Saving the Best for Last- Deer Valley

I think that we have all heard the saying, “saving the best for the last.”  Yesterday’s campsite brought new meaning to that phrase.  The free camping spot appropriately named Deer Valley is located just to the east of Cedar City, Utah in a national forest.  Tall pines and aspen surround us next to a beautiful valley where deer come down to graze in the early dawn.  A perfect setting for our final camp in our journey back to Nevada. 

Deer Valley near Navajo Lake - East of Cedar City Utah

We left our last location early in the morning, because as soon as the sun was up, the temperature started a steady climb.  We did something that we had try to avoid as much as possible.  We took the interstate  highway (I-70) from our camp until just SW of Richfield, Utah.  I didn’t mind, because it does have some beautiful scenery, especially from Green River to a little town called Joseph.  From there we followed the scenic Servier River valley making our way back to Highway 14 located just east of  Cedar City.  For those of you that have been following our blog since we left a month ago, you may recognize this highway.  As we drove through the region 30 days ago, we didn’t have a chance to spend time here, so we decided that we would make it our final stop on our way back.  No regrets on that decision!

It have to admit that it was very cold this morning!  I could see my breath as I scurried around early this morning building a fire.  However, as I write this blog entry, the sun is doing its best to provide a little warmth.   It is very peaceful here, as all I can hear is the fire and a few birds chirping in the distance.  (I am unsure of the elevation here, but I would guess it to be above 9000 feet. (2700+ m)) 

Today, we are heading back to our 26 foot travel trailer near Pioche, NV.  After living in the back of the truck for such a long time, our trailer will seem huge!  It has been an incredible journey!  We will continue to write about the things that we have learned, including our top five campgrounds of the summer and how to make the perfect s‘more.  Happy Trails!

Day 1 Crossing Utah, Heading to Kansas

Dean  (the husband)
Shalane  (the wife  :O)

Sometimes, early on in a day, you just know it’s going to be a great day.  This happened to us early yesterday.  I had discovered a 7 mile gravel road that was going to save us about 20 miles of traveling over a paved one.  We enjoy and are comfortable on gravel roads, so we seized the opportunity.  The road was very well maintained and the views were incredible.  I think my wife had snapped off 10 pictures before we made it to pavement.  It's a shame that NONE of the pictures I post do justice to the views.

We first stopped in the scenic little college town  of Cedar City, Utah.  We purchased some supplies, a rifle, and got our oil changed and fluids checked for our long trip across the country.  By the time we had made camp, at around 6:30, my wife had taken a record 193 pictures!  So much of the scenery was so beautiful that I practically held the camera out the window and just took constant shots.  Mountain lakes, stunning views, red canyons, meadows covered in wildflowers and other unforgettable breathtaking views made this a day that will be hard to surpass in terms of raw beauty for the remainder of our journey. 

We had decided to boondock at a place just a few miles east of Escalante, Utah.  However, we arrived at the Visitor’s Center to register for our free camping spot just after they had closed.  We went ahead and drove to the spot to see what it was like.  It would have been sufficient for our needs, but lacking in taller trees, running water from a creek, etc..  Instead, we decided to go to a primitive campground another 10 miles up the road called Calf Creek.  It costs $7, and was worth every penny.  It was a prefect way to end a perfect day. 

With the first day behind us now, we are excited about what day two will bring.  We will, of course, keep you posted.  Happy trails to everyone, and may they be as beautiful as the trails that we visited yesterday!