Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Beyond Words!!

For the last 3 days we've been traveling east and seeing even more spectacular sites than I could ever imagine!!  There truly are NO words in the English language that can describe what we've been seeing!!

We even took a side trip to Lyman, UT just for kicks and giggles! Not much there and no "landmark" explanation of how or why it's there.  Oh well, that's the way it goes but it wasn't too far out of the way.




Since the highway went right through Capitol Reef National park, we got to see a whole lot more of the park.  This park doesn't get the respect it deserves. Actually, one of our favorites up to this point. We took a hike up into a canyon - Hickman Bridge - to see a beautiful arch when all of a sudden the wind started to blow and we began to eat sand. Yuck!! We were at the end of the trail and had no choice but to just make our way back. Our biggest concern was for 2 ladies (mother & daughter) from Pittsburgh. By the time we got back to the car, we had totally "lost" them.  But because we were trying to catch our breath, it gave enough time for them to show up. We were very relieved!!



Making our way to Moab, UT, we spent 2 nights here in a rustic place but very comfortable.  The first night was Monday Night Football with Seattle vs. Greenbay!! Eating a great dinner and having drinks at the local Moab Brewery, Mike watched the game and made all sorts of noises while I took the chance to call several friends in Colville and catch up with all the goings on locally "at home".

Arches National Park was yesterday's agenda and it certainly didn't disappoint!  Arches, arches, everywhere!! The most exciting event, however, was watching and getting caught in a huge hail/rain storm!!  It was beautiful to watch until it actually caught up with us. The hail was huge and we were so afraid it was going to damage the car.  We made it back to the car just in time to stay dry and safe.







To our delight, we made it to higher ground where it looked like it had snowed but was actually hail!! After waiting it out for a bit, the sun came out and we were able to continue on with our beautiful discovery and hiking to see more of the beautiful arches!!







This morning we woke to rain. So, making lemonade out of lemons, we took the time to catch up on "business", laundry, and booked the remaining timeframe of our Panama trip.  THANK YOU Lesley Mann!!! Can't wait to see you in Panama! Hope my tip to you works out.

So we're now booked into Pedasi, Panama in a brand new casita that looks fabulous and the owner (US expats) are excited about our visit and can't wait to hear "our story".

Checking out at noon (a delayed time), we headed to Canyonlands National Park for more sights. There are no words to truly express the continuing beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No matter your beliefs, however this all came about, was truly a magnificent event! No words, simply no words....






We're resting our bodies in Cortez, CO tonight after having a great meal with free incredible drinks at the Main Street Brewery. Thank You Super 8!


Off to Mesa Verde National Park tomorrow and Durango for the night......

Sunday, September 23, 2012

AWESOMENESS!!!!

All I can say at this point is, I'm astounded with the beauty that keeps unfolding in front of us with every step we're taking!!!

Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Parks have been our destinations the last 3 days! Each has given us a sense of awe that has crept deep into our souls. Our spirits and souls have soared to heights we didn't know existed!

We've heard every language but what's quite surprising is the number of Germans that are here visiting. We feel like the minority!! But at least with German, I feel more at home - ya??  Mom, you came to me in a dream not too many days ago and smiled upon me when the waiter in my dream whispered in my ear that he had brought me a surprise from Dresden.  I'm hoping that you're enjoying this journey with me. I only wish that we had shared more about your journey of life. 

We have been up to 9800' above sea level and our lungs didn't find it very easy but we are now acclimated to hiking in this elevation. Our calves have screamed at us but are now used to all of the hiking. We are more tanned than we've been in years even at this elevation at 70 degrees the sun is quite intense.

We have some extra days to explore some more of this beautiful country, so off we go tomorrow to Moab, UT and from there to Mesa Verde National Park in CO before heading down to Santa Fe and Taos, NM.

So here are some pictures for you to feast your eyes upon.  If you're not into pictures, just close the blog.

ZION:










BRYCE CANYON:









CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK: