We changed sites today, moving from full hookups to a site with none – but we have water on board, and battery sufficient to last a few days. The great part is that this is a site in a deep pull through, off a secondary loop, so it is extremely private, backed by its own tiny, private red sandstone amphitheater. Behind these, stand the taller yellow and grey cliffs that make up the grander backdrop of the campground proper. We even have our own private hoodoos watching over us, and a dense (for this region) stand of juniper, sage and rabbitbrush screening us from view of anyone else.
Hoodoo we think we’re foolin’?
Of course, one can’t sit and admire one’s great fortune for too long, so luckily, the TLs got moving. Off we went to the Grand Parade – a trail that traverses the northeastern side of the park, taking you into two box canyons for exploration. The northern most of these is the more intricate – walk it’s dry creek around and around to where it finally comes to an end. There’s opportunity for a little sandstone scramble, though Minkie couldn’t quite manage it with her sore paw. Carlos did, and reported the view was worth it. Too bad he had no camera with him!!
The trails winds its way back around more cliffs, spires, and hoodoos, and into a second, smaller box canyon, where if you chance to look upward, you just might see Kneeling Woman keeping watch over her dominion. Yessirree, toad hop, this is is a fun little jaunt. Not difficult, but very worthy!
Though it gets a bit repetitive, we cannot get over what a remarkably stark, alien, and utterly beautiful this area is. The geology is complex, and so different from the forests and wet climate of the eastern US that we are so much more accustomed to. So, if fortune should smile on you, return the gesture, and come this way!
Back at the camp, we saw color we’ve not seen before – looking up, pinks and turquoise danced in clouds above – as opposite the ravens played in the thermals. No better way to end a day!
Rollin' with a Road Toad 