Utah

Though not completely intentional, May turned out to be the Month of Utah. Kristen took advantage of the last few weeks of her 7-on, 7-off schedule to explore southern Utah, an area Richard had already canvassed 20 years earlier.

I started off in Moab, and went immediately to Delicate Arch, in Arches National Park. Though this is my favorite photo of the arch (because it doesn't have any people in it) it also has the disadvantage of not having any people in it (which best demonstrates its enormous scale).

The next day was devoted to the Devil's Garden hike, which (along with some bonus birding) showcased the Double O Arch...

...and the Landscape Arch.

There are other fabulous places in the Moab area besides Arches, of course, such as Dead Horse Point State Park...

...and Canyonlands National Park.

The drive across the southern portion of the state, from Moab to Bryce Canyon, was amazing.

For example, pictures cannot express the grandeur of the Escalante / Grand Staircase area. So, I didn't include any.

Even a "ditch" -- this is Tropic Ditch, and really just a turn out on the road with a couple of parking spots -- can be quite spectacular.

This is Red Canyon, again, with little more than a sign and a few parking spots.

Finally, I arrived at Bryce Canyon where I spent a chilly hour staring in awe at the beautiful amphitheater.

Though I had not intended to go back, I couldn't pass up the chance to hike down into the canyon itself later in the week.

It also gave me a chance to say "hoodoos" a few more times.

And, what trip to southern Utah would be complete without a trip to Zion National Park? Even though the Narrows weren't open yet due to the spring run-off, it was clear why this park is a national favorite.

***

Two weeks later, both Kristen and Richard arrived in Utah, but this time focused on the Salt Lake City area, a birder's paradise.

We stayed at the handsome and service-oriented Grand America (directly across the street from the Little America hotel) which offered this lovely view of the courthouse from our window.

We had a great birding outing with Bill Fenimore, adding over 50 new species to our life-list. One of our favorite spots was Antelope Island, which offers this view of Salt Lake City.

But, as with most of our travels, it was the natural scenery of Utah which enchanted us most.