Leaving the Rockies

We spent a day in Rocky Mountain NP but was unable to see much other than snow.  It is a place to return.  Came across a herd of big horn sheep along the route, as we wrapped up our time in Colorado and headed towards Ohio.

From the holiday parade in Moab, Utah - thought it seemed appropriate! 

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Got Oxygen?

We've progressively been rising in elevation over the past week.  Think we reached our summit while snowboarding at A-Basin (13,050ft, highest skiable terrain in N. America).  Had a great time catching up with an old friend, and making new ones.  Thanks  for everything guys, the mountain definately won...but we had a great time, and look forward to our return trip. (**TIP:  To avoid elevation sickness, eat regularly and drink HEAPS of water, not beer.)

Dom,

our gracious host

Kava Night

Arapahoe Basin

Montezuma Bowl

Sunset A-Basin

Entering the land of Mountains...

Telluride

A miniature Whistler with a little more charm.  Unfortunately, we were a little too early for snow.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Escaping the storm

Outskirts of Gunnison

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Wanted to sandboard, but didn't have any beater boards with us...next time!

Mesa Verde

Mixed emotions of the history between land and life lived among the cliffs by the Puebloan people.  On one hand the masonry alone is admirable as you walk amongst dwellings that have existed for hundreds of years.  On the other, the reasons for which these people retreated to the cliffs in the first place and later mysteriously migrated, leaves many questions.  A very unique visit, filled with bright stars and kind people.  A spiritual place we won't soon forget.

Spruce Tree House

Entrance to Kiva

Inside Kiva

(important underground ceremonial gathering places)

Cliff Palace

(had 150 rooms, 23 kivas, and a population @ 100)

...a wild herd bids us farewell...

Canyonlands, Part 2

Our last stop in southern Utah.  Farewell, we will be back!

Newspaper Rock

Petroglyphs recording 2,000 years 

Arches

"Don't just stand there, do something"

Petrified sand dunes

Landscape Arch

Delicate Arch

If only I could do it all over again. On this day I felt utterly bested. -J

Reminds us of your lil truck Molly, o the possibilities!

Canyonlands, Part 1

  

Between the lands of canyon and mountain, lies the raven.

Human impact is seen from many angles.  The top of the canyons were used for grazing, and the many roads seen throughout the canyon were used for mining uranium, before the area was preserved as a National Park.  

Capital Reef

Where the forces of the Earth have created the Waterpocket Fold.  Due to wind, water and the process of erosion, the many geographic layers become visible and continuously create new features in the rock.  Thus, creating a beautifully colored landscape resembling rainbow calcite.  Hard to fit in a lense...but truly a hidden gem. 

Land of the Hoodoos

Wow and Brrrr.  Bryce Canyon, although not really a canyon, is sandstone naturally eroded by 200 nights a year of freezing and thawing precipitation...eventually creating the formation of the hoodoos.   After not being able to hike into the Grand Canyon due to ice, we acquired some "yaktrax" to help in the journey down amongst the hoodoos.  We figured this was way cheaper than breaking a hip or leg or worse!  Now, we're unstoppable!  The energy is amazing in this place, and unlike anything we've seen yet.  (Bryce, now we know why you're so special :) )

Inspiration Point overview

Hoodoos

Winter Rose?

The cliffs erode into arch form and then into the hoodoos

Relaxing after the hike

notice the "yaktrax"

  

Zion

There is no question as you explore this place as to how it acquired such a name.  We happened to be visiting just as a snow storm hit, therefore seeing much of the area in a blanket of white.  

    Sandstone cliffs carved by the Virgin River

The Watchmen

The day after the storm...

back to clear blue skies

The Three Patriarchs:  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Remnants of the storm

Sunset from our riverside campspot, courtesy of BLM