I was surprised at the number of people in Canyonlands--campers and hikers. The reason being it's so isolated! One has to drive 30 miles into the park. Since it dead ends, you have to return the same way. And it's not near any towns, so once your there, you have to stay.

There were 12 of us, including a leader and co-leader. I knew them, plus one other volunteer from other trips. We worked 4 days out of the week on the same project--cutting out tamerisk, an invasive tree. That got boring and tiresome (and really hopeless). I guess there's a beetle that's been introduced to eat the plant. Hurray for that!

On our free day, we (all)took a day long hike back into the hinterlands. Quite spectacular scenery. Some slow pokes made the hike a lot longer than it needed to be. This one gal drove us all crazy, whining and moaning about one thing after another--and that was all week! Otherwise, the group was great.

We ate and slept well (tents), but I was ready to head for home. I thought I'd take 3 days, so I took some back roads through western Colorado--stopped at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. But once I started driving, as long as it was daylight, I kept going. I moteled it for rest and shower purposes, then drove straight home from Kit Carson CO. It was a long haul, but I wasn't sleepy, so I was fine.
All in all, a good, but expensive trip. Gas prices are ridiculous! Questions?

Comments:

comment by troutbend on May 19, 2008 3:01 PM ()

I did misspell tamarisk, didn't I. I knew better. If the beetles work, there's still a lot of dead brush to be removed. The beetles might learn to like corn--then we'd be in trouble!

reply by solitaire on May 20, 2008 12:55 PM ()

Would it have been nonproductive to take the whiner aside and explain to her that she was ruining the trip for everyone? An outdoors adventure is what it is. Why did she even go? But you sound like you had a great time. Will look forward to photos.

comment by tealstar on May 19, 2008 5:32 AM ()

You're up early today! Those hopeless whiner types wouldn't listen. It's the nature of the beast. I'm attempting to add photos. I may even add an avatar pic of self (as on blogster). Be well.

reply by solitaire on May 19, 2008 5:53 AM ()

comment by frogfenatic on May 18, 2008 10:05 PM ()

Travel is something I would love to do and should have done more of before kids so I am living vicariously through you. Please be specific and tell me everything. Hope you don't get carpel tunnel typing so much for me. I may have to give you my #

reply by frogfenatic on May 19, 2008 9:43 PM ()

What do you mean about "missing women"? As of now, I would answer yes and no. But that's another topic! I posted one pic and will work on some others. Nice that you're interested.

reply by solitaire on May 19, 2008 5:48 AM ()

I love hotel rooms that look out on endless flat prairie and from another window the Rocky Mountains. I did that in Calgary Alberta Canada. As I recall you can do that in Colorado, though I'm a bit hazy on that.

comment by bumpedoff on May 18, 2008 10:57 AM ()

Same thing for the "at the foot of the Rockies" cities in Colo. The best of both worlds. Thanks for stopping by.

reply by solitaire on May 19, 2008 5:45 AM ()

I suspect Ms. Whiner won't go on another wilderness trip. I can't imagine such a long drive without a break.

comment by elderjane on May 18, 2008 6:01 AM ()

Me tuss! (tough)

reply by solitaire on May 18, 2008 7:19 AM ()

comment by looserobes on May 16, 2008 6:49 PM ()

I hope I can post them later. We'll see what happens - it's such a beautiful day reminds me of Utah.

reply by solitaire on May 18, 2008 7:15 AM ()

reply by strider333 on May 16, 2008 11:25 PM ()