We departed extra early from Moab as we wanted to secure a campsite at Capital Reef National Park. The campgrounds in the park are first come, first serve and usually fill before 11:00 am. It’s always nice to be inside the park just for the sake of convenience. On our early drive we made a quick stop in Green River, Utah (population 973) for coffee and breakfast. All was well until I re-locked the camper hatch and severely bent the Vistabule key that unlocks the doors and the hatch. We have a spare key but it’s safely hidden in a drawer at home. Ugh! With all the doors locked we had to get another key or find another place to sleep. The bent key put a big snag in our plans. Fortunately, we had cell service at the rest stop and while Stephen held the key, I googled hardware stores in Green River. What a relief to find an Ace just a mile down the road. Stephen walked into Ace and 20 minutes later (after the owner searched high and low for a comparable blank key) returned with two new keys. One for the key chain and one for the glove box. We arrived in Capital Reef just as the campground closed but were directed to a BLM (Bureau of Land Management) overflow site just a few miles away. Maneuvering dirt roads and potholes through the area was tricky but we landed in a perfect spot under a pine tree with a view. Time to relax after a crazy day.
After settling at the BLM site we had a great time hiking in Capital Reef through slot canyons. As we hiked I noticed some of the trees were still brilliant yellow while others had dropped all their leaves. A beautiful sight either way.
After our fill of Capital Reef we meandered southwest to Bryce Canyon National Park which is hyped as one of the most scenic parks. It’s hard to imagine something even more amazing than what we’ve already seen. Upon recommendation from another blogger we drove to Inspiration Point for our first view of Bryce Canyon. This blogger said viewing Inspiration Point is like eating dessert first. We found the last parking space and as we stepped off the path and looked over the canyon we stood in shock. Photos cannot capture everything but here’s what we saw on our first glimpse. There is intricately carved sandstone in pinks and oranges with sun reflecting across the Canyon. Oh my…it was dessert first!
Afterwards we hiked to the bottom and photographed our way back to the top.
This was such a beautiful hike that we returned the next day and repeated it.
We still have Zion to visit and then the mighty five Utah gems are complete.
Queen Bed and a Kitchen 
Another wonderful chapter in the adventures of the Ginaders! What gorgeous sights and sweet times. 🙂
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Thanks Dave
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How can you take in so much beauty?!!!! You have great capacities for it, of course. We’ll soak up the beauty in MN for you. 🙂 xox
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Love the blogs…. 🙂
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Thanks Kevin
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Thank you for sharing your travels, and with such beautiful photos! Your cautionary tale is well-taken, we will be sure to get duplicate keys made right away.
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Colleen, The amount of keys we have for the Vistabule is staggering. Door keys, water/electric, hitch lock, and several security keys. I plan to make an extra set of each key…just in case!
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Marching to Zion. Beautiful beautiful Zion.
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Utah is spectacular, isn’t it? It doesn’t get nearly the publicity it should as one of the most scenic and unbelievable spots in the US. It’s hard to imagine how it was formed (Or, as one tourist at the Grand Canyon said, “Did the government do this?”) Enjoy and stay healthy.
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Julie, I love how you write about and photograph your adventures. Wish I were hiking along with you in all these stunning places. Thanks for sharing so beautifully!
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All I can say is “Wow”! I love reading your posts and seeing your pictures. You and Stephen are inspiring retirement role models. Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure.
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Thanks Valerie.
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Bryce Canyon is surreal! Those hoodoos are the ultimate eye candy; and viewing them is an almost visceral experience. So glad you’ve been able to enjoy them. Stay safe and free of mishaps. 🙂 Lynn
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Hi Julie—I finally found your blog, and I am so glad. Sounds like a wonderful trip, and I love the pictures as well as your writing. Keep it up!
Love to you both
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Thanks for following along. Sending hugs. Julie
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This looks fun. Are you planning to be in California in March? We need house/small dog sitters for a week while we go to our nephews wedding in Hawaii.
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