Monday, July 30, 2012

Rocky Mountain High

As the spring weather morphed into summer, our goal has been to stay cool, and for the most part we've been very successful.   In order to accomplish this feat, we resorted to climbing high into the Rocky Mountains to avail ourselves of the cool, rareified air which resides in the heights, above the boiling cauldron of this summer's lowlands.  We've been camped above 9000' elevation for the better part of the last 6 weeks.

Here's a taste of what we've enjoyed so far, since leaving our Southern Utah Caravan friends . . .

North Rim of the Grand Canyon . . . out of the way, quiet


Angel's Window - Look close and you'll see the Colorado River in the window


I loved the contrast of water fun amongst the desert mountains at Wahweap Bay Marina, Lake Powell


Four Corners, been there, seen that . . .


Camping by the river at Cayton Campground, south of Telluride, CO


Lindsay & Katelyn, Oscar's new biking pals


Trout Lake


Black Canyon of the Gunnison


Sunset at Crawford State Park, Co


Oscar, laughing at what he calls "Pete's hysterical tan line"


Rocky Mountain National Park


We found a Big Foot crossing on the way to Pike's Peak - Oscar wanted another chance to whump-up on Big foot like he did back in the fall of 2008


Oscar didn't believe we made it to the top until he read it for himself


A little egg amongst tall trees at the Meadows Campground in the mountains east of Steamboat Springs, CO


We found this wonderful stream in Wyoming west of Riverton.  We'll be camping in the Shoshone National Forest for the next week or so . . . near Yellowstone National Park.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Southern Utah Tour Casita Caravan

Oscar & I had the distinct pleasure of joining our Casita friends as Don and Betsy lead us on a tour of southern Utah . . . a wonderful group of people and stunning scenery.  While it's hard to capture the size and grandeur of the landscape, these pictures may provide a glimpse into what we enjoyed.

Marshaling the Eggs


Our version of OWS.  We called it "Occupy Scenic Overlook!"


Exploring a slot canyon


Oscar was not too thrilled as we stood on the edge of the cliff.  He kept saying "It sure is a loooong way down there, Pete."


Some of us enjoyed brunch at this unique coffee house.  Yummm!


Full lunar eclipse "Ring of Fire" as seen without protective filter.


Eclipse Watchers


Oscar used protection too!


Happy eggs touring Utah


Tunnel Traveler


Pulling into Red Canyon National Forest Campground


Rec Canyon National Forest Campsite


Oscar, the ever alert navigator  . . .  (yeah, right) 


A bit windy for little Oscar at Natural Bridge of Bryce Canyon


He much preferred Red Rock Canyon


 It's still cool up at 11,300' feet at Brian Head Peak!  Oscar was wondering what all the white stuff was.


Gathering for another day's wanderings


Temple of Sinawava


Beauty found clinging to a vertical wall of rock


Zion Canyon NP Campsite


Oscar & George, ukulele player extraordinaire . . .


 Early Mormon settlement used as backdrop for motorcycle scene in Easy Rider


Larson Cabin, circa 1930.  On the way to the Double Arch Alcove.


 Near the Double Arch Aclove


Clyde & Linda at Double Arch Alcove  . . . avid hikers since the early 70's!


OK, just how do we get this all on film?


Double Arch Alcove . . . worth the hike!

Oscar dreaming about all the fantastic Southern Utah Casita Tour sights, sounds, and smells


Don and Betsy, our gifted tour guides . . . THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!











Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cafe Diablo

One of the best ways to find good food while on the road is to watch the locals and see where they congregate.  We did just that in Torrey, UT after a day of exploration.  The local colorful characters seemed to love Cafe Diablo. 


 So in we went and boy, what a delight it was to find this cuisine out in a rather barren land!  Enjoy the pics.

 RATTLESNAKE CAKES
Two patties of free range desert rattler with ancho-rosemary aioli 



MARINATED LOIN OF UTAH LAMB
Sage and rosemary infused loin of lamb, casamiento pie, asparagus & pasilla verde  sauce



CROWN RACK OF GLAZED RIBS
Baby back pork ribs, slow roasted in chipotle, molasses & rum glaze, squash & zuchinni, with mashed sweet potatoes


And for those who shy away from exotic food choices, you have your basic meat and potato fare, done with flair!


BEEF FLANK STEAK CARBON
Sliced marinated beef steak with slivered vegetables, parmesan crisp & garlic straw potato


Yeah, its rough out here, camping and eating noting but hot dogs over an open fire . . . NOT!