I Cannot Do Anymore Red Rocks

After a week of looking at different kinds of red rocks we didn't think we could do another day of it, but there was one more Utah National Park, Capitol Reef, on our way to California, so we had to go.  The trip was only about 120 miles from Green River, but with the wind howling, it took us a little longer to arrive.  Don said he felt as if he had been arm wrestling the entire time.

The park itself is understated - no entrance booth at either end, and few side roads.  As we drove through the park to our RV park, we were able to see what sights we might want to include, which was very helpful.  After setting up the rigs and having lunch, we were on our way.

The first stop at the visitor center gave us a view of what we would see, and we took a short walk to see a small waterfall.  Small is too large a word to describe what we might consider a rapid!  But we needed the exercise.

The petroglyphs in the park were outstanding.  Many have been lost through erosion, but there are many more still.  The Fremont people were most prolific with their art, and we particularly liked the bear and the rams.  The art is now protected from graffiti, but it is still out in the weather where it can gradually be worn down.

We then took a scenic drive past Fruita, a Mormon settlement from the 1880's, and into the hills.  And although the rocks were red, there was a differrent geology about them.  The fascinating shapes and shadows would have been prettier with a little less wind and a little more sunlight, but my iPad still captured their beauty.

This particular picture is notable because of the grayish patch of Chinle sandstone at the top.  It is completely out of place geologically (although we would not have known had we not read about it), and because of that, the erosion has created some interesting hoodoos on top.  

On our way out, we stopped at Panorama point, hoping again for some good sunshine on the walls.  Unfortunately, many clouds drifted in, obscuring the sun. I got some decent pictures, but not what I was hoping they would be.  

We skipped a few of the hikes we normally would have taken, both because it was late and we were tired of the wind, but that was ok because we actually ate at a normal time, and I still had time to bake cookies.

Tomorrow Katie, Bart and Jerri leave for home, and Don and I head for Ely, Nevada, where we will go to Great Basin National Park.  We have no idea what is there, but we certainly hope there are not more red rocks.