Tropic

Mom and I left Thursday afternoon on a 4 wheelin jaunt up by Tropic Reservoir. We arrived about 5 pm and helped get dinner ready. We had soup, salad, special breads, and cake for dessert. Mom made clam chowder that was really good. We also had a goulash and chili. Mom bought some expensive bread over to Harmons. It was garlic and cheese, and green onion and cheese. After dinner we sat around a campfire and visited.
It got quite cold during the night, but because our batteries are about shot, we didn't turn the heat on until about 6:30 am. Now, that's really roughing it. I got up at 3:30 to use the bathroom and couldn't go back to sleep. It was a long night.
We left camp and trailered down to a canyon south of Cannonville. It is part of the Grand Staircase National Monument. We drove down a creek bed for about 15 miles and then came back in the Paria Wash. We saw some absolutely beautiful sights. The rock formations were wonderful. We went into a couple of slot canyons. One was so narrow that we had to park the wheelers and walk through it. It was fun.
We always carry our lunch and eat on the trail. We found a lovely shady area. I bought a little table and chairs that we carry on our wheeler. Again, we really rough it. The first time we went out, we ate on the ground and had a hard time getting up. I had to pull Mom up. So, we bought the folding canvas table and chairs.
We got back to camp about 4 pm and got the coals on and cooked some steaks to go with salads and pie for dessert. After dinner we played "nines." It was fun. They play by different rules. I like them.
I woke up again at 3:30 and couldn't go back to sleep. I finally got up at 4:20 and read the scriptures and then went for a walk. It was a beautiful starry and moon filled sky. I really enjoyed the walk.
We went on the west of camp for our ride. We have been on it before, but it was still beautiful. The rocks are like in Bryce Canyon and the Aspens were turning and were beautiful. When we stopped for lunch, there were black clouds on the horizon. Just as we were finishing it started to rain. We got on our rain gear and continued on. When we got back to the main road, they were going to go south. I told them we had had it and were going back. We went back to camp, loaded up and came home. We were glad to be home a little early in order to get everything cleaned up and put away.
Love, Dad