The packing began two days early. We always pack too much for trips where we’re going to a house with a kitchen. This trip we’re going with another couple we’re close friends. Their three teenage kids are also going, and I’d put money on it that we’ll have more luggage than all 5 of them…

As we prepared for our departure from the B&B, the big decision was which way to leave. We could return to Bryce Canyon or Highway 12 towards Capital Reef. As Amanda was getting ready, I went down for breakfast. I asked which way to go, and the owner quickly told me the fastest way to…

As we approached Torrey, just east of Capital Reef, we were looking for a spot for lunch with a view. Once in the park, we quickly found a place next to the twin sisters, two gigantic rock formations. We stopped for a lunch of veggies with salsa and the tamales we’d picked up with our…

I was up way too early, before five and long before the coffee in the common room was ready. So I had no problem catching the sun come up this morning. I worked on a post and got ready before Amanda, which is an oddity unless I’m headed to work. By then, the coffee was…

As we drove through Zion past the scenic drive turn-off, it was no less beautiful, but the sheer rock walls were just a bit shorter. We began to climb upwards through switchbacks. On one of the switchbacks, there was a half-arch or a massive alcove in an impressive rock face.  We would then traverse through…

We had every intention of getting up and heading to a bluff with a 360-degree view of the sunrise. These were good intentions, but we’re just not great with time management in the mornings. We were about 30 minutes late seeing the sun rise over a plateau in the distance.  This put us behind by…

We had planned to stay in San Antonio overnight to be ready for our 5:45 a.m. flight but not get to town as early as we did. Amanda got a last-minute appointment with her endocrinologist for some new symptoms that started while we were in Pagosa. I’ll update on the medical side when we know…