What a day this was today. I didn't start too early today as I thought of a short ride from Escalante, UT to Moab, UT. What a mistake this was. Continuing on UT-12 east to Torrey, UT through the remainder of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument into Capitol Reef National Park not only moved me to elevations around 9000 ft, it is a never ending twist and turn of road, requiring all your attention. The easy stretch of about 65 miles took me about two hours, to arrive just in time for a brunch at the Wild Rabbit Cafe (I can only recommend this place, good coffee, and great food). From there I take UT-24 East to Hanksville, UT over some more passes and not to forget free roaming cattle which look at the oncoming traffic like the literally "ox at the mountain". In Hanksville I continue on UT-24 towards I-70 or Hwy US-50, "The Lonliest Road in America" which I follow till Crescent Junction, UT where I turn onto US-191 South to Moab, UT for my entrance to Arches National Park. I'm there at about 3 PM just to learn that you have to make a date andtime slot reservation to enter the park, and since I don't have one I'm getting turned around. So I go to my camp site and learn there that after 5 PM there are no permits required as the park is 24/7 open, as the park is a prime destination for star gazers, and they are allowed into the park without permit. So at 5 to 5 I'm at the entrance, and make my entry into the park of the Arches. It was worth the late entry as the setting sun paints the gmudrocka nd sandstone in the most beautiful colours one can imagine. No picture, at least none of mine, will do justice to this great natural display. I'm spending a lot of time in the park, and am only leaving when the stars are already on the firmament. Time to leave, and many reasons to come back.
Once again today some impressions in the order of my travel.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument:
Capitol Reef National Park:
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