Hoo Dooing with the Goblins

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.

Arches, Megahertz and CNM again

Our original intention was to hike the Fiery Furnace. However, we arrived too late and all of the permits were gone for the day. Instead, we drove to Devil's Garden and hiked to some arches. A beautiful day...perfect for hiking. Trailsweeper Bob...

I named these formations...Rhodes Bake and Serve or perhaps the "Biscuits".

Unusual formation near Landscape Arch.

Pine Tree Arch with beauties at the base...

Fine Yucca

Fine couple, Rock and Desertbound

Tunnel Arch

Sisters are Pals, too.

Mayflower finds a sandy slot...

After a few hours of hiking and lunching, we drove to GJ by way of the Colorado River Canyon and Cisco the Ghost Town. Arrived at GJ for a great slumber party with wall to wall beds.

Cute little Megahertz, Nutmeg or Nutter Butter

Monday morning we visited Colorado National Monument with Bethany and kidlets. Mayflower stayed on too and came home with us. It was fun seeing the monument after a fresh snow storm.

This is a "canyon within a canyon". Notice the V shaped canyonette in the center.

By the time we reached Cold Shivers Point, it was snowing again and we had enough.

Thank you everyone for a great time! Rock and DB for going to Arches with us, T and N for hosting us all and Bethany and kids for joining us at CNM.

Guidebook to Canyonlands, 1974

I found a book that used to be my brother's called "Guidebook to Canyonlands" published in 1974. In the chapter on Arches, it talks about the Fiery Furnace...
"Tourists are not allowed into the Fiery Furnace alone. In fact, there are locked gates to prevent unauthorized persons from wandering into the convoluted canyons and becoming lost. Guided tours...are conducted by the Park Service during the summer season. Contrary to the impression given by its name, it is usually 8-10 degrees cooler than other sections of the park because of its deep, shady canyons. It was named for its fiery glow in the evening sunset, not its temperature.
...it encompasses roughly eight square miles of towering monoliths, natural bridges, arches, and pinnacles of swooping graceful form."

In another portion of the book..... about Park Avenue.
"the second parking area for Park Avenue is close to a large formation resembling a pipe organ. Park rangers have given up trying to place a marker by The Organ, as the sign is continuously removed by pranksters and placed at the foot of some towering phallic pinnacle."
Raye Carlson Price, 1974

Fisher Towers area

View of Fisher Towers

Another view of Fisher Towers

Colorado River near Fisher Towers

Priest and Nuns, near Fisher Towers

Travelling from GJ to Moab...
Finding "Treasure Hills" instead of just ordinary Sand Hills.
 

Things I love about the Fiery Furnace

Kissing Turtles Arch

Red Rock, Sand and Color
Pothole Reflections
My Own photo of Skull Arch
Taking photos of Wildbound rock scrambling
Looking down the Grand Stairs of the Furnace
Scenery to die for

Catching the light just right

Having Wildbound catch me in the light just right

I had forgotten how much rock scrambling and climbing there is--but it is fun.
Most significant thing! I can NOW guide a tour through all by myself. I learned all the landmarks. I can easily guide someone to the Little Bridge, Skull Arch and Surprise Arch.

Labyrinth or Maze?

Making a labyrinth in the snow is surpisingly aerobic.... and requires some coordination and balance...to keep from falling down.

A month ago I could not have told you the difference between a labyrinth and a maze. Now I know a little about their history and sacred geometry. Check out this website. http://www.crystalinks.com/labyrinths.html