Canyonlands USA

Randall

4 hours ago

‹ chat status

Profile

Name:: Randall
Location:: Rossville, IN
Birthday:: 03/24/1943
Status:: Single
Job / Career:: Science

Stats

Posts:: 76
Post Reads:: 2,487
Photos:: 9
Last Online:: 4 hours ago
Technorati:: blog reactions

Users Chatting

View All 76 »

My Friends

strider333

Canyonlands USA

They say "getting there is half the fun". That depends on one's definition of fun.
Is sleeping in a pit toilet fun? Well, I did! While in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas, the first night, severe storms hit overnight interrupting my sleeping under the stars. I had to grab my sleeping bag and head for the head. The smell wasn't too bad, but it was "the pits".

After some local sight seeing and a French toast breakfast at a hometown restaurant, I headed for Hutchison KS to tour the "Cosmosphere" Museum. Quite impressive for being in the middle of Kansas. Google it. I drove through a vicious wind storm all afternoon, gusts up to 80 mph. Even the wind turbines shut down (when winds are over 60 mph). "White out" conditions from dust made it dangerous to drive. With winds and predicted temps down to 25, I opted for a motel in Springfield CO.

The following morning was pleasant, so I took my planned hike in the Comanche Grasslands in SE Colorado. 8 miles worth to see Indian pictographs and a neat arch. Never saw another hiker. I then drove to Cortez CO. and moteled it again because of freezing temps.

The next morning (Sunday), I hiked 7 miles up the Sand Canyon trail (in Canyons of the Ancients Nat. Mon.) to an Indian pueblo ruins, which wasn't worth it because they really are in ruins. By the time I returned to my truck, I estimate I walked a total of 16 miles because I got lost--at least off track. Plus I got a nice blister from rushing--sometimes running--to finish the hike since I needed to get to Canyonlands by 5:00 PM. I was 15 min. late.

I'm exhausted all over again, so I'll continue another day!

posted on May 14, 2008 6:57 AM ()

Comments:

Ditto on all the other comments!

Glad the getting there was so good. Can't wait to read part 2.

The french toast sounds like a real treat! I have a little restaurant near me that serves the best french toast! I've never been able to duplicate their secret so I order it whenever I go there for breakfast.

comment by catdancer on May 21, 2008 8:18 AM ()

I'd better "backtrack" some more--I almost missed your's and Laura's comments. Remember, I don't get notified via email somebody's replying. Anyway, the French toast was undercooked-mushy, but a huge amount for under $4, including unlimited coffee. I make pretty decent Fr. toast, but am too lazy to do it. Maybe tom. morning with some French bread I still have!

reply by solitaire on May 24, 2008 7:35 AM ()

Your story makes a huge jump from Springfield to Canyon of the Ancients. Similar to 'I was driving a certain place and I did all these detailed things and then WHOOPS! all of a sudden I was 500 miles away and the wind must have blown me there and then WHOOPS AGAIN, I was 500 more miles away and got there 15 minutes late.

comment by troutbend on May 19, 2008 2:57 PM ()

Well, I was in a hurry after my lengthy morning hike. I didn't stop anywhere in particular. I was going to do Chimney Rock, but they don't open 'til the end of May. (I took a picture!) And I don't know why, but I love those dusty (literally) little plains towns, esp. in Colorado. They're all the same. I won't go into detail. Thanks for stopping by.

reply by solitaire on May 24, 2008 7:30 AM ()

Driving through Kansas, when I see those small towns, oases of trees and a church steeple, I remind myself that to them they are not stuck out in the middle of nowhere like a pimple on the chin of the earth, they think their town is the center of the universe and my car passing by miles away on the Interstate is an illusion.

comment by troutbend on May 19, 2008 2:55 PM ()

Wow Randy... quite the adventure so far. Can't wait to read more and I'm glad you are back. I missed you!

comment by frogfenatic on May 18, 2008 10:02 PM ()

I'm single now so I can stay up as late as I want!!!! And I don't

and tell!!! JK

reply by frogfenatic on May 19, 2008 9:40 PM ()

Thanks Tanya. What are you doing up so late?

reply by solitaire on May 19, 2008 5:41 AM ()

Can you put a canopy over the back of the truck and sleep in that? it's great to wake up in the middle of nowhere, rather than in a motel room stinking of the last occupant's cigarettes and BO. Get a good down sleeping bag and you wont be cold. Good on you for hiking, here far too much mollycoddling, humans are becoming degenerate.

comment by clovis on May 16, 2008 12:12 AM ()

I've been considering a topper for my truck, but I'd have to camp a lot to make it pay for itself. I do use a tarp. And my sleeping bag(s) keep me warm. I think I've got it figured out, but I'm always open for suggestions.

reply by solitaire on May 16, 2008 1:12 PM ()

After spending the night in the toilet, did anybody move away from you in the restaurant when you ate your french toast breakfast?

comment by hayduke on May 15, 2008 9:12 AM ()

So THAT'S why the place evacuated! Actually, the clientele was mostly farmers with stinky boots. Doubt if they noticed.

reply by solitaire on May 16, 2008 1:08 PM ()

Your trip is making me tired, but I envy you your energy. I wish I could take such a trip but my leisure loving Ed would look at the plan and say "I don't see any 5-star hotels on this itinerary."

comment by tealstar on May 15, 2008 8:40 AM ()

All I need is a bed and sometimes a shower. Cheap is good--never found a bedbug yet.

reply by solitaire on May 16, 2008 1:04 PM ()

Nice to get in so much hiking but what a bummer to be so cold in May. We are so disgusted with this weather but it promises to warm up in a week or so. I have been to the Cosmosphere too. Kansas is my unfavorite state.

comment by elderjane on May 15, 2008 3:04 AM ()

I don't know. I think Kansas gets a bad rap. I like the expanse, the prairie, the little towns. Those are tough people that live in the western half! I toured Greensburg, too, where a tornado took away the whole town last year. I couldn't believe the devastation.