Today started with (what else) snow and freezing rain in Manila, Utah. We dieseled up for $4.72 and headed down Route 44 to Forest Road 218 which is known as Sheep Creek Road. This road is through part of the Ashley National Forest and is a real treasure of geology.
At every turn the rock formations change, in both form and color. We took a very leisurely drive never seeing another vehicle or person. Lots of rabbits, cattle, deer and raptors but only one small ranch but no one around. This is less than a 15 mile drive around the loop but took us over an hour and a half as we kept stopping to climb a bit and take pictures.
We next stopped at the Red Canyon Visitor Center which hangs over the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The weather was just perfect by then, bright sun, clear sky, up to 36F degrees but no wind. You could see forever. We walked the trails around the rim, keeping carefully back from about a 1700 foot drop to the rocks and water below.
Followed on to the dam at the base of the reservoir but the walkway to the backside to see the dam was closed for renovation. Interesting posters gave the history of how the dam was built. Backtracked up the grade from the dam and continued on Route 191. There is 7 miles of 8% grade with ten switchbacks going up and over a mountain range. Interesting driving especially pulling into the turnouts so the locals could fly by.
We passed phosphate mine operations and about a bazillion cattle ranches way back in the mountains. The houses had no electric poles to them so they either run off of solar or generator. Would hate to be back in there in the winter.
Made a stop at the Red Fleet State Park to see three big red rock formations that look like ships under sail. Then on to Vernal to the Utah Museum of Natural History. Had to make a decision to get a bit of rest off the road or push on a bit closer to Arches and Canyonland National Parks. LONG drive down Route 6 which is the fastest road we've been on in the west. It's flat, 70 mile an hour posted and interesting seeing the buttes and sand dunes on the east side of the road. Not too many people in the west go the speed limit and I don't mean slow. We made it to Green River to a small campground. Tomorrow we start our Grand Circle of the National Parks.
Getting close to time for a rest and relax day with no driving. We'll try to find a space within one of the parks and just relax and enjoy the west.
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