I loved traveling with our trailer with Susan, but I sold the trailer when Susan could not travel any longer. I wanted to continue to go camping and exploring, but now solo, and I decided to get a van. I got a four-wheel drive van, suitable for going off-road on the BLM land that is so abundant in Utah.
Here are a couple of pictures of the van.
This picture is from inside the van, with the sliding door open, showing the sunset beyond the galley faucet.
The winter was cold in Salt Lake City, and I decided on an early spring camping trip to Arizona in search of warm weather, hiking, and biking.
One nice thing about traveling alone I could stop anywhere that looked like an interesting photo, like this pond by the road.
This is Elephant Feet, a rock formation I had read about in a Hillerman novel.
I pulled over to have lunch at a spot that my map said was called Baby Rocks.
This is south of Sedona. Susan and I visited Sedona five years ago.
I camped in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and hiked into Buckskin Gulch, a slot canyon. You need to pay $6 to get a permit to hike in the canyon. Amazingly they had a solar-powered credit card reader to get your permit.
The canyon was amazing and I got great photos.
I went on a hike to see Toadstools.
I hiked to view some Petroglyphs, engravings into the rock by ancient peoples.
I made a side trip to see Marble Canyon and Navajo Bridge, the two bridges that span the canyon. While there I spotted a California Condor on the bridge. It was not very large, so I believe it was young. It looked like the Condor had been fitted with a GPS tracker. Number 20.
I then went south, leaving the red rocks, and heading to warmer climes and different landscapes.
Wow! I have never seen a rock/canyon so beautiful as your first shot of the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs. It takes my breath away. What a beautiful region. And I love seeing the young condor #20. He needs a proper name however. Thank you for sharing your travels with me.
Joann
Great photos David! We hiked Buckskin Gulch 10 years ago, and also The Wave. Great place to hang out before the hot summer months!
Wonderful pictures-
So glad to see you out and about…….and that you have bought a beautiful new van to get out into the beautiful countryside. You made Gary very jealous of your new van! You photos are just gorgeous too!
Sending our love, Kathy and Gary
That first photo should be made into a poster and I think you should submit your van photos to the van company for potential advertising revenue. 😉
Indeed, your shot opening the email is worthy of a grand prize. And yes, so pleased to see you out there soaking up life – bravo‼️
Hi David, those are awesome photos! Hermine and I hiked down Buckskin Gulch a couple of times; it’s very impressive, an almost 12 mile long slot canyon. Your camper looks great!
Breathtaking photos, David! What a great adventure in your van — love it. I agree that the condor (how cool to capture that) needs a name appropriate to its grandeur. Keep sending these amazing works of art!
Di