24.10 Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah. 24.11 Rattlesnake Trail, Ashton Gorge, a different day, another treat.
Sometimes, it just happens. It happens and a person has to deal with it. Most times though there is a reason. Bad decision followed by consequences thereof—it’s how the world works (or used to work). Today was one such day. A Monday morning is a wonderful time to head for the trails rather than the office. Although we did some work earlier, we approached the tough Rattlesnake hike which lies on the border of Cedar Breaks National Monument in Ashdown Gorge. The rugged path takes one down into the amphitheater towards the river. The views of the aspen and cottonwood-dotted forests are remarkable now that the autumn colors are dominant. Looking to the side and back views of the eroded sandstone formations are a delight. It’s difficult to differentiate this area from that of Bryce Canyon. Both regions, geologically neighbors, are unique. In fact, to look into or up to these formations is absorbing a wonder of the world ...(continued at end dealing with issues of risk on the tr...