April 26 -
Farmington NM, Hog Canyon, Goblin Valley, Capitol Reef, etc
Saturday, April 26: Leave for Utah at 10:30. First night Farmington NM @ Sunray Casino. Perfect weather, a little breezy. Arrived and set up around 3 at Sunray Casino, east of Farmington. Huge camping area and no one collection $ so enjoyed a free night, plus had the entertainment of little racing cars doing time trials in the huge parking lot up front, plus a classic car show inside. Later we strolled through the small, yet shockingly smoke free casino, and saw the line start up for the moto circus which was about to start in the other pavilion. Quite a big place for local entertainment. After we set up, we rode around looking for the River Trail which we finally found and rode about 6 miles, really really nice, and good to see so many families out there. And litter and bum free as well. Very surprised. And oh look, there's a Tequilas in town! This one was in a new (or old?) hotel on Broadway, so had a nice dinner there.
Sunday, April 27: Second night @ Hogback Canyon north of the now-closed Hite Marina. First had to get more propane in Farmington, plus hit the Walmart for provisions -- later start. Went west through Shiprock, which wasn't full of loose dogs, that was nice, but those roads are still bumpy all thru the area. Was hoping to boondock somewhere along Glen "Powell" Canyon, but everthing was roped off, this area is closed. So kept heading north to the Hog. Lucked out as a gal in her tiny car was leaving a nice big pull thru at the entrance so we waited for that. Bill was already aware of a deceiving section of very soft sand that has trapped some campers, so we avoided that. Was here 15 years ago, of course a few more people but still primitive. And this time Noseeums who got me good; saw swarms of what we assumed were gnats, but alas, the next day always tells the story. Walked around some on the slick rock, unknowingly further feeding the silent blood suckers, and my steel-trap-like memory remembered the petroglyphs along a sandstone wall. and there they were, along with plenty of other modern IDIOT grafitti from visitors. What a shame. Talked to a couple with 2 of the loudest dogs that ever barked and tried to scare us off, they were from Utah with Carson Forest land in NM so he was trying to help by being our tour guide and info kiosk. Also told us Butch Cassidy rode thru that there canyon. Wasn't until the morning that I realized those weren't gnats! PERFECT weather that night, by the way, a little breezy but really beautiful.
Hog Canyon, where the bugs & petroglyphs are
Monday & Tuesday, April 2& 29: Two nights outside Goblin Valley SP in primitive spot #2, straight up the driveway from the kiosk, up against the mesa/butte wall, and looking at the Rafael Swell, quite a view. Very much like the Comb Ridge in appearance. Arrived about 11:30 and lucked out with this great spot. Like it because the sun shines on it till sunset, tho it doesn't get direct morning sun till noon, a bit chilly! 39 the first morning, but the day warmed up nicely, maybe high 70s. Weird, there's a cool breeze if in the shade but that direct sun is a killer. Not much for bird or animal life here, just the finest talcum sand. On everything. Bill's tire now completely flat, so we spent the first day at camp, Bill being a bike tech, while I first time started carving my two wooden spoon blanks we cut in Fla. Then Bill tripped on a big rock while setting up the shade tent, there goes that toenail in a bloody mess. We will end up cutting and bruising ourselves much in this place. Riding bikes here then hitting this soft sand made for several near falls, the saves from which cause bruised thighs and ankles! Ugh, maybe better to fall.
The next day we rode around and got a 2-bar phone signal up on the entry mesa, def a cell lot : ) (Dad has a sylvester appt today, but ended up not going), but first checked out the area noted as an entrance to Crack Canyon -- yes, if you are willing to slog thru three miles of desert arroyo sand. Not fun. Place pretty quiet today BTW. Plenty of campers boondocking but not many around us. Went north of the junction along the swell to check out where I WANTED to camp -- Willy just could not remember what I was saying, but alas there it was, a great spot and available. AND it gets a one-bar signal. too late. Rode past the red Fremont petroglyphs, boy it looks like they are falling off, need to compare with my older photos. Came back and took a solo hike across the road through the ditches and cow poop, I think I got some new bites over there, but that was fun. Then we took the bikes out down the road, another sandy arroyo for a short walk, then further down the road to see the other camping area that gets am sun! I think I prefer the evening sun. It was another nice day today. Later I drove the 7 miles back to the mesa perch to get a 2-bar signal to check in on the fam. Bec is on her final final deadline so good for her, if she survives it. Time for her to come up for air. Played the game and both have never rolled so many 4's. After dinner we packed up early cuz mornings could be cold. About 10 pm, I'm in the bathroom but heard a motor - weird-- and Bill yells that someone is driving thru camp! Yep some nut is looking for a spot in the pitch black night and came blowing thru right past us. That's a first. there is a road that connects all these spots so he must know the area. Not 10 minutes before we were standing outside the trailer checking out the zillions of stars. Just when you think you are in the middle of nowhere...
Wed & Thurs, April 30 - May 1: The only reserved place, Capitol Reef at Fruita Campground. Loop B, #22. Was here 2 or 3 years ago in October when all the Utah kids were out of school; hopefully no this time in the spring. The morning weather report in Goblin: 42 at 6:15 am (yes I saw it personally) with gathering clouds. Pink sky in the morning, at least at Goblin... supposed to be cloudy for the next two days. In Hanksville with a signal, found out Dad went to hospital in Fl, low oxy, fast heart rate. Buzzing around here to get a signal, Park has wifi tho weak, it works.
Checking the blog, this would be our third time here, seems like more. But in 2011, we cam to this park on the exact same days: April 30 and May 1. Wow. And last time the store had scones!!! WTH, now they only have pie. And gorgeous wood spoons, can't be by hand but wow. Pistachio wood, oh yes. Cloudy day, set up after getting into the site and forgetting we had to dump! Idiots. Wasted at least 45 minutes behind a very slow dumper. Anyway, quick on the bike to ride to the visitor for a signal, not a cell signal but found out they have wifi throughout the park. That helps tremendously. Meanwhile Bill got a cherry pie and cherry butter ($9, cost on the low end these days; have seen it as high as $13). Then I walked over to the store. I always end up with something there, but not this time. Threatening dark clouds that never brought rain. Set up the silver table after fixing the slats, since the picnic bench is on the wrong side of the site—bad design—worked on my spoons while he took a bike ride. Then we played the game where I lost more than I can ever believe, 3 to 1? 4 to 1? Took a walk along the river trail behind us before dinner, and in the corral is a new baby pony and it's mother and a sign asking people to stay out and let them have privacy. Do people really climb over the fences? Sheesh. No generators here in Loop B so not using many lights etc.
NOTE: April 2012 - go back and look for Fremont panel pictures, looks smaller now.
Rip: (someone on day 1, who was it?)
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