2 days into the roady and all is well.
Day 1 was spent uneventfully driving (new term!!) from BHC to the Grand Canyon 3 1/2 hours down and we were there. Mather Point which is the first vantage point that you strike after entering from the South entrance, is undergoing some serious renovation and construction which has turned the whole thing into a dogs breakfast. Stupid to be doing all the work in the middle of the summer season when there are a squintillion people in the park...Dead set it was as full as a state school. No vacancies either camping or lodging in the entire park. Luckily the $18 camping spot at Mather Campground worked a treat and Trevor and Wayne spent a more than comfortable night on the $15 Walmart twin airbeds (1 each smart arses). A late afternoon hack on the shuttles out to the Hermits rest meant some great sunset photos. This new Canon 5d MK11 really comes into its own after the sun sets....unbelievable actually. An early rise for Wayne and some sunrise photos whilst Trev slept like a baby (waking every hour crying his eyes out!!), and a 830 departure meant we were on the road in good time.
Lunched at Kayenta in AZ before crossing the border into Utah. Became Mormons at a swearing in ceremony whereby we learnt we are going to be doorknocking in Uzbekistan to try and convert some half Commies......kidding. We booked into the National 9 Hotel in Montecito for $57 inc tax for the night....bonus. Budget is up to $100 each per night so we are well in front tonight at least. Then we took off to the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park for a late afternoon burn. I did the Island in the Sky entrance into the park in 06 with the cricket lads and it was well worth it....the Needles section however was a bust...what a crock. However!!! The drive in to the park entrance which is 34 miles off the 191 is utterly jawdropping. An absolute must do if anyone is ever in this part of the world. I really look forward to showing you the photos and videos that we both took. The colours of the rocks and the sheer size and magnitude of the mountains is beyond description....and unfortunately as my first try at posting photos on here was a bust, you'll have to wait till we get back......and don't expect Ansel Adams type photos either!!
Will post soon!! Arches tomorrow!! and the Islands in the Sky section of Canyonlands as well!!
Must agree with Wayne, what else can i say what a hoot. Scenery so far has been noting but breathtaking, Grand Canyon always looks picture postcard, but being there in person- well shitttteee, awesome, beyond description, even my photos dont do it justice. Great camping amongst the pines, 280 campsites and you wouldnt know anyone else were there.
ReplyDeleteLeft Airozona this afternoon, into Utah and staying the night at Monticello just outside Canyon Lands. Had a brief trip into this national park this afternoon, just fantastic, as wayne said rock formations something to behold. Just had a great shower, came out smelling like roses- fat lot of good that will do atm,
Trevor