Dawn over the San Rafael Reef. (As with almost all images at this site, you may click for a full resolution version.) The previous day ended with us crossing the San Rafael Swell and driving south along San Rafael Reef to our camping area, just within the Reef. The San...Read more

The wedding morning at Scott’s house. Mom, Lisa, and one of the cousins. Cousin is evidently more interested in the French toast being prepared than in my awful diabetic-healthy bran cereal. The wedding is not until 1:30. I have time to get some exercise, after indulging in just one slice...Read more

This installment is short on geeky geologic goodness and long on family togetherness. Feel free to skip to Day 6. I am glad to have a chance to rest up at Mom’s. She is glad to have me there: She is almost 89, nearly blind, and recently fell and wrenched...Read more

Up at sunrise. At left is Howell Peak, underlain by (among others) Cambrian Howell Formation. Morning in Marjum Pass. Gary does breakfast. We pack up and start south for the pass. Along the way there is what looks a lot like a landfill. Gary is curious and persuades me to...Read more

Up with the sun. The rain apparently did not fall for long the previous night, and the ground is already mostly dry. It is shaping up to be a cool but beautiful day. We feast on pancakes, bacon, and eggs, and break camp. I pause just outside the camp area...Read more

It does not quite rain during the night, but it seems to have been thinking about it. The forecast is for crummy weather today, which is regrettable considering that Capitol Reef National Monument, our destination for the day, deserves sunny weather. Be that as it may, we breakfast on cold...Read more

This is a yearly tradition: A wanderlust to somewhere nearby that I have somehow managed to never visit before. This year, it was planned somewhat at the last minute, and Gary was unable to get away to join me, so it was a solo hike. But it was one of...Read more