Pipe Springs National Monument was our place to go. This was a settlement for the Morman people and the Indians. They both had a very hard time understanding each others way of life.

The Mormans brought cattle to the area since the spring was available for water. However, they did not share the water with the Indians. The cattle ate the grasses and plants the Indians used to provide food for their tribe leaving them in dire straights.

The Castle was the home to the Morman women who were brought there by their husbands. Once the United States banned polygamy, the men hid their extra wives so they wouldn’t be prosecuted and placed in jail.

East building used for living. West was for Militia.

The Mormans where in war with the Navajo people.

Barry and I visited the Vermillion Bluffs which are the second step of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Utah is a wonderful state to visit the Grand Staircase. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the first step, Vermillion Bluffs, 2nd step, Zion 3rd step, Bryce 4th step and Cedar Breaks is the 5th step and crown of the Grand Staircase. With each step the rock change in formations and colors.

So, we decided to drive to Page, Arizona to visit Horseshoe bend overlook. We stopped at Glen Canyon Dam on the way.

This was our last week of hiking before we moved to Phoenix for a week. Good thing it was.

So, Barry and I were climbing down the rocks to leave. And, all of the sudden, my left foot slid on the rocks and down I went.

Landed on my left arm and ended up going to the emergency room. After x-rays, I have a broken humerus bone, left arm. Isn’t that humorous!!!

Anyway, luckily, no surgery. I am wearing a sling, Ice, and pain meds are on my agenda, And, then we will see.

Of course, being left handed has been interesting.

So, we are in Phoenix and enjoying the resort. Barry is enjoying the hot tub and swimming pool. At least he has things to do while I heal.

Grand Canyon North Rim was our destination for today. 

We hiked some of the Ken Patrick Trail from Point Imperial, the tallest point of the Grand Canyon. 8803 ft.

Vista Encantada was our next stop.

Then to Roosevelt Point, named for Teddy Roosevelt.

Angels Window and Cape Royal views

Bright Angel Point was the last hike for today.

During our day, we loved the fall mountain colors of the Kaibab National Forest.

Today’s journey was to Cedar Breaks National Monument.  I read this is the place to visit to see beautiful fall colors.  Did not disappoint us.

The monument is the crown of the Escalante.  This reminded us of Bryce Canyon, just a smaller area with hoodoos, fins and a great trail around the top.

Chessmen Ridge Overlook then hike to the Alpine Pond Trail.

Our time in Utah is coming to an end on Thursday. Utah is so unique and if you all have a chance to visit, definitely should.

Barry and I travelled to see Butch Cassidy’s boy hood home.

His name was Robert Leroy Parker.  He was 14 when they moved to this home and left when he was 18.  His family was Morman and he was the oldest of 13. 

He worked for a farmer with the last name of Cassidy and learned to butcher from another, therefore,  Butch Cassidy!!

We visited Zion National Park yesterday.   Entering the East entrance and the view was so beautiful.  We drove through the very long tunnel.

We rode the shuttle to the scenic area from the Visitor center, only way to see unless you wanted to rent bikes.

First, we went to the Narrows and hiked back to the area where we could cross the creek. We didn’t go any further, even though we thought about it. The water has very high algae and could not go through it with any cuts.

We hiked from the Grotto to the Zion Lodge.  Then, to the Lower Emerald Pools Trail.

At the Lower Pool, a waterfall. However, with it being September, was very full. The cliff was really awesome, I walked up steps and around to the other side.

The last two days have been great days to hike. We enjoyed seeing the areas of Utah.

Barry and I visited Bryce Canyon today.   On our way, we drove through Red Canyon and Dixie National Forest. 

We took the shuttle bus to Bryce Point to see the amphitheater.  We did not hike down to the bottom, we hiked the rim trail to Inspiration Point.  Bryce Canyon is a must see for everyone, just amazing formations.

Happy birthday older brother, Hank!!

We left Vernal on Sunday and arrived to Salt Lake City. Our plans where changed due to a health issue. Barry drove to Salt Lake while I was transported by ambulance there. My gallbladder is now part of Utah and I’m healing well. Crazy how it just happened. Both Vernal and Salt Lake hospital staff were so very kind and professional.

So, we won’t be hiking for a short while.

We travelled to Antelope Island yesterday. Very interesting to see over 600 bison roaming the island. Saw some proghorn, too.

We are staying at the Salt Lake City Marina. There aren’t any fish in the lake due to the salt content. Brine shrimp do survive here and many birds use this as a stopping place for their migration route.

The area is quite unique. The lake, at times, has an odor and the sunsets are gorgeous.

The area has this haziness along the mountains; from what I have read, it is from the California fires. This changes the sunset each night.

Barry investigated and rode his bike on the beach.

Saltair Palace was a swimming place in the 1800’s. It has burnt down twice and flooded once and is now used as a concert venue.

The water is very buoyant, people can float like a cork.

Barry and I will be heading to Panguitch tomorrow. We have Bryce and Zion Canyons to explore.

Flaming Gorge Recreational Area and Red Canyon.

This week has been all about animals; alive and dead.

First, Dinosaur National Monument.  A definite trip for children to see real prehistoric dinosaur bones.

Then, we walked the trail back to the visitor center.

We saw clam fossils and dinosaur bones left in the rocks.

Onto Harpers Point a part of the Dinosaur National Monument, however, in Colorado.

There actually is a town named Dinosaur, Colorado.

We hiked the 2 mile trail to the point where we could see the Green River and Yampa River meet.

Barry and I travelled to Vernal, Utah today.

Drove up and over the Ashley National Forest on our way.

We met our friends, Jim and Betty tonight, we both were staying in Congress, Arizona last winter.

We are in Dinosaur land.

Sunday Funday!!  Here we come Arches National Park. 

We were in the park by 8:30, we were told to get in early.  First stop to see the North and South Arches and Turret Arch.

Barry and I then ventured out to see the Delicate Arch.  We chose to hike the upper loop to get a closer view.  We could have hiked 3 miles to get up close and personal, not!!

There were more arches to see, however, our  weary bones wouldn’t have made the 7.2 mile  hike after we hiked over 4 miles already. 

This week was so adventurous and tested what we actually would try to do and achieved.  We are still rocking our world!! And, we sleep really great!!