Commencing in Capitol Reefs the bright way (2nd day in a row) or when you get 'kicked' out the bed early.
Y'all enjoy that great red slab of wall, I'll take the young woman
After 50 minutes on the trail, the Henry Mountains came into view. They have attracted the eye over the last few days.
The mountains, slabs and blocks are overpowering in this less developed area of Utah. We are well east of Bryce and although the crowds were small in the land of hoodoos, they are almost non-existent in Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reefs. Should we get lost, there‘s nobody to find us. Utah is a magnificent state, the southern part, in particular. The sights one views from the roads are outstanding. However, regarding people, it is barren—there’s nobody home.
It looks like the Mississippi made that channel, not the stream below (Fremont). Ninety minutes earlier, we stood alongside the river.
Overpowering rock formations, a squeeze for the river between those mountains
We needed some supplies the other day. There’s a general store in the town, the only one. ‘General’ means it is a combination of Ralphs, Pick’ n Pay, Walmart and Home Depot but all in one. It’s also a little smaller—about a hundred times smaller. Unfortunately, someone closed Main Street so we had to take the detour. When we arrived at the other side of the street works, it too was closed. How to get into Main Street to visit the store became the issue of the late afternoon. Our editor, the sage in all matters requiring culinary expertise and now barrier breaking, suggested we ignore the sign. Sandwiched between the law and our wife, we did what any self-respecting husband would do, we followed her advice.
“Closed” for the winter”, read the sign on the store window. The nearest town is sixteen miles away. Bread and water for dinner sounded just fine. We broke the law for nothing, see…crime doesn’t pay.
The Fremont River, we don't want to say stream for fear of embarrassing anyone
Today’s hike was full of action. We climbed 1,600 feet and hiked more than six miles (return) to the Freemont River Overlook and then over a mile beyond. When we reached the trail end, we could not stop. It became free climbing and walking way above the canyon floor, the river bed. When we read the guidebook, it mentioned that for those not afraid of heights, this position will change that for you. We liked the idea of it being a challenge; we loved the hike. We’re pleased to write that it did not change our fear level, but enthralled us. Our descriptions and photographs cannot do justice to the real thing. Come out and take a look for yourself—we think we are all meant to see the world naked—and Capitol Reefs shows off in the raw. It’s quite a place.
Incomplete eroded wall, fascinating to view, caught and held the eye
Jen hangs back for a while at trail-end. Ten minutes later she began free-trudging to our new peak
Jen stands as an equal amongst these giants. well sort of...
After the weekend’s storms, which we believe were quite widespread, the weather is clear and cold. The early mornings and late afternoons send chills through the body. We tend to remain indoors during those periods as well as the nights, of course. After food items began freezing overnight in the trunk, we decided to keep them in the fridge; it allows them to warm somewhat.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
With all the pointing, could be positioning as a tour guide operator
A last view at Capitol Reefs, rugged but with charm
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