Fourth of July hike

Hyrum said he'd come with me to Capitol Reef and then Laura didn't have to work so she came too. It was so much fun and such a stark contrast between the peace and eternal nature of God's creations and my hectic and busy life.












Sunday we drove down the Notom road and up the Burr trail switchbacks and then down upper Muley Twist road and hiked to Strike Valley Overlook. Had never known about this until a fellow TA'er brought it to my attention. Then of course I had to go. So finally years later it was accomplished. Beautiful view for sure. It reminded me of Prof Cooper. I wondered if this would have been part of his "geology of Southern Utah" field trip. That is one regret I have for not going to SUSC the next year.

Monday was our big hike down Sulphur Creek.

First we all piled into one truck, probably outlawed now, but it was only a short distance and we all arrived safely. Then about a mile down a hot and dry wash. I was seriously questioning my choice. Then around a turn and there was water! Sulphur creek was ankle deep and refreshingly warm.















We followed a typical Utah streambed down past the goosenecks overlook over 800 ft above. The canyon was wide and wonderful with a small breeze blowing, the occasional water crossing was welcome and easy. This went on for a little bit too long - the rhythm of the walking and the small birds, the willows and cottonwood were mesmerizing and then just old.





But just before total despair set in, all at once around a bend the walls closed in and the floor dropped out 15 ft beneath us. Our first waterfall was a doozy. So fun and so much to enjoy. We all clambered down and posed for pictures.



















A few more waterfalls, riffles, and what I called the rock garden as it was a narrow bed filled with big rocks. This was a gorgeous and much appreciated place in the hike. It made it all very much worth the time and effort to go.About a mile past the last waterfall the creek runs into the visitor center and we are finished. Satisfaction on all our faces. It was wonderful to share this with our friends.