Tuesday, April 23, 2013

My Birthday Trip Part 11

 
Given more time, we would have liked to do some hiking in the Escalante Staircase. There is a trail at the bottom of the canyon in the centre of the photo. This is a massive geological formation that stymied the first settlers that came through Utah. The gentle slopes of the Escalante are navigable, but running along the bottom of the entire region are those deep impassable canyons. Of course, we just breezed over the entire region on a very good highway with little to no traffic.

 
We came across some interesting ranch lands, but for the most part, this part of the country is mountainous and desert.

 
In spring, there are tender new shoots for the cattle to graze on, but come summer, the bottom lands dry up and there is nothing here but sagebrush.

 
We began to climb in elevation as we pointed ourselves north and west. Every few hundred feet in elevation saw new vegetation and here at more than 9000 ft. there was only Poplar (Aspen) that was being harvested. Again, it was cold, very cold.

 
Descending once again, the temperature rose, and the red soil was once again very evident. This rock formation would be a national park in Canada. Here it is a farmer's back yard.

 
Down, down, down, to the desert floor and warmer temperatures. It is welcome.

 
The last of the colourful hills.

 
And then the flat freeway, Highway 15. 240 miles to Las Vegas at speed limit of 80 mph ..... mmm, three hours to go.

 
Just after dark we come over the rise north of the city. A quick photo and then a stop in North Las Vegas for a good night's sleep at a Comfort Inn.
Tomorrow we cruise the 'strip', return the Caddy and catch a plane.
In hindsight, we should have done a quick cruise of the strip during the night hours. It was impressive during the day, but at night it would have been even better. We will save that experience for next time.

1 comment:

Chris said...

As many lovers of nature before you have discovered, five days in an area like this is not enough time.