Adventures

After a late check in the night before and breakfast at the lodge, we did the Bryce Canyon scenic drive. All of the stops are on the east side (left) going up the drive, so we headed straight to the top, spent some time at the overlook then made all of the stops on the way back, which were on the right, so we did not have to keep crossing traffic. The drive really gives you a sense of how beautiful and unique the rock formations are, and I highly recommend doing the drive. From the visitor center to Rainbow point (the southern tip) and back is 34 miles, and took us about 2 hours, stopping at every pullout. Most overlooks are just a few minutes walk form the parking area.

Although seeing the formations from the rim was beautiful 4 of us decided to get off the rim and hike down into the canyon for some up close views of the hoodoos. After reading some reviews we decided to do the trail in a clockwise direction. We left sunrise point at 3pm and headed down into the canyon on Queen Garden trail. We traversed switchbacks through some manmade arches and gorgeous hoodoos to Queen Victoria rock formation, which looked like the sorting hat from Harry Potter to me! 😂 (see photo below) As you continue your descent, the bottom of the trail is cooler, is on mostly level ground and passes through a pine and juniper forest. You have two options for the ascent, Two Bridges or Wall Street. We took the Wall Street option. Wall Street is a slot canyon that you enter on your ascent with some places being 20 feet wide and the walls towering at 100 feet high. After the slot canyon, you will ascend a steep section of switchbacks on your way up to sunset point. A great view of Thor’s Hammer as you reach the summit. The hike was approximately 3 miles and took us 2 hours to complete.

I would suggest doing the hike in the morning, I think the sunrise would be amazing with this hike. Plus it would be so much cooler. Take plenty of water, enjoy the moment and take in your surroundings.

kimphemister

8 Jul, 2022

Adventures

One of the pleasant surprises of our Utah trip was this off the beaten path hike near Moab and Arches National Park. We had spent the day at Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park and decided to hit this trail on our way back to our lodging in Moab, at the suggestion of our son.

We arrived around 4:30p at the trailhead and headed up. There is a steep incline at the beginning and you do cross the railroad tracks before continuing your ascent up an old road bed through a gap that is a bit of a rock scramble. The trail is really well marked with blue blazes as you head on up from here. Just before you get to the top there is a rock with footholds in it and a safety chain to get you up, then an approximately 6 foot ladder that you climb. After that you can see the arches and it is a short walk from there. The arches are next to each other so you get two for the price of one climb. Something to keep in mind is that the hike is in the direct sun, so take plenty of water.

The trail was rather deserted, we saw 2 people coming down at the beginning of the trail and 3 people on our descent. But we had the Arches all to ourselves to enjoy and capture pictures. This trail really should be at the top of your list if you are in the Moab area.

The trail is 3 mile round trip and took us about 1.5 hours to complete, including resting and enjoying the Arches at the top. There is another Arch called Pinto Arch that is accessible from this trail, but we did not venture that direction. But, it would be very doable if you have plenty of time.

From Moab, take US 191 North for 4 miles, turn Left onto UT 279 (Potash Rd) driving for 10 miles following the Colorado River (You will pass several campgrounds and other trail heads, we also saw people rock climbing). Parking for the trailhead is located on the Right side of the road, parallel to the Colorado River.

kimphemister

29 May, 2022

Adventures

One of the most exciting excursions we did in Hawaii was a helicopter tour. The MD500 doors-off tour was an exhilarating experience. Way out of my comfort zone, but so glad I did it. It was absolutely breathtaking. It is one of the only ways to get views of some of the islands numerous gorgeous waterfalls and the north coast, not accessible by roads.

The MD 500 is a 5 passenger helicopter. The pilot and 2 passengers sit in the front and 2 passengers in the rear seat. You are strapped in with harness seat belts. You also have life jackets around your waist, since you fly over water. You have headsets on to be able to talk to the pilot and your fellow passengers. Your cellphone will be zip tied to a wrist strap so you will not drop it out of the helicopter. For the doors- off tour you must wear laced or strapped on shoes and no head gear is allowed. I also highly suggest wearing long pants, long sleeves and a jacket. It was colder than we thought, with the doors off and the mist from the waterfalls in the canyons. I would recommend that women with long hair tie it back as well. The wind whips through the cabin of the helicopter with the doors off.

Our pilot was Josh and he was very knowledgable about the island and was very reassuring during the flight. The helicopter does hit some wind and air pockets and will drop a bit. I had a death grip on my husbands leg most of the time and I am surprised he does not have scars from this trip!! I am prone to motion sickness and was a bit worried about that, but I did ok. I think I was so focused on taking in all of the amazing views. The helicopter is equipped with motion sickness bags and one of the passengers in the front did need to access it. Josh flew down into the canyons and got very close to the waterfalls and the surrounding rock formations. It really felt like you were so close you could touch the rock. When the helicopter turns you are looking straight down out of the door, which is a little frightening, but the harness keeps you securely in your seat.

We booked our tour with Jack Harter tours and we were not disappointed. Jack Harter Helicopters is located by the Lihue Airport. The doors-off tour is a 60-65 minute tour and is a bit pricey, but well worth it! An unforgettable adventure!

helicopters-kauai.com 888-245-2001 or 808-245-3774