Caves & Summits, Sun & Snow

Green River State Park, Utah

Our first day on the road and I feel as if we hit all the seasons. The temp registered a cool 32F when we woke up, but it actually felt much warmer. We took an early morning walk and soaked up the sun. Dang it felt great to hear the creek, smell the pine trees and enjoy the quiet morning.

The rangers opened the road to Wheeler Point so we took it as far as we could, up to Mather Point, at about 9000 ft. The view was spectacular! You could see the whole Great Basin stretched out forever. Fortunately, we were open early enough that even after doing the scenic ride up Wheeler Mountain, we were still at the Visitor's Center by 8:30. We took in the obligatory park movie and signed up for the 9:00 tour of Lehman Cave.

Great Basin wasn't a National Park until 1986, but Lehman Cave, its big attraction, was a National Monument since the 1930's. The ranger lead 90 minute tour is quite impressive. We've toured Mammoth and Carlsbad, and what makes this cave so different is the narrow passages and tight places. (Nope, no claustrophobia for me. Go figure!). We both really enjoyed the formations and how close up we were to it all. The park trusts that you won't touch, brush up or take stuff. Our ranger was quite humorous and told some great stories. If anyone is ever driving by Great Basin National Park I encourage you to take the $10 tour. Well worth it. Oh, I almost forgot. Ned officially received his lifetime $10 National Park Pass. This allowed him to take the tour for $5. Getting older does have it perks!

We expected the cave to be the highlight of the day, but in reality the drive into Utah was what really blew us away. We hit all kinds of weather; sun, rain, snow flurries, and saw some spectacular cloud formations. The section of road from Salina, Utah to Green River State Park is one of the most beautiful drives EVER. Seriously, we couldn't figure why this wasn't a national park. It was as if Zion National Park, Monument Valley, and the Thunder Mountain ride at Disneyland were all combined to create this jaw dropping beauty of colors and vistas that went on forever. There were hoodoos, huge red cliffs, snow capped mountains and rainbow colored bluffs.

We're staying tonight at Green River State Park. It's not really all that great, more of a grassy field next to a golf course. It does, however, have flush toilets and a hot shower - which was not available last night. Our plan tomorrow was to drive thru the Rockies, but apparently they are expecting 3 to 6 inches of snow. Ned and I are now pouring over some maps and figuring out a re-route. Looks like heading towards Mesa Verde and hanging a left to Pagosa Springs it is. One can never go wrong with hot springs right? Currently, it's 66F outside, but it feels so much colder than the 32F this morning. Nothing that a glass of wine can't cure...

And So It Begins...

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

After a whirlwind tour of Cabo, Trinidad and Ecuador for the past several weeks you'd think I'd have the "on-the-road" syndrome out of my system. Au contraire! My gypsy soul is definitely speaking to me and after less than 48 hours at home we hit the road for a 7 week road trip. Pure Heaven.

Today was a long day in the car, not really much to see in Nevada. We took Highway 50, known as the Loneliest Road in America. Several years ago we traveled this road from east to west direction. My memory of it was that it was desolate and pretty much a wasteland. Mmmm. My experience today was much different. We always had a view of one mountain or another, many snow capped. Our big outing for the day was going to be a milkshake at Economy Drug Soda Fountain in Ely, but unfortunately it is closed on Sunday.

One of the highlights of the day was coming round the bend and spotting Wheeler Peak the focal point of Great Basin National Park. The ipod was on random shuffle and it just so happened that Ray Charles was signing his heart out to "America The Beautiful" as the snowcapped peak came into view. There were clouds gathered around the mountain top and the golden rays of sun were streaming down highlighting the mountain. Gave us chills - partly with how beautiful it was and also because we will be camping there.

We reached Great Basin National Park and I must say I was completely surprised at high beautiful this campground is! We had made a short visit to the visitor center many years ago in the dead heat of summer. I was less than impressed at the time. Probably cause it was hotter than hell and everything looked bleak. Pulling into the campground tonight was such a different experience. We have the sweetest camp spot, under lots of pine trees, and right next to a roaring creek. It almost feels like we are in Lassen rather than the Great Basin. Fortunately we are camped in Upper Lehman Campground situated at 7,500 ft and not at 10,000 ft. It also looks like the road to the top is closed due to snow. We were hoping to drive to the top tomorrow, but it looks like a tour of Lehman Cave will now win out.

Tonight's dinner is roasted peppers and onions on the grill, with marinated skirt steak and a glass of red wine. It's a bit chilly outside so we're opting for dinner in the camper rather than al fresco. I think it's supposed to dip down into the low 30's tonight. Good thing we have a heater in Winnie and my hubby likes to snuggle.