Days Off #1 &2
Thursday
With a forecast of rain, thunderstorms and flash floods, we played with the idea of spending our days off in St. George. However, the weather there looked no better than Kanab's and hanging out in a motel room didn't seem any more fun than hanging out in the RV.
The skies were relatively clear on Thursday morning and rain wasn't likely until late afternoon. That provided an opportunity to do something short and close to home; those sites we wanted to revisit in Angel Canyon fit the bill to a T! We returned to the Indian granary in an alcove, the plateau at the top of a nearby cliff, Hidden Lake and Angel's Landing.
Indian Granary
Tower on the plateau
Sacred Datura stamens
Entrance to Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake
Looking Out from Hidden Lake
Good weather reined after lunch so we headed north again, this time to Peekaboo slot canyon. Recent rain had compacted the sandy road so tire-deflation wasn't needed. It also made walking in the wash much easier and kept the temperature a bit cooler. Before entering the slot, we followed the small wash to the north a short distance to a column of stone standing at its end. We'd forgotten to do that on our first trip and it was well worth the short detour.
After many disappointing meals in Kanab's restaurants, we decided to try Rocking V, which gets glowing reviews from locals as well as tourists. The décor is funky, the service attentive and the food is wonderful! We enjoyed our meal and the somewhat quirky artwork and felt the evening justified the expense.
Friday
Although this morning's weather and the forecast were the best in over a week, today is Friday the 13th. And it began like a Friday the 13th--with a problem. Specifically, the gray water tank registered as full and the valve to drain it was stuck. Fred pulled, jiggled, pushed and twisted but it remained s-t-u-c-k. A phone call to Ramsay Towing (and general savior in matters automotive) took care of everything; They've ordered the replacement part and will install it at the RV park early next week.
With that issue handled if not solved, we took off for Water Canyon. The route to the trailhead goes through Hildale, Utah, a polygamist town just across the state line from its infamous sister city, Colorado City, Arizona. An interesting place... The paved surface ended at the edge of town and the road continued as a dirt double-track interspersed with long, deep mud pits and occasional washes. Two miles of dodging or surmounting various obstacles brought us to the beginning of the trail.
Or rather trails. Hikers have created a number of routes, all parallel to the creek but at various elevations, to reach the waterfall and you haveyour choice. Hint: there isn't an easy one! On our way upstream, we encountered five youngsters from Hildale who'd captured tadpoles in water bottles. They looked like brothers and wore similar outfits of dark pants and colored dress shirts.
Two miles and 400' of elevation gain brought us to the waterfall nestled in its lovely slot canyon.
Short Creek flowing out of Water Canyon
Fred spotted Water Canyon Arch, about 1000' above the floor of the canyon
The waterfall
Pool below is colored by run-off from heavy rains.
If you proceed carefully, the climb above the falls rewards you with stunning views.
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