Magic of the Season

This year I ticked off several of my bucket list adventures. It seemed everyone I know has been to Bryce, Zion and Yosemite but me, so I made it my mission to reach those destinations. Zion did not disappoint, but most of the trails were closed due to heavy snow. The famous “Tunnel Road” to Bryce was closed! I had to take Hwy 14, a circuitous route to Bryce.  Towering snow berms framed the snaking mountain road that took me to the top of world and views to eternity. About that time my car starting talking to me.  It would not let me know exactly what was wrong adding to my consternation. It was a long tow to anywhere, so I just kept the pedal to the medal and breathed a sigh of relief when I finally got to my lodging.

Here is a piece I wrote about Zion  and  Bryce Canyon. 

Watchman Trail -Zion

In Yosemite, I stayed at Tenaya Lodge on the south gate of the park. It was a 35 mile drive to the valley floor where most of the major attractions are located, so I spent more time in the Mariposa Grove, Wawona and Glacier Point. All three are fabulous destinations without the crowds. I feel fortunate to live in such close proximity to the wonders of Yosemite and hope to return again and explore the higher regions John Muir loved so well.

Link Yosemite: You Must Come and See 

Mariposa Grove-Yosemeti

Much of this year was spent defining priorities and taking stock of what I have accomplished thus far in my brief time on the planet. My mission remains to get to as many beautiful places I can before they are gone. With that thought in mind I am heading “Down Under” in January 2020. Wildfires raging out of control, record temps attributed to global warming and a hideous drought that has ravaged the country will not stop me. I will give you a full report when I return from the “Sunburned Country.”

Until then, wishing you a joyous and prosperous New Year filled with adventure.

Linda Ballou, shares a host of articles and information about her travel books on her site www.LostAngelAdventures.com.  You will find information about her novels and media offerings at www.LindaBallouauthor.com.

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Celebrating 100 Year Birthday at Zion NP

After a week of exploring the red rock country of  Nevada and Utah, my wings have taken on a crimson cast. A stop in Red Rock Park just outside of Las Vegas provided a memorable leg stretcher that broke up a long days drive from Lost Angeles.

Red Rock Country outside of Las Vegas

 It seemed everyone I knew had been to Zion except me and that it was high time for me to experience the soaring ramparts with majestic views and the splendor of sculptured slot canyons millions of years in the making. I chose mid- April   for my visit to cash in on wildflowers, cool temps and waterfalls that are fed by melting snowfields and dry up in the heat of summer.

View from Watchman Trail Zion NP

Cotton Wood Trees

 The park is so loved by millions that a very efficient shuttle system has evolved that drops off and picks up hikers at nine trailheads along the 9-mile sandstone gorge. Sadly, the majority of the intermediate hikes were closed due to heavy rainfall that caused rock slides.  However the Watchman trail that is a rock stairway switch-backing up a canyon flush with the white blooms on the service bush, and sprinkled with vermillion Indian Paint Brush to a plateau overlooking Springdale, the gateway to the park was open.

 Happily, the River Walk along the Virgin River that has carved the tallest sandstone cliffs in the world darkened with a waterfall spilling over a 7,000 foot precipice into a foamy pool on the canyon floor was also open. The road into the canyon framed in cottonwood trees flush with chartreus leaves shot through with golden rays of a warming sun could not have been more lovely.

River Walk Zion NP

However, the next leg of my journey to Bryce Canyon was thwarted by the fact that Highway 9, through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel touted as one of the most scenic byways in America, was closed due to damage from the heavy rains.  The park staff is working feverishly to have the road back up and running by April 30^th, but if you are planning a trip to the region I suggest you wait until mid-May. Be sure to check road conditions of the alternate routes before going. More on that in my next post as I venture onto to know what voodoo hoodoos do in Bryce Canyon

Linda Ballou is an adventure travel writer with a host of travel articles on her site www.LostAngelAdventures.com. You will find information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales and her latest book Lost Angel in Paradise.