Christmas at Capitol Reef National Park, and a lot of other nonsense

**BillyBob58** · 01-03-2011, 21:20

Wow, Fin, that was quite a trip report, I really enjoyed it. It took me back. To a 1976 or 77 trip from Pueblo, CO to CA. I think it was Jan but not sure, might have been closer to spring. Anyway, tried to camp the 1st night at Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction. The cold defeated us and we headed out in search of lower elevation. Finally lit about 0100 at Goblin Valley, UT. Only ones there, and warmer. Slept out under the stars on a cot beside my Ford Pinto. The place was absolutely spooky as well as spectacular. At sunrise the moon was just setting, again spectacular. Next stop that morning was Capital Reef, then Zion.

Never forgot it, and your descriptions had me back there!

**fin** · 01-03-2011, 22:22

Originally Posted by Cannibal

Aren't you supposed to be driving across Nebraska right now?

Good to have you visit and do a little showing-off of the gear. Gonna hold you to the things we talked about brother.

Hah, just got to Lincoln. Gonna hole up for the night here or Des Moines, haven't decided yet. One thing about this trip is that I can drive ungodly stretches of pavement without blinking an eye. Got a real late start today.

And I am committed, so you can hold me to it. On another note, you will probably be seeing me again real soon. Have a trip in the works, this time not solo.

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Even though my initial trip report was slightly disappointing, at least in my eyes, it helped me plan the next big journey, so I learned from the experience. That's all you can ask for, right? Expect a new thread shortly. Can't remember if either MrGreen or I posted a trip report and pics from Glacier in September. If you haven't seen those pics or read about it, let me know. I will post on that very positive and excellent hang/hike. Have to get to a real computer to search, as I am on my phone right now.

Cannibal, your "asses" were awesome. Not very health conscious, though. Who knew they would prefer mints over dried apricots? I left those on your porch, BTW. Expect a pm about that commitment. Need your opinion again on something. Probably next day or so.

**JayS** · 01-04-2011, 00:13

Beautiful pictures! Glad you're making lemonade out of lemons. Keep the reports comin'.

**richtorfla** · 01-04-2011, 01:02

Thanks Finn, you got a nice trip going. That part of Utah where you were at is my favorite place. My avatar is me with the San Rafeal swell in the background. Its near Huntington Utah. Your pics are stunning! Keep safe traveling on!