Route 12 from Bryce to Capitol Reef winds through canyons and red rock areas. It is a white-knuckle, narrow, winding highway recognized as one of the outstanding scenic byways in America - they even sell "I survived Utah's Route 12" stickers! It was a beautiful drive (for me anyway since I wasn't driving!).

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We once again lucked out and got an incredible campsite in Torrey with our door opening to marvelous red cliffs. Sometimes it pays to check-in early in the day.

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While sitting outside waiting for the sun to set on the cliffs, this fat robin was hunting in our campsite. What fun it was to watch her peck down in the dirt and come up with a long worm. I had never seen this so close-up so was entertained for quite a while.

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As the sun was setting it cast its light on our red rock cliffs. It was an incredible sight.

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I always thought the most beautiful sunsets were over the ocean. I was proved wrong here!

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The Paiute Indians called it the "Land of the Sleeping Rainbow." I call this red rock country magnificent!

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Fruita was an isolated Mormon community established in the late 1800's. Orchards (cherries, peaches, pears, apples) the pioneers planted still thrive. The sign said that any and all fruit (apples were in season right now) you eat is free - that which you take away is $1.00/pound. Al had fun picking while...

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...this deer watched closely for dropped fruit.

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It's been a long time since I've seen a milkweed pod bursting so I had to take a photo.

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Washday at Gifford Homestead.

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Grand Wash is one of two deep, twisting, water-carved sheer-walled canyons you can drive with a jeep.

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The Fremont Petroglyths tell the story of an earlier culture. Not only were we able to view the petroglyphs here, but we also got to watch a fox. I think this is the first time I've seen a fox - I was sorry he moved too quickly to get a photo.

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The road through Capitol Gorge was the other great trail we got to drive.

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The nearly impassable ridges were called "reefs" by the pioneers and this dome-shaped rock formation reminded them of the country's Capitol building and thus the park got its name.

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We went off exploring today and began by taking the loop around Fish Lake. We saw a golden eagle but just couldn't get a photo.

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It was here was saw the first sign of fall. The aspen groves have begun to change color at this altitude (around 8000 feet).

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As we continued along the jeep road toward Cathedral Valley, we saw cowboys and their dogs rounding up the cattle that had been feeding at this high altitude for the summer.

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We looked down on the monoliths of Cathedral Valley from about 9000 feet before descending onto the valley floor.

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It is just amazing to see these huge monoliths free standing on the valley floor.

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The Cathedral Valley road touches back into the park for a while and brought us to these formations which were called the Temple Of The Sun and...

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...the Temple Of The Moon.

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Further along we saw Glass Mountain sparkling in the sun. Imbedded in the rock were layers of gypsum that were transparent and reflected the sun's rays. How unique!

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While waiting for the sun to set on our cliffs, Al got out his carving for the first time since June. It's good to see him able to resume all his activities.

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One last sunset in this marvelous area before we head for Moab.

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