Summer Journey 2013!

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah

   

   Our summer journey for  2013 started on Memorial Day as we traveled north to the intriguing area near Kanab, Utah where we landed at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.   We were enchanted by the area for the first time last summer and knew that we had to return!  From the fine coral pink sand rippled by the continual winds to the pine studded dunes, we were in for a few days of fun in the rustic state park campground.

 

 Russell loves to romp and play in the sand and found continual enjoyment digging away into the sand.  And then the sand takes on a whole new look as clumps solidify into rock like formations known as baked earth.

Baked Earth

   Since Russell didn't get to go out and play in the dunes, he did get to take a ride around the campground to get in his RZR ride!

    Then we were off to play on the sand trails, weaving around the clumps of Mules Ears that were waiting to bloom and resting in the shade of the mighty Ponderosa pine that line the dunes.  We met up with some RZRforums.net members and rode the dunes, the soft sand testing the power of the machine and the driver's skills.  We were fortunate to be led by some experienced Coral Pink riders to show us the way!

 

   The next day, with our BLM OHV access map in hand, we headed down the trail to the Virgin River.  Flanked by scenery comparable to what you will see in Zion, the trail was a mix of deep white sand, twisting through Pinon pine before descending to the river.

   In the shade of towering Cottonwoods, a hike up the river was an appreciated break after being on the trail.

 Back to the state park, some of the dunes tower above.  A remote location north of Kanab, you won't find a cell signal nearby.  That's just the type of place where you can get away and get connected with nature.

   A great time was had by all and we are able to say, we have been won over again by the great variety and beauty on the trail.  With only 3 nights available at the park, we had to continue our journey northward where our plan took a few detours.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park- Fountain Hills, AZ

Easter weekend we found ourselves tucked into the desert backdrop of McDowell Mountain Regional Park near Fountain Hills, Arizona.  We basked in the sunshine in between mountain bike rides on the vast trail system.

 

Spring in Arizona is temperamental but we managed some slightly overcast days with warm temps that were just right for some wildflower shows.

 

When we weren't lounging outside the trailer or cruzing around on our bikes, we were visiting with Grammy.

 Soon the Spring wind will fade and we will be loading up and heading north on our summer sojourn!

Spring Break- Dunes & Trails

Spring Break has finally arrived!  Our departure was delayed by an Arizona Spring snow storm, but it didn't take long for the snow to melt and our tires were rolling west towards the Imperial Sand Dunes in California.  Our first stop- Gordon's Well BLM camp area adjacent to the dunes for a few days of riding with some new friends.

We met some fellow Arizona riders and joined up for some fun rides! 

 

 Caleb practiced his clutch work, along with catching some air on a nice hill.

Although you can't see his smile under his helmet, you can bet there's a big smile just like on his flag!  Caleb loves to play in the sand!  With our slight delay our time in the dunes was short and then we moved north to the North Glamis Mineral Hot Springs Resort near the Salton Sea in anticipation of the 4th annual RZR Forum ride.

We came a few days early to explore the trails on our own.  We've never ridden in this area and had a slight goof with the gps coordinates on day 1, but we got ourselves back on the right track to explore the bat caves.  Overlooking the Salton Sea, the caves were buzzing with bees so the guys were careful not to disturb the hives.

The sun has been blazing and the temps rose up to 90 today, so we were glad to have the AC blowing in the Toyhauler while we were exploring the trail.

Now going the right direction, we connected with the Bradshaw trail to explore the Red Canyon area.
But first, there are L O N G stretches of road, part of which traverses alongside a canal.  One side reads "No Trespassing!".  While on the opposite side of the road are warning signs saying, "Do Not Enter!  Unexploded Ordnance".   That is why on day 1 we called the campground office..."Hello?  Are we on the right trail?"  We were!  But we had to stay ON THE ROAD. 

Once on the Bradshaw trail the scenery opened up to vast desert vistas. Following our GPS coordinates brought us to the opening of Red Canyon.

Coming from our neck of the woods, we questioned the naming and thought it to be more tan than red, but it was unusual.

We found a shady finger of the canyon to have some snacks and take a break.

Well, I guess we take lots of breaks!  Here we are parked in the shade of an old railroad trestle.  Back in camp, Caleb has been exercising his gills in the pools filled with mineral spring water.  Oh how nice it is to be on Break!