Up at about 7:00 to a light rain and our cat friend on the deck. We did most of the packing last night, so just the last minute stuff and tidy up of the tiny house a little. Kinda sad to be leaving cause it was so much fun. Breakfast was quick and packing the car was quicker, with the cat following us out to the car.
Barb suggested we wait to collect our morning mocha till a little later, so off we went about 8:00. Happy to report the windshield wipers work, although I'm still not sure about all the functions. Fortuntily the rain was light and didn't last long.
Our first stop was in Tropic, at the Bryce Canyon Coffee Company for a mocha. This town being sort of a gateway town to Bryce Canyon has dozens and dozens of little cabins for those visiting the park. A few miles past the enterence to Bryce Canyon National Park we passed through the two Red Canyon Tunnels, which were carved out of Navajo sandstone to provide access to the park.
Click to enlarge
Then there was this rock formation I liked, so I took a photo.
When Highway 12 ended we headed North on Highway 89 to the town of Panguitch, Utah and then left on highway 143, toward Lake Panguitch. This must be a difficult road in winter, as there was a sign shortly after turning that read "Snow Tires or Chains Required November 1 - March 31 Next 45 Miles". Nothing optional about that. And as we continued I got the feeling we were climbing, but since the Honda doesn't have a GPS with altitude display like the Jeep, so I wasn't sure. I guessed 8,000 feet. Then I remembered an altitude app on the iPhone and when Barb pulled it up we were at 10,556 feet. Just missed by a few feet.
At this altitue the aspens start turning early and these were a reminder of our time in Colorado.
A little later on, in a really mountainous area we began seeing a lot of pretty fancy homes, condominiums and hotels. Figured out what was going when we also started seeing chairlifts. Turns out we were in Brian Head, which is a pretty big ski area. Heading back down toward civilization on a very curvy road, with some significant dropoffs, I'm glad I don't have to ski there.
Next up was Parowan, Utah, where we grabed a quick lunch and then headed to St. George, Utah on Interstate 15. If you like to drive fast, this is the highway for you. Speed limit 80 MPH. I kept is around 73 and was passed by semis. Fortunately its a really good road.
Arriving in St. George early, we located our stay for the night and then took a look at a new retirement development. Went through a very nice model home of about 2,500 square feet. Three bedroom, three baths and a casita. Great kitchen, with high end appliances. 1.5 million dollars. Barb had been talking about moving to Utah, but this home is out.
Our lodging tonight is The Inn On The Cliff. Very nice room and great views from the deck.
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Dinner tonight had it's share of pluses and minuses. On the plus side we had a window table looking out over the above view, Barb's salmon was really excellent and I had a good IPA. On the minus side I really wanted a Southern Comfort Old Fashion, but the establishment only had a wine and beer license and the ribeye I ordered was awful. I order medium rare and there was no sign of pink, there was no taste and it was tough. The waiter, to his credit, noticed my displeasure, inquired what I was thinking, told the manager and the substantial cost was written off. Waiter earned himself a nice tip.
Before closing shop for the night I thought I'd try a night shot from the deck. Not much there, except the bright spot on the right, which is the St. George LDS Temple.
Tomorrow we head home. Should take about four hours, with a stop for breakfast and one for gas. We both agree that even though it was short, it is one of our best vacations.
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