Trip Report for Brits 40th b'day surprise! LV, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Moab, Needles, MV and Lak Powell
Jul 23rd, 2007, 02:55 AM
#61
Dayle,
Take a look at the photos of my last trip.
Whenever you see a photo of me, don't you see yourself pushing me from behind? Thanks.
I don't have to make hiking decisions for quite a while yet. I'm leaning towards doing it.
First I have to make plane and motel reservations. The two most likely dates are the week before or the week after Memorial Day.
Again, I'm leaning more towards the later period although the earlier makes a bit more sense for a few reasons.
Take a look at the photos of my last trip.
Whenever you see a photo of me, don't you see yourself pushing me from behind? Thanks.
I don't have to make hiking decisions for quite a while yet. I'm leaning towards doing it.
First I have to make plane and motel reservations. The two most likely dates are the week before or the week after Memorial Day.
Again, I'm leaning more towards the later period although the earlier makes a bit more sense for a few reasons.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 09:30 AM
#62
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Hi there!
I'm sorry its taken me so long to get back. We have been busy getting ready for a belated birthday bbq which we held at our house on saturday for our friends and family and havent had time for much else! I've been feeling bad about it. I also still need to sort some photos out so will hopefuly post those soon....
Myer - you will love the Fiery furnace tour - its not that bad at all and the ranger stops very frequently for drink breaks. I dont rememeber any long drops - just a few tight spaces to get through - its NOTHING like Angels landing - you will be fine! Thanks for the photo offer - would I need to send you a cd with them on?
Ok here is the last installment!
Day 12 28th June
Early start to drive to Monument Valley. We took highway 95 just after Blanding instead of staying on the 191 and stopped off at Natural Bridges National Monument for a few hours on the way which was well worth the detour and did a short hike to one of the bridges. We then took the 261 and 163 and drove the 4 mile dirt road to Muley point. The views were fantastic here and you could see Monument Valley and the Valley of the Gods in the distance. We were the only people there so it was great. We then drove down the Moki dugway to Mexican Hat. Its well worth the slight detour to do this route as the views are great. We didnt go into the Valley of the Gods as we were a bit worried about time - I know we probably missed out big time by doing that and I regret that decision a bit now but you just cant do everything! We stopped for a drink in Mexican Hat where we met an English couple who were biking on a Harley from Boston to LA. We were chatting to them and they were staying in the Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast and highly recommended it. I think we would definitely try and stay there if we went back and do Valley of the Gods properly – Gouldings was very nice but maybe just lacked a bit of atmosphere. We arrived at Gouldings early afternoon and booked onto one of their tours that afternoon. We just had time for a quick swim first so the timings worked out well. The tour was good although we obviously have nothing to compare it to. We did the 3.5 hour tour that visited all the famous monuments and sights and also some petroglyphs and arches. The guides were very knowledgeable and even sang a couple of Navajo songs halfway through! We had met several people during our trip who had been disappointed in Monument Valley – I think this was partly because most of them had booked 2 or 3 nights there. I would say 1 night is most definitely enough. We would have got bored for any longer, as there is very little you can do independently. It really is a beautiful place though and we certainly weren’t disappointed. That evening we opened a bottle of champagne and sat on our balcony until sunset. We then ate at the restaurant before falling into bed again.
Day 13 29th June
Set the alarm and got up to watch sunrise from our balcony which was beautiful although we were very tired so went back to bed after for a couple of hours! Checked out after breakfast and started our journey to Page and Lake Powell. It didn’t take long and with the hour clock change we arrived just after 10.00am. We went straight to book a tour with Antelope Canyon tours and realised we had just missed one. Apparently the only tour with the light beams in the canyon is the 10.00am we had just missed. I was so cross with myself as I had tried to ring in advance to find out about tours but hadn’t been able to get through and had given up. We discussed booking the 10.00am tour for the next day but decided we would be cutting it too fine for getting back to Phoenix for our flight home so we booked in for one that afternoon. We then checked into the Best Western Arizonnian and went for a drive to the Waheep Marina. We wanted to hire a speed boat for a few hours but they were all booked so ended up booking a 2 hour cruise on Lake Powell for that evening. By which time it was time for our tour. Antelope slot canyon was amazing! They drove us from Page and across the desert for a short distance and then we walked into the canyon itself. We were actually in the canyon for about an hour which felt like a nice amount of time for us as we are not serious photographers but there are longer tours for those that want to spend longer taking photos. The guide was very helpful and had great advice about how to take the best photos. What an amazing place! We really loved it and the icing on the cake would have been seeing the light beams – definitely not to be missed if you are in the area. It didn’t feel as if too many people were in there at the same time either. Afterwards we made our way back to Waheep Marina and boarded the boat for our cruise. It was really nice and relaxing and took us a short way into Antelope Canyon. The sun was beginning to set and the temperature was perfect so it was a lovely way to end the day. We had heard people saying that they found Lake Powell and Page depressing. Whilst I wouldnt want to spend weeks there it certainly would have been nice to have another day or two as i've heard there are lots of things to do around there and would have liked to visit Rainbow Bridge.
That night we ate in a steak house close to our hotel which was very good but I cant remember the name – sorry!
Day 14 30th June
Woke up really sad that our holiday was nearly over. Packed up and made our way back to Phoenix. We just couldn’t believe how quickly time had gone. Utah is such a beautiful state and we have such good memories of our trip and can’t wait to get back out there. We are thinking of combining Utah with maybe Colorado or New Mexico next time! So sadly that’s it – I have really enjoyed reliving our trip and hope it’s been helpful to some of you out there!
I'm sorry its taken me so long to get back. We have been busy getting ready for a belated birthday bbq which we held at our house on saturday for our friends and family and havent had time for much else! I've been feeling bad about it. I also still need to sort some photos out so will hopefuly post those soon....
Myer - you will love the Fiery furnace tour - its not that bad at all and the ranger stops very frequently for drink breaks. I dont rememeber any long drops - just a few tight spaces to get through - its NOTHING like Angels landing - you will be fine! Thanks for the photo offer - would I need to send you a cd with them on?
Ok here is the last installment!
Day 12 28th June
Early start to drive to Monument Valley. We took highway 95 just after Blanding instead of staying on the 191 and stopped off at Natural Bridges National Monument for a few hours on the way which was well worth the detour and did a short hike to one of the bridges. We then took the 261 and 163 and drove the 4 mile dirt road to Muley point. The views were fantastic here and you could see Monument Valley and the Valley of the Gods in the distance. We were the only people there so it was great. We then drove down the Moki dugway to Mexican Hat. Its well worth the slight detour to do this route as the views are great. We didnt go into the Valley of the Gods as we were a bit worried about time - I know we probably missed out big time by doing that and I regret that decision a bit now but you just cant do everything! We stopped for a drink in Mexican Hat where we met an English couple who were biking on a Harley from Boston to LA. We were chatting to them and they were staying in the Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast and highly recommended it. I think we would definitely try and stay there if we went back and do Valley of the Gods properly – Gouldings was very nice but maybe just lacked a bit of atmosphere. We arrived at Gouldings early afternoon and booked onto one of their tours that afternoon. We just had time for a quick swim first so the timings worked out well. The tour was good although we obviously have nothing to compare it to. We did the 3.5 hour tour that visited all the famous monuments and sights and also some petroglyphs and arches. The guides were very knowledgeable and even sang a couple of Navajo songs halfway through! We had met several people during our trip who had been disappointed in Monument Valley – I think this was partly because most of them had booked 2 or 3 nights there. I would say 1 night is most definitely enough. We would have got bored for any longer, as there is very little you can do independently. It really is a beautiful place though and we certainly weren’t disappointed. That evening we opened a bottle of champagne and sat on our balcony until sunset. We then ate at the restaurant before falling into bed again.
Day 13 29th June
Set the alarm and got up to watch sunrise from our balcony which was beautiful although we were very tired so went back to bed after for a couple of hours! Checked out after breakfast and started our journey to Page and Lake Powell. It didn’t take long and with the hour clock change we arrived just after 10.00am. We went straight to book a tour with Antelope Canyon tours and realised we had just missed one. Apparently the only tour with the light beams in the canyon is the 10.00am we had just missed. I was so cross with myself as I had tried to ring in advance to find out about tours but hadn’t been able to get through and had given up. We discussed booking the 10.00am tour for the next day but decided we would be cutting it too fine for getting back to Phoenix for our flight home so we booked in for one that afternoon. We then checked into the Best Western Arizonnian and went for a drive to the Waheep Marina. We wanted to hire a speed boat for a few hours but they were all booked so ended up booking a 2 hour cruise on Lake Powell for that evening. By which time it was time for our tour. Antelope slot canyon was amazing! They drove us from Page and across the desert for a short distance and then we walked into the canyon itself. We were actually in the canyon for about an hour which felt like a nice amount of time for us as we are not serious photographers but there are longer tours for those that want to spend longer taking photos. The guide was very helpful and had great advice about how to take the best photos. What an amazing place! We really loved it and the icing on the cake would have been seeing the light beams – definitely not to be missed if you are in the area. It didn’t feel as if too many people were in there at the same time either. Afterwards we made our way back to Waheep Marina and boarded the boat for our cruise. It was really nice and relaxing and took us a short way into Antelope Canyon. The sun was beginning to set and the temperature was perfect so it was a lovely way to end the day. We had heard people saying that they found Lake Powell and Page depressing. Whilst I wouldnt want to spend weeks there it certainly would have been nice to have another day or two as i've heard there are lots of things to do around there and would have liked to visit Rainbow Bridge.
That night we ate in a steak house close to our hotel which was very good but I cant remember the name – sorry!
Day 14 30th June
Woke up really sad that our holiday was nearly over. Packed up and made our way back to Phoenix. We just couldn’t believe how quickly time had gone. Utah is such a beautiful state and we have such good memories of our trip and can’t wait to get back out there. We are thinking of combining Utah with maybe Colorado or New Mexico next time! So sadly that’s it – I have really enjoyed reliving our trip and hope it’s been helpful to some of you out there!
Jul 23rd, 2007, 10:22 AM
#63
carrie,
Great trip!!!! and report.
Your trip started like the car that wouldn't start and ended like the car you wouldn't want to stop.
As for your photos. I'd like to somehow get the ones you like enhanced in the largest possible file size. Original would be best.
I clicked on one of your Zion photos to enlarge it and saved a 63kb file. The original full size file should be well over 10x that size depending upon how many megapixels your camera is.
Unless you can make available full size images, the best way is probably to send me a CD and I'll send you back a CD containing the originals and the 'enhancement' photos.
I just enhanced some Italy photos for somebody and his description of them was crisp when compared to his murkey (sp) photos.
If you give me your email address I'll send you my mailing address.
Great trip!!!! and report.
Your trip started like the car that wouldn't start and ended like the car you wouldn't want to stop.
As for your photos. I'd like to somehow get the ones you like enhanced in the largest possible file size. Original would be best.
I clicked on one of your Zion photos to enlarge it and saved a 63kb file. The original full size file should be well over 10x that size depending upon how many megapixels your camera is.
Unless you can make available full size images, the best way is probably to send me a CD and I'll send you back a CD containing the originals and the 'enhancement' photos.
I just enhanced some Italy photos for somebody and his description of them was crisp when compared to his murkey (sp) photos.
If you give me your email address I'll send you my mailing address.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 06:40 PM
#65
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carrie69 -
Thanks for the great trip report. What a fantastic birthday gift!
We stayed at V of God B&B and had a great time. It's a special place. We were there during some crazy storms and the Moki Dugway washed out along with some other roads. The dirt road to the B&B turned into a river for awhile - very exciting!
I enjoy the quiet, intimate setting in the Valley of the Gods. You rarely encounter anyone else driving through and it is so beautiful. Hope you get a chance to spend some time there on your next trip.
Thanks for the great trip report. What a fantastic birthday gift!
We stayed at V of God B&B and had a great time. It's a special place. We were there during some crazy storms and the Moki Dugway washed out along with some other roads. The dirt road to the B&B turned into a river for awhile - very exciting!
I enjoy the quiet, intimate setting in the Valley of the Gods. You rarely encounter anyone else driving through and it is so beautiful. Hope you get a chance to spend some time there on your next trip.
Jul 26th, 2007, 12:29 PM
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carrie, fantastic trip report. You will love NM too and i think that's a great idea. We love going to NM for our thanksgiving vacations (late November) and spend a few nights in Santa Fe and then up to Taos. Taos ski valley is open early there and is quiet. Another fun state so yes, good idea to combine. Sadly I haven't experienced much of Colorado but plan to rectify that soon, I'll be going to a conference in Denver April 2008!!! I have done the Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde though and if it's any indication of what the state has to offer, WOW. Looking forward to it.
Thanks again for the great trip report!
Myer, enjoy your upcoming trip to gorgeous Utah!
Thanks again for the great trip report!
Myer, enjoy your upcoming trip to gorgeous Utah!
Jul 26th, 2007, 02:18 PM
#67
maria,
I haven't made Utah plans yet but I'm lookig at either the week before or after next Memorial Day.
First we have a little matter of NY & Philadelphia in mid-Sept.
= = = = =
carrie,
My offer for your photos is still open.
I haven't made Utah plans yet but I'm lookig at either the week before or after next Memorial Day.
First we have a little matter of NY & Philadelphia in mid-Sept.
= = = = =
carrie,
My offer for your photos is still open.
Aug 2nd, 2007, 08:59 AM
#70
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Hi there!
Thanks for all the comments! and yes the bags arrived in bryce after 6 days!
Maria - I have heard Santa Fe is great - no sure when we will get back out there but cant wait - how are the wedding plans? cant be long now - you must be excited.
Myer - thanks so much - I am really hopeless with computers and photos but will get some put on a disc to send you. My email is [email protected]
Thanks for all the comments! and yes the bags arrived in bryce after 6 days!
Maria - I have heard Santa Fe is great - no sure when we will get back out there but cant wait - how are the wedding plans? cant be long now - you must be excited.
Myer - thanks so much - I am really hopeless with computers and photos but will get some put on a disc to send you. My email is [email protected]
Aug 6th, 2007, 06:12 PM
#72
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Hi Carrie! It IS getting so close! 19 days now from the wedding itself! Whoohoo! We're very excited!
If you ever do decide to make it to Santa Fe, let me know if you need any help. I love that area and we go every thanksgiving (but we'll be skipping it this thanksgiving). We don't have family there, just love it. My email address is [email protected] if you ever want to ask me directly and I haven't gone online here at fodors for awhile.
I'll post pictures of the wedding too and do a trip report when we get back.
19 days till the wedding, 17 days until we leave!!!
If you ever do decide to make it to Santa Fe, let me know if you need any help. I love that area and we go every thanksgiving (but we'll be skipping it this thanksgiving). We don't have family there, just love it. My email address is [email protected] if you ever want to ask me directly and I haven't gone online here at fodors for awhile.
I'll post pictures of the wedding too and do a trip report when we get back.
19 days till the wedding, 17 days until we leave!!!
Sep 6th, 2007, 07:48 AM
#73
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Thanks Maria - We probably wont get out there for a year or 2 unfortunately but will take you up on that when we do get there.
So how was the wedding??? would love to hear all about it - hope you had a fantastic day and trip!
So how was the wedding??? would love to hear all about it - hope you had a fantastic day and trip!
Sep 11th, 2007, 03:14 PM
#74
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Hi Carrie!
Wedding was fantastic - really couldn not have asked for something better.
Here's a link to the temporary pictures. I'll do a trip report of the honeymoon which was ace! We did a kayaking trip in monterey california and the seals and otters and lions were feet away! The best though was the time in Big Sur. What a wonderful place that was. I'll put a link here to the trip report but here are sample pics of the wedding!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...bMXLFmzctWLFdA
Wedding was fantastic - really couldn not have asked for something better.
Here's a link to the temporary pictures. I'll do a trip report of the honeymoon which was ace! We did a kayaking trip in monterey california and the seals and otters and lions were feet away! The best though was the time in Big Sur. What a wonderful place that was. I'll put a link here to the trip report but here are sample pics of the wedding!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...bMXLFmzctWLFdA
Sep 21st, 2007, 11:54 AM
#75
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Hi Maria
So glad the wedding went well - the photos are fantastic!! Looks like you had the best time and you looked beautiful - lovely dress! Cant wait to read your trip report.
We are off to Sicily tommorow and cant wait!!!
So glad the wedding went well - the photos are fantastic!! Looks like you had the best time and you looked beautiful - lovely dress! Cant wait to read your trip report.
We are off to Sicily tommorow and cant wait!!!
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