August 6, 2006

August 6, 2006
Last night I pulled over in the Monti-La Sal National Forest. Spent a peaceful night and drove to Canyonlands in the morning, with a brief stop at Newspaper Rock. This part of Canyonlands is called the Needles District. Each part and park is distinct and has its own beauty. When I come back I will hike through the Needles. Then back on the highway. I stopped at the Visitors Center in Monticello and asked about a back road to Blanding, instead of the highway. Tonight I am camping just off of what I am told is Utah state or county road 225, through part another part of the Monti la Sal Forest. The man at the Visitor Center said he would take his 25 ft RV down this road. Well, after 20 miles, and one and a half hours, I pulled over. I will do the last 15 miles in the morning. This is not just an unpaved road, lots of rocks! It rises to an elevation of over 10,000 feet. The forested hills are beautiful, moving from Aspen to Douglas fir. The hills are green and the wildflowers amazing. On to Natural Bridges National Monument tomorrow. Trying to figure out how to see Glen Canyon/Lake Powell, how much of it. I love the freedom of being able to stop wherever. Made an omelet for dinner and I’m snug. Running my generator to type this in the middle of the mountains. Hope I’m not disturbing anyone, or any deer.