Madd Max Heads To Death Valley

Hiking not recommended after 10am.

Arrival was at 9am when there was still shade.

Mosaic Canyon showing off.

Scale is hard to show, but this was really big.

The road to Badwater Basin was closed due to flash flooding, but the sand dunes were open.

And hot - see the panting crow.

Fun to look at, but not hike (hiking was not even attempted).

Lunch spot with a view.

Madd Max Heads West

After a night of wonderful rain on a comfy bed in a tent, followed by a lot of mud, Sam and Jess headed to Zion National Park.

This might be Jess' favorite National Park to date.

Lunch stop along the side of the highway.

 

The final stop was the town of Beatty, which is known for it's wild burros - this one was spotted opening and tearing apart the contents of the motel's trash cans.

Dinner was at Happy Burro Chili and Beer, which served only chili or hot dogs.  And beer.  In a frosty mug.

 

It was delicious.

Home for the next 2 nights - the Stagecoach Hotel and Casino.

Madd Max Glamps

 

Night 3 in Bryce was at Wander Camp.

With the splurge dinner of the trip at the Glamping with a capital G, Clear Sky Resorts that was very close to Wander Camp.

They committed to their theme.

Really committed.

Madd Max Have Day 2 At Bryce

Jess headed to the park early to catch the sunrise, along with a lot of other visitors who had the same idea.

The Tower Bridge Trail led to even cooler hoodoos.

Neat.

Views for days.

The Mossy Cave Trail led to a very clear stream.

And waterfall.

Madd Max Head To Bryce Canyon

Their first National Park hike.

 

The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail did not disappoint.

A chipmunk and a Cheezit, which turned out to be deadlier than anticipated. 

Lunch views.

On the Bristlecone Loop Hike, a storm rolled in.

Some of the hillsides were covered in aspen, turning such vivid fall colors that it almost looked like flame.

Sassy arch.

Madd Max Meets The Marianna Inn

As this was a budget road trip, the lodgings proved quirky.

 

Neither Sam nor Jess had the wherewithal to see what exactly the band-aid was holding in or up. 

Madd Max Takes A Road Trip

Sam and Jess left the kids at home for a 9 day/8 night road trip that covered CA, NV and UT.

 

The two headed out on a Thursday.  This was Max's first text upon returning home after school.

 

Upon arriving in Utah, there was a hint of what was to come, along with seeming like a great omen for the trip.

 

Panguitch really showed out. 

While breakfasts and lunches were in a cooler in the car, the dinners were out.  Mediocre Mexican for Day 1!