Exploring the world from Eden to Monte Cristo Campground

This is a beautiful drive up Route 39 in the Wasatch National Forest. Along the way, the road follows the narrow valley created by Beaver Creek, the aptly named crystal clear creek that is dotted with beaver dams holding back small ponds. One of the highlights of the journey was driving to the top of 9000 plus Mt. McKinnon on jeep trails and being rewarded with a magnificent 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Much of my trip, besides enjoying the beautiful mountain vistas was my chance to shoot a wide variety of wildflowers, another favorite subject. I hope you enjoy the few I’ve posted in the gallery.

On my way off the mountains, I took a side trip to the Causey Reservoir and besides taking some beautiful photos, enjoyed watching the local teens leaping off the cliff sides into the greenblue waters of the reservoir.

My stomach reminded me I hadn’t eaten much so I headed to the small town of Huntsville, nestled on the east coast of Pineview Reservoir. There I had a fantastic barbecue feast, served family style with picnic tables set in a large lawn behind the restaurant. The weather was beautiful, the people friendly and the food – wonderful! A great way to end a day of exploration.

One note: I am updating this on Wednesday afternoon sitting in a Starbucks in Ogden, Utah. The WiFi and cell service in Eden is sketchy at best and until I get to Park City, This blog will be a every other day or so endeavor. Stay Tuned!!!

From Casper to Eden, Utah – Blue highways and magnificent scenery!

Today was all about enjoying the journey between Casper, Wyoming and Eden, Utah. A six and half hour drive through the wilds of Wyoming and Eastern Utah. Of course I avoided the interstates and journeyed through or around towns like Muddy Gap, Sweetwater Station, Fontenelle,Kemmerer, Randolph and Woodruff. The large fertile valley that marked entrance to Eastern Utah was amazing after driving most of the day through the plains, desert and mountains of Western Wyoming. Throughout the drive, I saw an amazing variety of landscapes, from the majestic colorful walls of Red Canyon to the vast grasslands of the Pathfinder Ranch. A wonderful journey.

Upon arriving in Eden, I found my condo at the top of Powder Mountain. A 16% grade climb with amazing views from the top. I will be shooting dawn and sunset from the top in days to come – stay tuned!

Make sure you check out the photo gallery!

Too late for dawn, just missed the fire and skipped the storm… a good day!

I learned an interesting lesson today… The further north you go in the summer, the earlier dawn arrives. Now, being an intelligent traveler you would think I would have already realized this but when I read the sunrise time on Weatherbug, I read St. Joseph’s not Wall, South Dakota. Needless to say, even though I set my alarm an hour early so I had ample time to get to the badlands for the sunrise (I thought!) I scrambled to get there and was rewarded with an introduction to a herd of Pronghorn Antelope and a few bighorn sheep.

After roaming the Badlands all morning (and visiting the prairie dogs!) I visited the Wall Drugstore – a true institution in this area! and hit the road to Devil’s Tower. Absolutely magnificent. An amazing site. I communed with the tower for a while and watched the climbers scale its heights. Then it was off to check out the progress at the Crazy Horse Monument. I was there in 2005 and frankly didn’t see much progress in the sculpture but the museums they set up to showcase the Plains Indians had grown tremendously.  Well done!

As I journeyed towards Casper, Wyoming, I was surrounded by forest fires in the distance. One fire to the west was so large it completely filled the valley’s I was traveling through for over 100 miles. I watched the airplanes drop retardant on one fire and saw my Grandfather’s influence at work. George Corbin developed the drop bucket and other aerial forest fighting techniques and as I sat there by the side of the road, I watch a helicopter attack the fire with one of the drop buckets. Fortunately I wasn’t too close to the fire but it is dry out here and the forest services and firefighters in the area are very busy.

About 2 hours before I got to Casper, I spied a giant thunderhead in front of me. Not again!!!! well, I missed it with only a few sprinkles. Overall, outside of being smoky, the weather was very pleasant.

Casper is a quaint town with a rich history in the oil industry. It is reeling a bit now because of the downturn in energy prices.

After a nice meal, I attempted to do this blog but both my computer and I ran out of energy! Therefore I am sitting at a barely adequate breakfast finishing this up and then hitting the road to Eden Utah. By the way, unless you enjoy listening to the giggles and physical acrobatics of your neighbors all night (not something a single guy on the road wants to listen to!) and like a minimal (hot) breakfast, I wouldn’t suggest staying at the Ramada in Casper. Very disappointing!

Well time to explore! Take care all and enjoy the pics!