|
Who Am I? | Site Map | Music | FAQ | Contact Me |
 Rolling Along Route 12
I got back on Utah Highway 12 the next morning heading east and drove through some spectacular sandstone landscapes, then around noon I approached the parking area for Calf Creek Falls. I've driven by these falls many times during previous trips but never had time to hike to the waterfalls. I wasn't in any hurry this time and had heard good things about the falls, so I pulled into the parking lot, put on my hiking boots, and stuffed my daypack with a few quarts of water, some peaches and, of course, my Canon camera.
It was 93 degrees when l headed out for the three-mile hike, but the air was dry so it wasn't unpleasant and the hike along the sandy trail through the meandering red sandstone canyon was peaceful and relaxing. After hiking for an hour, I started to hear the falling water echo off the sandstone cliffs up ahead and a few minutes later, the spectacular waterfalls suddenly appeared through the trees. It was a beautiful sight.
A few folks were splashing in the water under the falls and having a good time, enjoying this oasis in the middle of the barren desert. I figured this was a good place to take off my boots and kick back for a while, so I did. In fact, I relaxed for over an hour at the bottom of the Calf Creek Falls, wading in the pond and sitting on the sand, watching the water cascade down the sandstone chute that had been smoothened over the eons to a glistening sheen.
After a while, I started talking to one of the folks who was here. He was an architect about my age named Chris who spoke with an English accent and lived, interestingly enough, in Illinois. Chris had brought his two teenaged boys with him on a two-week vacation to show them the west and they were all obviously having a great time. I told Chris about my 18-month trip and he applauded me, saying "Life is too short not to enjoy it. You have to take advantage of every minute." As I gazed up at the falls, I told Chris that I couldn't agree with him more.
Above left: A tired gas pump in Cannonville, Utah. This sign has been here for as long as I can remember. I bumped into the owner, a pleasant man in his eighties, and we had a nice chat. Above right: Utah Highway 12 near Boulder is an amazing road. It winds for several miles under, over, and through the sandstone. Several television commercials have been filmed here because it's such a unique road.
|
