 Dale Sievert | The Southwest |
In January I spent two weeks traveling in four states of the Southwest. I began in Utah, then went to California, Arizona, and New Mexico. About 15 National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks, and other beautiful spots were visited. All were far more beautiful than Wisconsin (especially in January)--or anywhere in "snowbird country" of the South (and far less boring, at least to me). I did lots of hiking on trails (one day for nine hours--without tiring, which is surprising at 58--or whatever 8 I am).
I will break up the trip into three sections, the first being Utah. Part II will be California, and Part III will be Arizona and New Mexico combined. The second and third sections will come in a month or two, as I am soon off to the first of three relatively short trips over the next two months to : 1) the Deep South from Louisiana to Georgia; 2) Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky; 3) From San Antonio west to Big Bend National Park on the Rio Grande River. While I'm "young"--and as long as I've now had my two Covid shots.
Part 1 - Utah
Well, here I go again with my favorite state, Utah. The trip there in January was the 14th time I went to see its phenomenal beauty. And it was the coldest I ever experienced, starting out one morning hiking at three above zero (but it was a "dry cold"--which, technically, actually makes it feel even colder, as evaporation off exposed skin occurs at an even faster rate, so its cooling effect is pronounced). All my places to visit were in the lower third of the state.
Well, here I go again with my favorite state, Utah. The trip there in January was the 14th time I went to see its phenomenal beauty. And it was the coldest I ever experienced, starting out one morning hiking at three above zero (but it was a "dry cold"--which, technically, actually makes it feel even colder, as evaporation off exposed skin occurs at an even faster rate, so its cooling effect is pronounced). All my places to visit were in the lower third of the state.
Bell Canyon, a "slot canyon" (with narrow passages) on BLM land
Lots of thawing and refreezing makes for a pretty scene.
 Little Wild Horse slot canyon |  Goblin Valley State Park, filled with weird rock formations |
Getting mooned in Goblin Valley
 Prior to sunrise in Goblin Valley |  First time I ever saw snow in Goblin Valley (in three visits) |
Capitol Reef National Park, where I rarely see many people
A rare hiker in Capitol Reef
There are innumerable odd rock formations in Capitol Reef.
 God must have had a lot of fun putting down these layers of colored sand. |  Sunset is so pretty in Capitol Reef. |
Metate Arch in Devil's Garden
 Devil's Garden is on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, in the public domain. |  Kodachrome State Park |
Grosvenor Arch, a double arch over a hundred feet high, far off the main road
 Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (note children on top of the dunes)  Two children of fundamentalist Mormons (note clothing) |
So pretty one would like to play here all day in the sand
 The famous Zion Canyon, carved by the Virgin River |  Little pool, big pretty |
Coming up: California is next, with Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park to thrill everyone. Don't miss it!
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