Myrl Jeffcoat

Upon arriving at Zion National Park, I immediately discovered I had a problem. This problem reminded me of dialogue from the old 1950s Gloria Swanson flick, "Sunset Boulevard." Swanson playing the part of Norma Desmond had two lines, which described the dilemma at Zion. (1) "All right Mr. De Mille, I'm ready for my close-up". . .and (2) "I am big. . .It's the pictures that got small."

At Zion, the monolithic mountains are often so massive, and when you stand at their base, you're unable to contain them in the camera lens to provide the total picture. Even a wide-angle wouldn't remedy the problem to any great advantage. And once downloaded the images appear insignificant to what was actually seen and experienced. "I'm ready for my close up" - Gimme a break

Yet, for all of nature's massive stone structures, there were also the little delicate things - the areas of swamp life existing in the middle of a desert - The friendly squirrels, which seemed content to hang out with me along the river walk trail leading to the head of The Narrows.

The Narrows are a series of trails, often in the river or near it, which snake between the canyons providing amazing bottom-up perspectives. I had wished to make The Narrows hike part of this trip, but simply ran out of time if I wished to encompass my original plan of seeing Bryce and Kodachrome parks too.

When I reached the end of the river walk trail, at the head of The Narrows, I felt like a leashed puppy tied to a tree, while the remainder of hikers continued on into their magical adventure.

I take pictures for the purpose of remembering fond times. I do not impose copyright restrictions on this photo, so you may feel free to use, or distribute as you wish. However, should you need a Real Estate Professional in the Greater Sacramento area, I hope that you will contact me by email or by visiting my website www.myrljeffcoat.com - Thank You!

No journey of the amazing sites and adventures along Utah's Highway 12 would be complete without visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, with its array of naturally carved spires and Hoodoos.

What is a Hoodoo, you ask? There are several definitions provided for the term according to Merriam - Webster. But a Native American Indian definition related to the Bryce Canyon formations is the stone formations are Hoodoos - and are dead men standing.

While walking along trails, and photographing the Hoodoos from various perspectives, the hauntingly beautiful flute music of Nakai's "Inner Voices" provided accompaniment on my Ipod. At one point, I closed my eyes, and envisioned the stone Hoodoos stepping down from their base stands, while swaying as we danced to the music provided. When the music ended, I opened my eyes and they all returned to stone once again. . .I went on to the next point of interest.

Along Highway 12, what other national and state parks provide in massive rock monoliths, Bryce Canyon is found to be more delicately carved. But at Bryce - Who knew it was about Hoodoos?

Early yesterday morning, I woke from a dream in which I was riding a horse, and was saddle sore. I had been trying to chase down Butch Cassidy. Somehow I thought if I could stage an intervention and get him into counseling, he might change his ways. Dreams are so funny. . .I jumped out of bed and threw my clothes on to begin another day of adventure along Utah's highway 12.

I had big plans to visit the Anasazi State Park near Boulder. I learned the Anasazi Indians sometimes built their homes in pits, as well as interesting above ground structures. But the park wasn't quite what I had expected. From various brochures, I envisioned it as a small Smithsonian. It wasn't even close. I'm still in quest of the Great Anasazi - likely somewhere else; but on another trip.

However, Capitol Reef National Park was an experience that overwhelms the senses to the point where you need to stop for a minute, and simply soak it all in. There was one vantage point, where I sat on a rock and gazed at the massive stone mountains above me, while my vision was in free-fall on its way to the bottom of the canyon floor. Within minutes, the scene would change in variance, by the influence of the sun jumping from leaf to leaf on the trees, and casting different shadows revealing elements not previously seen. Add a cloud or two, and the process begins anew.

At one point late this afternoon, I was thinking that maybe if I had seen one large red mountain, I'd probably seen ‘em all. They are everywhere, and saturate your vision and mind. Then I turned a little bend in the road, and was reduced to near tears by another glorious composition of red mountains. It's like eating too much chocolate.

There is one thing for certain about this part of Utah. The people who have inhabited this land have imprinted their spirits on the very rocks, mountains and landscape - Those people would be the Anasazi, the Mormons, Butch Cassidy. . .and the Bikers; but not necessarily in that order.

There are Sandcastles in the Sky Along Utah's Highway 12. For several years now, this has been part of the country, which I have dreamed of exploring. The State and National parks near or along this stretch of road are many, and they are magnificient.

In AAA's latest Via magazine issue, highway 12 was labled the Amazing Technicolor Dream Road - Especially in autumn when leaves turn color.

It seemed events were conspiring to have me make this journey - a sore wrist from too much swimming, a daughter and her family who had made this trip and came home buoyant with its praises, and then last but not least, AAA's Via magazine with a feature article on the area.

I arrived in Escalante, Utah (midway along highway 12) yesterday afternoon. As I traveled along, these scenes are a few of the pictures taken from the road.

It is a 850 mile drive from Sacramento to Escalante. I managed about 3 hours sleep in Reno, at my daughter's house, before continuing the journey during the night. I drove across Nevada while "Dances With Wolves" played in the background and invoked imagination. Beginnning to feel a bit drousy, I drove through a McDonalds, procured a coffee, and switched music to "Beethoven's Fifth". . .Now that'll wake you up:-)

Tomorrow, I hope to visit the Anasazi Indian State Park, and perhaps Capitol Reef National Park. Followed in the next few days with trips to Zion, Bryce, The Narrows, and a number of other curiously beautiful places contained in; or near the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument.

Dining is really good here too. I understand that Hell's Backbone Grill has wonderful epicurean delights with a South West flavor.