We Just Ran Smack Into Canyonlands

Looking North - Canyonlands National Park, Utah

The car registers a quarter tank of gas.  Then we see the sign for Canyonlands National Park - out in the middle of nowhere.  We take a left turn and head out across the desert.  33 miles later, we start to drop into beautiful sandstone canyons, deeper and deeper in the shadows.  The gatekeeper suggests a year-long pass to all national parks.  We buy it.  But she also notes that seniors get a lifetime pass to all national parks for $10.  "What's a senior?" we ask.  "Age 62," sez she. Paula will be back for that deal next year!

Hanging out over Big Spring Canyon, Arches National Park

We spend all day hiking the most beautiful and rugged trails that follow cliff-tops over dramatic canyons.

We fall in with a group of five people speaking Spanish.  I offer to photograph them all together.  It turns out they live 50 km from Santiago de Compostella.  We share the excitement of friends in far-off lands.  They take our picture, too.

James and Paula in Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Evening falls.  We are running on fumes - and so is the car!  We backtrack to Monticello, Utah maintaining momentum, drafting other vehicles, coasting in neutral down hills.  The Conoco Gas station is a wonderful sight.