5:30AM. As I exited cabin 13, Wednesday greeted me with a shooting star. It was sure to be a good day. On a whim I decided to venture over to Canyonlands to catch the sunrise at Mesa Arch. When I arrived at 6:30AM fully wired on gas station coffee, the arch was lined with photographers. The scene was pretty ridiculous. As they all fought for the best position, eyed up each other’s equipment and compared settings I opted to remain a silent participant. After all, I was there to enjoy the damn thing, not compete for the best shot. One hour and 124 photos later, I left – satisfied and unscathed.
When I returned to the Lazy Lizard Angie was posted up outside. We packed our things and headed to the Peace Tree for breakfast. The meal wasn’t very impressive, but calories are calories. Fully fueled, it was back to Canyonlands, this time as a team. We weaved, we hiked, we observed. Come 4PM we made an executive decision. Head west. The goal, wake up near Bryce Canyon.
We took a bit of a different route, winding through Capitol Reef National Park to land in Boulder, UT where we were promised a mind-blowing, garden fresh meal. Hell’s Backbone Grill. If you are ever in Boulder, eat here. Don’t ask questions, just do it. Completely overwhelmed by the menu, Angie and I decided to split four small plates – fried green tomatoes, roasted garlic with purple pesto, the backbone house salad and green chile black bean posole. The backbone salad won my heart, while Angie preferred the tomatoes. In the end we were so impressed that we sprung for dessert (read: anomaly). I’d say it was worth the awkward sugar buzz.
Thirty short miles from Boulder and here we are in Escalante, UT. I can’t tell you thing about this place. That’s not likely to change any time soon.
Day 10,219. More Utah tomorrow.
Cherrettie
Forever Paisley 
Express yourself …