Hello from Day 33! Today was a short driving day as we made our way from Panguitch, Utah to Page, Arizona. As with most of our drives, this one was full of ever-changing scenic vistas. We took Route 89 south to Kanab and then east through portions of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The “staircase” is a piece of land the size of Delaware that showcases the dramatic timeline of geology in southern Utah. Bryce Canyon’s pink cliffs are the youngest of the rocks in the area. As you travel southeast, you descend the “staircase” that was created by the lifting and sinking of the Colorado Plateau. As you do so, the rocks and geological features get older and older.

Along the drive, we I watched the orangey-pink cliffs near Bryce fade to grey, then white cliff faces that sported maroon stripes. The pink sand dunes were next. Further south and east, the cliffs became a dark red. Aptly named the Vermilion Cliffs, they rose stark against the sage brush covered plateau. Eventually, we will visit the Grand Canyon. Although it is not part of the National Monument, it lies at the bottom of the staircase and features the oldest rocks of all. We’d have photos of all this, but Billy was getting his beauty rest through all of it. 🙂

Once we arrived in Page, Arizona, we headed to a scenic overlook that provided a 180-degree view of Lake Powell (which is actually a man-made reservoir) and the surrounding area. We took a few photos and left.

Lake Powell and distant mesas and cliffs.

Later, we headed to Horseshoe Bend to check out the famous Colorado River landmark. The sun had already set and thunderstorms were moving into the area, creating a very moody atmosphere. The overlook to the bend has no safety rails. In order to get a full view of the river, you need to stand at the very edge of the sheer cliff and look down. It was a little harrowing between the impending storm, the 1,000-foot drop, and the slick rocks. With lightning flashing in the distance and fat raindrops falling, we grabbed some photos and headed back before the storm was on top of us. The area is prone to lightning strikes and being at the highest point with a tripod lightning rod was a little concerning.

The famous Horseshoe Bend. The Colorado River didn’t seem like it was moving. You can see the thunderheads looming in the distance.

On the way back to the car, we stopped beneath a shelter to try to grab some photos of the lightning. I lucked out with one strike. It seemed like the lightning was wherever the camera wasn’t pointed. It was interesting to watch the storm move across the horizon and out of sight.

I’m calling this one, “Lucky Strike.”

Tomorrow we are heading to Monument Valley for some exploration. It feels like summer here, so it will be nice to be not so bundled up. Ciao!