Friday – Al Leads the Way

Knowing locals is a good thing. Not only did Al and Michelle provide food, laundry, power, and shelter (the minor conveniences) but most important, Al knows all the good spots

We headed South around 10 a.m. toward “The Wedge”. There is a long gravel road that takes you up to the northern section of the San Rafael Swell where Utah’s “Little Grand Canyon” dives 1,500 feet to the San Rafael river below.

Al led me from the top of the canyon down to the “Buckhorn Draw” area.

Buckhorn Draw has a huge natural rock panel containg petroglyphs and pictographs dating 2000 years old.  This area, known as Buckhorn Wash or the Buckhorn Wash Panel is amazing.  We were there at midday so the Sun made it difficult to make out the details of the images.  They were fascinating nonetheless.

The temps at Buckhorn Wash had to be in the 90s and in full gear it was slightly uncomfortable.  Deciding that it was time to cool down, Al led the way north.  Within a half hour we were cruising along the mountain roads of what he refers to as the “Scofield Loop”.  This route climbs to over 9,000 feet and the temps dropped into the 40s.

…and then the battery in the camera went dead.

This was close to a 200 mile loop and an absolutely fabulous ride.  Living in Connecticut I don’t have to opportunity to change climate as drastically and as quickly as it can be done here in Utah.

…and no, there aren’t any “Little Grand Canyons” either.

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