Capitol Reef

Hot americanos with cream. Second breakfast of lemon cranberry muffin. And a bag of dark roast bean ground for a French press (not a French press of dark roast) to go.

Twin Rocks

Climbing back into our home, we hit the road for the first plein air spot. We pulled off a dirt road across the way from Twin Rocks.

Rex painted in the sun. After yesterday’s stormy weather, the early morning temps were bearable, at least to the machine. I set up next to the truck, chasing the shade until the only cover was inside the truck. I sat behind the steering wheel typing and scribing.

Searching for home

Next, we searched for shade in a plein air/camp spot. Rex studied the map and found a dirt road that would eventually wind into Fishlake National Forest, hoping we would make camp, but still have views of the Capitol Reef from the forest. We drove the ten-mile scenic road to the end and turned off onto Pleasant Creek Road.

We drove for a bit, but the topography seemed to change too quickly, and we were still miles away from Fishlake Forest. We opted to stop and plein air before turning back into the park.

Foxy Trot

On the way back to the Reef, we came across a common gray fox trotting along the wash, up ahead of us. It took notice of us, turned around, checked us out, and continued on its way. After checking our status a few more times, it finally veered off the wash.

A long day of traveling and plein airing, we finally set camp just before the sunset. Another campsite off Notom road, we set up in a wash with intimate views, plenty of shade, and a dry waterbed full of interesting rocks.

As we dined on turkey chili, we watched four of five bats swoop and glide above us, also enjoying mealtime. It was pretty-pretty nifty-nifty.