This morning I had breakfast here at the Bed & Breakfast, if you can imagine that. When I went to breakfast there was a large group of people just finishing up. I could tell right away they were from Wisconsin because they were rowdy early, talked funny, and I could identify with them. I told them I was originally from Wisconsin and we started talking. We were have good idle chat until one asked me if I was still a Packers fan. I made the mistake of telling them that I have learned how to cheer for the Bears. The temperture in the room fell to about the temperature of the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. They left.
About that time two folks came in and were seated at my table. Bob was a literature professor in his sixties, I would guess. He and his daughter Jenny were from southern California and very friendly. They gave me great advice as to things to see in the area and gave me their map as they were heading home that day. Bob and Jenny were traveling with Bob's wife. She has Parkinsons Disease and didn't want to join everyone for breakfast as she is unstable on her feet. I was touched that they were taking her on a driving tour of all these beautiful places while she was still well enough to enjoy the trip.
My original plan for today had been to drive the 50 miles over to Bryce Canyon and do some hiking. As it was raining I asked Tom, the good proprietor of this establishment, what he could recommend for the day. He suggested I go back to mile marker 86, turn right, and drive 9 miles down Burr Trail. He wouldn't tell me why I should do that. So after blogging this morning, I went for the drive as directed.
On the way to mile marker 86, I stopped at some of the scenic overlooks that I had sped past yesterday in my haste to get to the B&B before dark. The road was narrow, wet, and slick, without guardrails. At some of the viewpoints I got out and took some pictures in the rain. The road ran across the top of a ridge, and the views out either side were awe inspiring.
So I finally go the 28 miles to marker 86, near the tiny town of Boulder. Then I turn right and drive nine miles. You judge if it was worth the trip.
While at one of the overlooks, I met a couple from Cologne, Germany. I took a picture of them with their camera, and they picture of me with mine. I asked them to take my picture to counter the claims I am not traveling at all, but just hiding out in my basement and posting blogs with pictures I have havested from the internet.
On my way back to Escalante, I stopped at a little diner and had a Reuben sandwich and a diet Coke. It tasted sooo good.
This evening I walked the entire town of Escalante. If someone were to tell me the population is over 500 people, I would ask how many people were counted twice. I ended up at the Cowboy Blues restaurant at the west end of town. The place was packed. I waited patiently for a table as I stood next to the tiny bar. There was a couple eating at the bar and after a while somebody brought out a third bar stool and I joined the elderly couple that had just ordered their food. Al and Marilynn were semi-retired, and on a driving vacation from their home in San Franscisco. For the last ten years they have been volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Al shared with me how rewarding that work had been. They also gave me advice as to how to spend my time when I get to the San Franscisco part of this trip. I enjoyed their company.
After they left, I spoke briefly to the restaurant manager, Kim. I asked what churches were in town. She mentioned the Mormon temple, which I had walked past in my walk around town. It's parking lot was full tonight so I assume they were having their services. She also mentioned the Catholic church, but I had seen that one also. It was the size of a three car garage and Kim told me the only had services twice a month, on Tuesday nights. I guess that meant that they had a visity priest. The only other church they have here is a Baptist church. She told me their services are at 11am. I am trying to decide if I should hang around Escalante for that service, or get on the road early and hope to find a service along the way. I will decide in the morning.
It is now 11pm. Bedtime. Bye for now.
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