May 6, 2012

This morning after a continental breakfast at the Rim Rock Inn in Torrey, UT we headed to Capitol Reef National Park. Again the views were great and so was the sunshine-a-plenty.

Shortly after getting inside the park, we slowed down for a couple of Mule deer beside the road. They weren't bothered by the human presence. We were in the van taking this picture while they fed beside the road.

As is typical of Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef, there is a predominance of red sandstone in the area. This particular area has a lot of sandstone that has piled up at the bottom of the rock structures.

Rocks that seem to be precariously perched on top of others are common as well as signs warning of rocks in the road.

It's a wonder that some of these rocks are still there. It's a good thing to not to get too close to the edge of the canyon not knowing what might not be under your feet.

Quite often the rocks have developed multiples of the structural patterns.

These lizards are found scurrying around from bush to bush looking for food or staying out of the heat.

Capitol Reef has many species of plants and flowers. This one is Harriman's Yucca. For more, go to http://user.xmission.com/~nelsonb/capitol_reef_guide.htm You might have to copy/paste to open.

The road in the park eventually runs out and you find yourself walking down a gorge which is less than 10 yards wide in some places. There were many Mormon pioneers traveling through the gorge who left their presence known on the "Pioneer Register".

Sometimes you see strange names in the History books.

Heading back out of the gorge there are still many beautiful sights. Many of them long distance shots that cameras can only attempt to show, but still nevertheless beautiful.

As you look all around, there are many patterns in the rock that show up at the same elevation. Many times the tints and shades vary to create a great display.

Becky recently bought a free range "beefster". Maybe it came from here. We only saw one in the road today. A busy day today but a fun one. Tonight we are in slow pace mode in Monticello, UT. Most of the places were closed today so we made an assumption that it is a Mormon community, but we did manage to find "suppah".