakes and don't mess with Texas at every rest stop. So we bid adieu to Texas and were thrilled to enter The Land of Enchantment.

New Orleans

We arrived early and started the day by walking along the muddy Mississippi River. On our way to the French Quarter our curious eyes discovered the Insectarium. Who could resist roaches and spiders and Hercules beetles? Then off to the Cafe Du Monde for coffee and beignets. Next The French Market, St Louis Cathedral and a walk down Bourbon Street till we hit the Red Light District. 

The one think Ron was really waiting for was a Muffulletta sandwich at Central Grocery Company. So as usual I took us on a long detour through the Garden District. But finally after what seemed like many miles and through a rain storm we arrive at the door of the Central Grocery Company and just like Wally World it was closed. I was waiting for the wraith of Ron but luckily the was another place bragging about the Worlds Best Muffallettas so all was not lost. 

 

Making a List Checking it Twice

As John Denver once sang, all my bags are packed, I'm ready to go......Everything is in the car and we can still see out the read view mirror. It is all neat and organized and ready for Day 1. But one bummer is I can't find my iPod and it keeps me company on the long runs. Luckily I plan to carry my phone for safety and I can listen to music and books on it.
My dear friend, the one who gave us the kit for massive head wounds, has dropped off hand held pepper spray. It's always good to have an alarmist to help you prepare for the worst. She also is watching our house so we are leaving it in the hands of someone ready for anything.
So by this time tomorrow, we will have traveled through four states and one time zone. I'll sign off now and report from Gulf Port Mississippi tomorrow.

Packing

In seven days Ron and I will be doing a road trip.  One of the highlights will be 12 days in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah at the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and Escalante. Ron is hoping for dark skies and clear nights for his astro photography. I am hoping for a happy husband and some great running trails.
The car will be packed with telescope equipment, a quadracopter, travel guides, a bag with about 15 pairs of shoes, clothes, food and a special bottle of wine for our 46th wedding anniversary on June 14th. Oh yeah and a first aid kit for any emergencies including massive head trauma thanks to our good friend Sue.
Our adventure will start early morning June 7th with the final destination of Redondo Beach California on July 1st to visit Orion and Elle. Not sure how we will drive home; that is to be determined.