Boulder, CO to Durango, CO

We started the day off at Rocky Mountain Joe’s – a café just outside Boulder to have our breakfast for the day. Afterwards it was back to Jen’s one last time, as we pack up the car and head off in the direction of the Grand Canyon. 

We were planning to stop at Mesa Verde National Park for the night but bushfires have set 70% of the park alight and the park is closed. We drive on to Durango, Colorado and decide to call it a night there at 7pm. After settling into the hostel we walk down to El Patio for a nachos dinner and a couple of beers. 

Later that evening we decide to go to the drive-in to see Me, Myself & Irene. Not a very good movie, but I loved being at a drive-in for the first time in a million years. Amy, however, fell asleep. A good night’s rest in the hostel and we move on to Grand Canyon National Park tomorrow.

Boulder, CO

The morning started with Amy cooking up a storm. 

We then drive the 20 miles up to Lyons, Colorado to meet up with Jen’s sister (Erica), brother-in-law (Todd) and Nephew (Noah) at the RockyGrass Festival. A day of bluegrass music set at the foot of the Rocky’s, alongside a stream. There was a very mixed crowd (young, old, hippies etc) who are all keen for a mellow day. This festival runs the entire weekend but we are only here for the day as the road trip continues towards the Grand Canyon tomorrow. We spent the day hanging around at Erica & Todd’s campsite just wading in the water. The music was background noise for a relaxing day. We didn’t stay late, as Amy is not feeling the best. 

On the drive home we drive through a Wendy’s for a quick dinner. 

The night was spent in watching Sleepy Hollow on cable.

Boulder, CO

Started of the morning in a local café for breakfast. We then headed to 2 different malls to buy replacement sandals for those that were damaged back at Arches. When we got back to Jen’s, the girls hit the pool while I checked emails and went to the camera shop to browse goodies I can’t afford. Dinner that night was again downtown, this time at La Rhumba – a South American Restaurant. A great meal was then topped off by drinks at a nearby bar in the West End that had a beer garden on the roof. The night ended at Rich’s Roadhouse – a gay/biker bar, where we played pool to all hours of the morning.

Amy & I, Boulder, Colorado

Arches National Park, UT to Boulder, CO

We packed up the tent and went into Moab again for breakfast at Pancake Haus. From there it was the 8 hour drive on to Boulder, Colorado. We saw some more wonderful scenery, this time more mountainous, as well as passing by Vail and other Colorado ski resorts. Our one stop was for gas and lunch, at an awful Taco Bell. We arrived at Jen’s place in Boulder not long after 4pm. We used this opportunity to shower up and get a couple of loads of washing done. Once Jen came home we walked to downtown and ended up at a Thai restaurant for dinner.

Jen & Amy, Boulder, Colorado

Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning and straight into Arches National Park. We started the day driving to Devil’s Garden Trailhead at the end of the park to do a 5 mile hike that included Landscape Arch, Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. All the rock formations here are formed by wind erosion and, as the park name suggests, are literally archways. Our second stop was at Sand Dune Arch (2 small natural bridges) and then a mile further along to Broken Arch, which is a predicted name as currently it is only cracked. From there it was on to the Windows, along with Turret Arch and Double Arches. 

Amy, Partition Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Me, Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Turret Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We left the park for a late lunch and to escape some of the heat. We ended up in Moab diner for a huge meal. After lunch it was back to the campsite for a swim.

We went back into Arches, stopped at Balance Rock, before heading the 1 mile to Delicate Arch, where we – and many others – watched the sunset. Due to a sandal blowout we couldn’t get as close as we’d like, but the setting sun behind this lone arch was pretty spectacular. 

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We went into Moab for the evening and saw Scary Movie (yawn) before packing it in for the night.

Bryce National Park, UT to Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning to pack up the campsite and drive to Inspiration Point. In the early hours we hiked a mile and a half along Navajo Loop at Sunset Point. Walking down into the hoodoos and canyon gives you a whole new perspective and appreciation for this natural wonder. I was reluctant to do this walk so early, especially with the long drive ahead today, but I am grateful that Amy made me do it (this is not the first, or last, time Amy will win over my reluctance for us to do something awesome).

Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Just after we left Bryce we stopped at a place called Fairyland. There was nothing special to see here, so time to move on. From here we started our long haul to Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah. The route we take is a minor highway which, while long and windy, was extremely scenic with the canyons, salt hills and various rock formations to be enjoyed with the top down on the car. Our only stops along the way were for gas and Wendy’s for lunch. 

We arrived at Arches at 5pm and went straight into the park for a quick look around. Instead of getting out and looking around, we left to find some accommodations near Moab and the campgrounds in Arches were full. We ended up at the Funpig’s Campground. This sweet campground offered us a spot with a tin roof covering. The site also had a pool, which was all the invitation we needed to stay on site for the late afternoon. Next door was a restaurant, Bucks Grill, where I took Amy on our first real date. A steakhouse was maybe not the best place for me to take a vegetarian, but we were very limited for choice. I also came across the unusual Utah rule where you can’t be served a drink until you have completed the one you have. 

Back to the campsite for a much needed night’s sleep.

Zion National Park, UT to Bryce National Park, UT

We started the day off at Oscars, a local café, for our breakfast sustenance. We then drove into Zion again and caught the shuttle to the Court of The Patriarchs. This reminds me of the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, (but warmer and redder).

Court of The Patriarchs, Zion National Park, Utah

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

After that hike we went back to the car and started our journey on to Bryce Canyon. We leave through the tunnel at Zion and exit on the east side of the park before driving Highway 2 (a 1-lane picturesque road) the 80 miles to Bryce.

We arrived in Bryce around lunch and went straight into the park, to the Visitors Center to watch a movie of the history of Bryce National Park. Afterwards we went to the Sunset Campground and scored ourselves a camp site. Once unloaded, we headed along 18 miles of road which runs above the National Park. In contrast to being in the canyon at Zion, Bryce’s road is up high and the canyon features run down the slopes either side. 

Amy & I, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

We made a stop at Yovimpa Point, where we saw the first of many hoodoos this park has on offer. 

We stopped again at Ponderosa Canyon to take in the breathtaking views, we also took a cheesy photo at the sign with the altitude, because I’d never been so high up before (that’ll change in a few days when we are in Denver). Whilst here, we hiked a mile along Bristlecone Loop and saw Rainbow Garden. 

Our next stop was at Agua Canyon, where the rock formation is caused by water erosion, including spectacular Natural Bridge. We next stopped at Piracy Point, Paria View and Bryce Point. While Bryce Canyon is beautiful, it is basically the same hoodoo rock formations at every stop, which makes things a bit samey and lessening the impact of the beauty. I think I much preferred Zion to Bryce.

After a long day, we left the park to hit a supermarket to purchase dinner. A quick meal before we head back to camp.

Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, UT

On our way into Zion today we stopped at the supermarket to buy lunch and water for the day’s sightseeing. I also dropped of some film to be developed.

Zion does not allow cars just after its entrance, so we park at the ranger station and make the most of the shuttle that runs through the park. Zion is beautiful! The road runs along the bottom of the canyon, next to the Virgin River, and the canyon walls head skyward either side of you. So many red, oranges and greens together, combined with the gentle river running through just makes this place amazing.

Our first stop on the shuttle was the Temple of Sinawara, at the far end of the park. We walked for half a mile up to the river’s edge, where you then continue wading up the river through the ankle to wait deep water. I went about a mile and a half up the river while Amy waited, as she did not have the right footwear to get through the rocky water. It was a hard walk, but relaxing at the same time. The further you walked the closer the canyon walls got. Very beautiful! 

Me, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

The next stop was Weeping Rock. We walk the 2 miles up to Hidden Canyon. The last 100 yards was steep and the dodgy ledge made me feel uncomfortable. To turn around and hike back down was incredible. The panoramic views of the park were breathtaking and definitely made for climb in the killer heat well worthwhile. 

We take our lunch to the grassed area in front of Zion Lodge. It is nice to be in the shade and under a beautiful, huge, old tree. We also enjoy our daily ice cream fix. 

We leave there and walk a mile to the Mid Emerald Pool. We see some deer during our walk – which was pretty amazing. The walk was supposed to finish at the foot of a waterfall, but the summer’s heat and lack of winter’s snow melt had dried it out completely. It was a little bit disappointing but a great walk none the less. 

Amy, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

We ended the day back at the Visitors Center, checking out the ranger’s station and learning more about this great park. 

On the way back to the hotel we stopped to pick up the photos, which like all others so far, make me grateful of this wonderful trip I’m taking.

We relaxed with a swim at the hotel before a thunderstorm arrived and sent us inside for our Mac & Cheese dinner.

Yosemite National Park, CA to Zion National Park, UT

We had the tent packed up and we were on the road by 8am for our long drive to Zion National Park. Days have been hot here, but we have been camping at 7000 feet so nights and mornings have been cool, to say the least. Breakfast was had at Bishop Casino, about an hour out of Yosemite.

We drove for what seemed an eternity – there is not much out see out here in the Nevada / Utah desert. We arrived at Zion National Park at around 6pm. All the camp sites were full and the local Bed & Breakfast were relatively expensive, so we end up staying at Terrace Grove Inn, not far from the entrance to the park. We went and got sandwiches for dinner at a local deli and came back to the hotel for a late night swim. 

We had a relatively early night in, as the long drive in today’s heat has taken its toll on Amy & I. And a real bed and some television is quite tempting.

Amy, Nevada

Yosemite National Park, CA

We started off at Merced Grove, only 4 miles from the campsite.  We hiked for approximately 4 miles.  It was a nice walk downhill, but to turn around and come back was a killer!  We were apparently only 100 meters from a bear, but didn’t see it.  We only knew once we were told by other hikers coming the other way. 

We drove up to Glacier Point.  Words cannot describe the view from here as we can see the valley floor, Half Dome, Nevada Falls and the valley running east.  I couldn’t believe how fantastic this place was.  We listened to a ranger give a talk about the park and the Native American traditions. 

On the way back down, we picked up a hitchhiker and took her back into the valley. 

We went for a swim at Swinging Bridge.  While the temperature was hot, it was about 35 degrees, the water was freezing, as all the rivers and lakes are snow melts. 

We go back to camp just as it begins getting dark again, and had another quiet night in the tent.

Amy & I, Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

El Capitan, Yosemite, National Park, California

Campsite, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, CA

We drove into the valley but took a 15 mile detour to the south entrance to have a look around.  We rented bikes for 2 hours and rode around most of the valley floor.  We then went up to Mirror Lake, where we walked through ankle deep water sunbaked and generally hung out.  We returned the bikes and headed to another campsite for showers before heading back to our own camp for dinner and for the night.

Me, Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, CA

It was a bad night’s sleep – still getting used to sleeping in the tent.  Heaps tired!  From the campsite we drove to the center of Yosemite.  We stopped at Bridalveil Falls, where we stopped to do a small hike.  Amy pushed on a little further up the falls. 

We drove into the valley and had some lunch some ice cream before going to the Ansel Adams Gallery.  Ansel Adams is a famous US nature photographer.  We drove up to El Capitan and rested in the car before walking to the base to spot rock climbers.  In the early evening, we drove to the Ahwahnee Lodge (a ritzy hotel inside Yosemite National Park).  From here we did an hour long guided tour with one of the Park Rangers. 

After that we headed back to camp where it was too dark to cook

Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Sausalito, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA

We got up early this morning and re-packed the car and headed out to Yosemite National Park.  It was a relatively uneventful 3 hour drive, except finding out about Amy’s fear of bridges. 

We arrived about 12pm and went straight to the campsite first.  We are staying at Hogden Meadows, near the western entrance, a full 26 miles from the valley floor. 

After setting up the tent, we drove into the valley to get our first real view of Yosemite.  WOW!  This place is absolutely amazing.  One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  After wandering around the Ranger’s Station, checking out the Ansel Adams gallery and getting some supplies, we headed back to the camp. 

I drove back out, as Amy drove in.  This gives us both a chance to get a great look at everything.  On the way back we stopped at Yosemite Falls.  The waterfall had only a misty flow, being mid summer all the snow melt had finished for the season.  All the same this is another beautiful part of the park.  I think over the next few days, actually weeks, I’m sure the words “amazing”, “awesome” and “unbelievable” will be used extensively (maybe even over kill). 

Dinner was cooked on our little gas cooker at the camp site.  It is dark by 8.30pm and because we have limited equipment, it was bedtime for us.

Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Sausalito, CA

Today Amy, Natalie, Peggy, Robbie and I are going to Alcatraz.  I’ve been looking forward to seeing as part of my trip here to the US. 

We get Rob and park at Fisherman’s Wharf in order to catch the ferry across to the island prison.  This place has a real aura to it.  You can sense the history of the place and with our audio guide, we lap up everything Alcatraz has to offer.  The tour took us around 3 hours and I had a blast.  Really enjoyed getting inside the walls, cells and the stories of the notorious prison that had housed Capone and other criminals – the worst of the worst they say.  

Amy, Natalie, Me, Robbie & Peggy, Alcatraz, San Francisco, California

Once back on the mainland we head over to McCormick & Kulleto’s for lunch, which is back from Fisherman’s Wharf, but again giving another great view over the Bay. 

We dropped Robbie off back at Chris’, and Amy and I did some last minute shopping for our trip starting tomorrow. 

Amy, Peggy and Nat are having dinner together while I head over to San Francisco to have one last meal with Robbie, Chris and Casi – who are now back form the weekend away.  We stayed in and just spent time catching up – a perfect end to this mini trip.  Who’d of thought us 3 guys would be meeting up in San Francisco 10 years after high school.  

Robbie, Me & Chris, San Francisco, California

Robbie continues on to Atlanta tomorrow for his conference, while we begin our 7 week cross country journey by heading to Yosemite National Park.

Sausalito, CA

I took Amy’s car in the morning and headed over to meet with Robbie at Nagle’s. 

The girls are off to do their own thing today, while Rob and I are going to hang out.  We walk down the hill to Fisherman’s Wharf and duck into Denny’s for breakfast.  We spend some time here (this place reminds me of the old Pier One under the Harbour Bridge).  From here we walk through the trendy North Beach area and Chinatown before checking out downtown San Francisco.  We did a little shopping and aimless wandering before we caught the Tram back up to Chris & Casi’s place to rest for the afternoon. 

Amy and Natalie met up with us before we headed to a friend of Amy’s, Mike Shack – an old University of Arizona buddy who lives in San Francisco.  He is a great character and the 5 of us headed out to Via Vento on Fillmore Street for dinner.  This restaurant was awesome and the lively company made for a fantastic evening. 

Natalie, Mike, Amy, Me & Robbie, Via Vento, San Francisco, California

After dinner we went back to Mike’s for drinks and more hanging out.  On the way back to Sausalito, we dropped Robbie off back at the Nagle residence.