Yet another of Southern Utah's geological wonders.
On the road from
Moab, you traverse remote and mostly desolate Highway 24. Until, that is, you
enter the Park. The drive suddenly takes on a jaw-dropping aspect.
Eponymous Capitol Dome
and impressive Chimney Rock.
I did
some hiking within the Park but the intense heat, in the high-80s, greatly
diminished the enjoyment. On the Fremont
River Trail, I simply turned back after finally admitting to myself I wasn’t
enjoying all that sweating.
One of
the remarkable features of this semi-arid region is the oasis known as the
Fruita District. It’s one
of Nature’s ironies that a desert environment is so dominated by water.
How odd to find these lush orchards covered with fruit, ripe for the
picking.
The Fremont River provides
irrigation for agriculture – a fact that many Mormon farmers duly noted as they
settled the area.
Fresh fruit pies are available at the historic Gifford House.
Mine was
mixed berry. ;-) Sorry no photos; it all happened so fast!
I
particularly liked my boondocking spot about 8 miles outside the park. I was in ideal position to view Sunday's spectacular lunar eclipse.
It wasn't until I was going through the photos that I realized there were people on this far ridge, also observing.
If not for the heat, I would have stayed longer. Instead, I opted for the altitude of Bryce Canyon National Park. It was the right decision.