2013  November 3

One of the best days of the trip! Slept in and had a relaxed start to the day...drove to Capitol Reef National Park. I really don't recall having heard of this one until recently when I  watched the Ken Burns documentary on the National Parks. It is beautiful. We walked in a gully between sheer rock walls along an old wagon train route. Then we were on top of a mesa looking down into the valleys. Again, when you are at any elevation, you can see "forever"!

We delayed arrangements for our stay tonight because we were not sure far we would drive after leaving the park. We also were out of cell phone service range for most of the day. Drove on State Road 12 toward Bryce Canyon National Park. Outstanding! Went over Boulder Mountain peaking at 9800 feet. From there could look back to Capital Reef NP area. Part of the road we drove on the ridge with both sides of the road sloping down into canyons below. That section was called Hogs Back. Were in and out of parts of the Dixie National Forest. Were delayed along the road as a small heard of longhorn cattle were herded across the road. Two of the young bulls were butting horns next to our truck. Drove through several beautiful valleys and then into the Bryce Canyon area. One of the most scenic roads we've traveled.

We are staying in Panguitch, Utah tonight. Bryce Canyon NP tomorrow. Maybe Zion NP as well, depends on how much time we spend in Bryce.

Loving this trip. Every day has been something new.