Days 13-18

We woke up that morning 1 hour away from Capitol Reef National Park. Scenic Road 24 took us all the way into the park. Along the way,while Erica was driving, she opened the moon roof so I could stand up with half of my body out of the vehicle doing 70 down one of the most beautiful and unused highways I've even been on. The high wind pulled tears out of my eyes and into my hairline as I howled with joy at the experience.

We had no idea just how much there was to do at Capitol Reef. When we got there we listened to a short talk by one of the rangers about the area and learned of many features that we may have otherwise overlooked. Like the orchards from the Mormon settlers, where we filled our dry food box with free apples and pears. And the old pie shop where we tried DELICIOUS hand made salsas, preserves, and scones all made from local ingredients.

We also did our own little hike across the Fremont River which created the canyon there and hiked up to some pretty cool boulders that overlooked the valley. Very sharp echoes up there.

From there we went to Arches National Park, where we witnessed the largest natural sandstone arches in this nation (maybe the world?) and were quite humbled by both the hugeness of the giant rock formations and the vastness of the landscape itself. We did some off-trail hiking, saw the "Balanced Rock" (which seemed to defy gravity), checked out the "Garden of Eden", and saw the "Double Arch" and a dozen other massive arches.
Unfortunately we didn't have any more time, as we wanted to get to some hot springs in Colorado that night, so we had to leave earlier than we wanted to.

But the hot spring was worth it. We got there late and found a group there already, so we opted to go to sleep and come back in the morning. The stars were more bright that night than any other night thus far, the Milky Way clearly visible in the black night sky. Such a wonderfully cool and starry night it was that I decided to sleep on the roof of the Pilot and stargaze. For about an hour I had my eyes open, taking in the cosmic sight. I saw many shooting stars, and even a couple that streaked across 80% of the sky!
In the morning we went back to the hot spring as planned and enjoyed a much-needed bath in the super-hot water. We were the only ones there. What a cool place.

After getting some things done in town we met up with Dave and Kendra Stein, Kristian and Eunha Holdhus, Byron and Dasha Yoder, and their combined 9 kids to go camping. What a hell of a time we had! Some of the best camp food I've had (many thanks to Kendra and Dasha for that) and fantastic company.

We went with the entire group on a hike to Hanging Lake. For those who have not heard of it, Hanging Lake is one of the highest rated hikes in Colorado. There is a stream that you hike along and gorgeous stone cliffs all around topped with tall trees. But honestly I had my doubts if we would make it to the top with all these kids. Even with all the steep switchbacks and elevation change, however, every last person made it! In no small thanks the parents for carrying the smaller ones most of the way.

At the top was a pristine, CRYSTAL-CLEAR lake. The ecosystem there is so sensitive though, that the rangers do not allow anyone to touch the water. Kind of bitter-sweet. But beautiful nonetheless.

Dinner was once again fantastic, and when all the kids went to sleep the adults talked around the fire well into the night. It was great to catch up with such quality people after so long a time since our last meeting. And it was great to get to know the Yoders as well.

Kristian, Byron, and myself took the kids on one small hike the next morning, just before leaving. They had a blast.

We owe those guys big time for the good times and priceless memories that we gathered together.

Later on Sunday we visited with Erica's childhood friends, Camille and Justino Alves, as well as Justino's wife, Joelle. Wonderful people! We spent some time together in Washington Park in Denver, where we got some free food at a party. It was fun to see Erica reminisce with her friends. Then we went back to their place and played board games, during which time we laughed so hard it was hard to breathe. Good times. They let us crash at their place for the night.

Their very sweet dogs named Koa and Basil woke us up in the morning. First they licked and walked on us, then they just decided to snooze with us until we finally got up for real.

Justino had to go to work, but Camille and Joelle were able to stay behind and make us some French toast for breakfast with natural preserves and fresh berries. What a treat!
It was a reluctant goodbye when we left, as always.

So far this road trip has been incredible in terms of the things that we've seen and done. But the generosity that we've encountered on this trip is what continues to amaze me.

Next stop is Yellowstone National Park!

-Karl