I give myself permission to a slow start. I feel little motivation to explore and know that exploration is exactly what will jump start my sad little heart. I am delighted watching Dolce play in the river and sprint endlessly after her tennis ball. I realize that she is constantly teaching me. She is excited about everything. I wonder about my desire to see and experience something amazing every day. Is it so I can write about it or share pictures or is it a sense of personal accomplishment? Why does it feel so difficult to take a day off? I am assaulted again today by the perception that everyone else has something important to do and someone they are doing things with…I’m worried about my future, thinking about my relationship, indifferent about what’s right before me (except Dolce, I am so grateful to have her). I am irritated at the idea that I have to figure out what I want to do today and that I don’t have a familiar routine to follow. That sensation is such an affront to the purpose of moving into this RV and wandering…I rely on a new-old tool: curiousity. I ask myself what I want. I wonder how the day might unfold to fulfill my desires. I pack a lunch and put Dolce into the jeep and off we wander.
A short distance into our drive we approach Red Canyon. This takes me by surprise as the landscape distinctly changes. Each side of scenic Highway 12 is covered in red rock spires, hoodoos, and rock formations that illicit imagination. I even see a small arch in the distance. There is a paved bike trail that looks to go all the way to Bryce Canyon. Pullouts are filled with rented RV’s. Excited people pour out the side entry door that dons a golden retriever photo - these were everywhere! Dolce should be their poster-pup. I too pull out, read info signs and discover several mountain bike trails…my heart begins to warm, filling with a sense of excitement. We drive on, not taking many photos as I have already concluded that I will do some sunset photography of Red Canyon. We pass Bryce NP as I am being frugal, holding out to buy my National Park pass on the first day of the month such that I might enjoy 13 months of access! I drive to Kodachrome State Park with hopes of driving through the campsite area to verify that the RV will fit even though they advertise max length of 30’. The ranger is brusque, refusing to let me drive to the campground without paying since that would allow me to see the whole park. In my frustrated haste, I refuse to pay and thus miss out on seeing the park and promise never to give Utah State Parks a dime of my money…days later I will come to realize that I lost out on that deal and having been in a lighter state of being, would have gladly paid the money to experience the beauty. Once again I recall that I am a life learner, not perfect and that my mistakes provide guidance for future successes.
A short distance into our drive we approach Red Canyon. This takes me by surprise as the landscape distinctly changes. Each side of scenic Highway 12 is covered in red rock spires, hoodoos, and rock formations that illicit imagination. I even see a small arch in the distance. There is a paved bike trail that looks to go all the way to Bryce Canyon. Pullouts are filled with rented RV’s. Excited people pour out the side entry door that dons a golden retriever photo - these were everywhere! Dolce should be their poster-pup. I too pull out, read info signs and discover several mountain bike trails…my heart begins to warm, filling with a sense of excitement. We drive on, not taking many photos as I have already concluded that I will do some sunset photography of Red Canyon. We pass Bryce NP as I am being frugal, holding out to buy my National Park pass on the first day of the month such that I might enjoy 13 months of access! I drive to Kodachrome State Park with hopes of driving through the campsite area to verify that the RV will fit even though they advertise max length of 30’. The ranger is brusque, refusing to let me drive to the campground without paying since that would allow me to see the whole park. In my frustrated haste, I refuse to pay and thus miss out on seeing the park and promise never to give Utah State Parks a dime of my money…days later I will come to realize that I lost out on that deal and having been in a lighter state of being, would have gladly paid the money to experience the beauty. Once again I recall that I am a life learner, not perfect and that my mistakes provide guidance for future successes.
Willis Creek Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, UT
I stop at the Forest Visitor Center to discover that the pseudo slot canyon I read about and dismissed is not far and not as treacherous of a drive as I had imagined.
Day #13: What’s Best? ~ a hike in Willis Creek canyon. Dolce enjoys being off-leash, stomping through the creek the entire way and taking every opportunity to splash me!
Day #13: What’s Best? ~ a hike in Willis Creek canyon. Dolce enjoys being off-leash, stomping through the creek the entire way and taking every opportunity to splash me!
Day #13: What’s Best? ~ a quick hike to Mossy Cave in Bryce NP and where I realize that I love the panoramic feature on my Iphone
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