We left the drizzling snow of North Ogden and emerged via time travel in the Valley of the Goblins about 4 1/2 hours later. The temperature was perfect, in the low sixties. No bugs. What a perfect place to camp in April (other than crowds).
However, we did snag the nearly perfect campsite--secluded and sheltered. Number 19, if you're interested. We made reservations in Feb.
"Man Talk" among the Rock and Trailblazer.
After camp was set, we relaxed, played some Bocchi Ball.
And then some of us found a quiet, sunny place to read.
Cliff side view of camp.
The next day, Friday dawned fair and lovely, temperatures in the sixties. We all trekked to Little Wild Horse Canyon. We hiked and climbed until the water deemed it unwise to continue. Still, a lot of fun!
After lunch and naps for some of us, we visited the actual Valley of the Goblins and played and hiked. By then, a front was moving in and the temperatures dropped and it became cloudy and breezy.
Zach and the mushrooms.
Now we can say we have visited Goblin Valley.
Hmmmmm. Wonder where "Galaxy Quest" was filmed. This cave looked interesting to Trailblazer.
The weather remained great for dinner and an evening of hot dog roasting, smores and Camp Ball.
Beautiful dusk at the close of an awesome day. View from our camp.
During the night, a storm moved in with wind and rain. By morning, it was blowing and drizzling enough that our tent was upstaked, became unstable and fell down. We packed up in the rain with wet gear and decided it was time to hightail it out of there. Trailblazer and I were the last ones out of camp and it had stopped raining around 9 am. We took one last drive to the Goblin overlook and got some great photos.
The Henrys from Goblin Valley.
Don't know the name of these, but they reminded me of carved Chess pieces.
We stopped for a few minutes at the Visitor's Center, then were on our way out as we passed Tristano and Nicoletta! They had braved the bad weather to give it a try. We exchanged greetings and then went on our way home by way of Salina and I-70. We stopped at almost every view point, because we thought the Rock family was behind us.
Gorgeous view from the Ghost Rocks View Point overlooking Caine Wash.
Ghost Rock framed by snow covered branches. Brrr...it was cold up there, having just snowed.
From Castle Valley View point looking toward the Muddy Creek Wilderness and Capitol Reef.
Wonderful trip...met some new friends and bonded with familiar ones. Thanks, Desertbound for inviting us.
Ferny plants...aren't they cute?
Woodruff and comfrey...Anybody want some? We have plenty of "starts".
With spectacular mountain views...
Hmmm. I think we all know what this beautiful weed is...
Heavenly scented Viburnum
Also heavenly scented, but a little more common Lilac
Just a few yards from the MRR, there is a hillside covered with Arrowleaf Balsam Root. Beautiful Yellow flowers. They are not CALLED sunflowers, but in fact they ARE a sunflower....as in, they follow the sun.
To get this awesome photo, I had to lie down on the ground and physically turn the flower away from the the sun to get the backlighting.
This lovely little flower I am fairly sure is Foothill Death Camas. As in, it is extremely toxic and has caused death in animals and humans (who mistakenly ate the bulbs thinking they were Camas Lilies the edible kind).
Another view of the Death Camas. I didn't realize what it was until I got home and looked in the Wildflower book.
A charming view of the Carpet Phlox (what cuties!)
This shrub/tree is presently not identified. It is the only tree around that has brilliant red leaves in the spring! Guesses anyone??
Serviceberry blossoms...pretty now, but wait til they turn into obnoxious little dark purple splotches all over everything courtesy of the birds.
June grass in May....
Hmmm... Bones by the MRR. Possibly a deer.
The Hike: Begin at Elephant Hill trailhead....that's the trail???
"Wait for me...I thought the trail was supposed to be level"
We had a few clouds...not NEARLY enough for Maud'Dib.
This lizard posed for several minutes for a photo shoot. He was ok as long as I didn't try to pet him...
One of those DYCs. (Darn Yellow Composites)
An example of why it's called "The Needles District"
I looked at the map and decided that the planned route looked way too long for me. So, I took the short route to the beginning of the Druid Arch spur, hiked a mile almost to Chesler Park, met the guys, hiked back the Arch spur, then found an overhang with soft sand to nap and rest. Yes, I missed some of the most spectacular scenery including Druid Arch and Joint Canyons, but I still had a wonderful hike. I covered probably 7.5 miles, while the guys went 15. I did run out of water, taking only 2 liters. One of the "highlights" was--hiking by myself I came upon a steep rock face about 7 feet tall on the trail that I couldn't figure out how to get up by myself. A Japanese couple came down the trail and I helped them find the best way down, giving them a hand. Finally, I threw my pack on the top of the ledge, did some maneuvering on my back, got some toe holds and grabbed on some outcroppings and MADE IT. We did have to come back down that way, but I had the guys to help me down. DB, Rock, Tristano, all of you rock climbers that know how much I don't like climbing; You would have been proud of me!
However, we did snag the nearly perfect campsite--secluded and sheltered. Number 19, if you're interested. We made reservations in Feb.
During the night, a storm moved in with wind and rain. By morning, it was blowing and drizzling enough that our tent was upstaked, became unstable and fell down. We packed up in the rain with wet gear and decided it was time to hightail it out of there. Trailblazer and I were the last ones out of camp and it had stopped raining around 9 am. We took one last drive to the Goblin overlook and got some great photos.
