Bluff 2026 Pt. 3

With one more full day in the area, we decided to try the road to Johns Canyon.  This would take us below the Muley Point overlook.  We also found some smaller canyons that apparently connected into the Goosenecks area.

This is the formation I photoed a couple years ago from Muley Point above John's Canyon road.

The road became difficult at a certain point.  Washouts and rock slides had us turning around and exploring other areas.

Heading for home, we tried to get to Muley Point, but the road was in bad shape.  There had been a LOT of rain in the area (and it kept coming down every few days since we left).  But I did get this pano shot from the top of the twisty road, Mokey-Dugway.

At the top, we cruised across the Bear's Ears area.  Some shots including snow on the mountaintops (much more snow than we would find on the Wasatch when we got home).

As we headed towards Hanksville, we entered a very interesting canyon area.  Endlessly fascinating.

And I found two bumps on a log...

By the way, we can recommend Duke's in Hanksville for lunch.  Good food, great homemade pie, and where else are you gonna hear Skip James in the middle of country music tunes on the musak system.

Thanks to all in our group who made the trip fun despite some disappointments due to the weather.  Next year!

Bluff 2026 Pt. 2

A couple more from Antelope Canyon...  First, Saint Jane, then the group inside the slot canyon.

 The next day, we had some choices... the plan was to hit the flea market in Kayenta.  But on the drive from Page, we had to pass the Navajo National Monument.  We decided to stop and try a few of the shorter hikes available from the visitors center.  The park is known for its incredible cliff dwellings.  One hide led to an overlook of the Betatakin site.  

First, formations on the road.  Then a couple of Betatakin (zoom for a better view), and a cool tree on the trail.

Another hike took us to another view of the canyon, and an encounter with a mythical monster.

After the park, it was hell bent for Bluff and dinner with Charles, our favorite waiter, at the Comb Ridge Cafe.

Bluff 2026 Pt. 1

 In October, and we were off once again to SE Utah.  A couple nights in Page, AZ, then over to Bluff and the Recapture Lodge for a couple nights.  We knew we were in for some  rain, but had no idea how much that area of the country received from a huge Pacific storm moving inland.  So much, and then more, as the San Juan River would eventually flood causing much damage in Bluff and the surrounding area (thankfully, we had left before the water rose over flood stage).

Sometimes lots of rain provides small blessings, as these pics along the highway between Kanab and Page show...  A break in the clouds...

Then this fabulous rainbow...  no picture can capture it's intensity...

Our stop in Page was to visit the three slot canyons in Antelope Canyon.  Our first tours were arranged with Shun’Diin Canyon Tours.  The lower canyon was closed due to flooding.  We were able to visit the Upper section after the flash flood warning passed.  Pretty fabulous as these pics show.

From the slot canyon, we were vanned over to Lake Powell for a cruise on the lake with a destination into Antelope Canyon.  The lake entrance to the canyon allowed us to see how the canyon drained into the lake.  

After the cruise, and above the lake, I took this shot, and practiced my crappy Photoshop skills.

And here's the happy crew after a hard day of rain, wind, and great, natural wonder.

I highly recommend our tour company (see above link).  Great communication, great guides, and our safety was paramount.

Some Mornings Are Just Great!

 

Another Decade Down, One More Mile To Go

Well, hopefully many more miles....  Anyway, the big 80!  

After wavering forever how to celebrate, Miriam offered to host a big party at the Alta Club where she is a member.  Big thanks!  So some pics from the event.

A happy birthday boy wearing his best friend!

The remnants of the old Cosmic Aeroplane.

A couple Virgos, both the same age.  One of us is still good looking...

Thanks to Smokey for driving in from Wells...

More old souls

Directly from the ranch...

Carolyn discovers a funky bookseller.

Thanks to Tully and Willis for the jazz guitar music.

Willis taking a break.

A surprise guest, directly from NYC, Mr. Lyman, long time SC drummer extraordinaire.

Some younger friends, framing and recording...

Daughter in law...

The audiophile crew...  besides running up the bar bill, they've cost me big bucks in gear (and improved my listening pleasure).

Another member of the crew.

And Doc who kinda got me into this audiophile stuff...  and an old friend.

Noiristas...

Ahhhh...

The professional women....

Ex-fighter pilot drinks, then goes home....  (sorry, listening to too much Zappa these days).

Rod looks so distinguished...

The audiophiles enjoy a nightcap...

Thanks to all who joined us in the celebration, thanks to the Alta Club for a fine job supporting us, thanks to Willis and Tully for the music. thanks to Jane, Millie and others for the pics, and special thanks to Miriam for hosting the event.  On to 90!