Capitol Reef National Park lies to the south-east. We are truly in the desert and find ourselves surrounded by rolling hills and parched scrubby bushes. Camping last night proved why wool is a bad idea as I picked dozens of thorny seeds from my Canuck ensemble. The desert has shown itself first in the form of some isolated hoodoo's and the occasional mound of red dirt yesterday. Now we are surrounded by tall red sandstone cliffs and bone-dry farmers fields. Although the sun shone hotly throughout the day the high elevations passed kept us cool. The first summit at approximately 7300 feet fooled me into thinking the remainder of the day would be downhill. As the next uphill began I realized my mistake. At 8400 feet the thin air felt great upon seeing snow high up on a ridge. Once again I found myself surprised, simply from two mountain passes and the sight of snow, even though I know that surprises in a lifetime are continuous. Amazement never ceases.
A little research reveals that a train ride from Las Angeles to Seattle is only $150. It could be a good way to get back to Canada.
