This Ain't Disney World, People!

It has been a deadly week in this area:

-two people were killed and a third injured by a lightning strike at LeFevre overlook on Route 89A about halfway between Kanab and Jacob Lake.

-a hiker died at The Wave, the third fatality there in July.

-a passenger in a Model T was killed and three others were hurt when the vehicle overturned on Route 9 east of Zion National Park.

-a Colorado River guide was evacuated by emergency personnel from a campsite at the bottom of the Grand Canyon after being struck by lightning.  No information is available on his condition.

Model T At Kanab Show

 

After Accident

Above Kanab

Thursday, July 25
Day #3

One nearby trail that we hadn't hiked this summer was the Squaw Trail, winding up the cliff behind Kanab.  It's a 4-mile up-and-back but the ambitious can connect to
Tom's Canyon trail for a longer excursion requiring a shuttle.  From a brief attempt six years ago we surmised an early start would make the ascent more pleasant than that mid-day outing in 2007. The summit gave views of the town and south toward  Arizona, west toward Zion and north to the next step on the Grand Staircase, the White Cliffs.

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



Peek a Boo Re-do

Day Off #2
Wednesday, July 23

One of our first outings after arriving was an unsuccessful attempt to reach a nearby slot canyon the locals call 'Peek A Boo' although it is labeled 'Red Canyon' on maps.  Today we started off in four-wheel drive, with better directions, more accurate expectations, deflated tires and more experience driving in deep sand.  All that paid off because we reached the wash with no trouble.  From there, we decided to walk the final mile rather than to drive.  After the sun and heat of the wash, we appreciated the  cooler temps and shade of the slot.

Peek A Boo is a lovely little slot canyon, a fitting pay-off for the challenge of getting to it.  There's a wide portion halfway down its length, making you think you're at the end, but continuing brings you to the upper section which is as twisty and colorful as the first part.  The end of the hike comes suddenly.  Right before the canyon narrows to a mere crack are two large chockstones fifteen feet overhead which don't look securely lodged between the walls.

End of the canyon

(The point of contact between the chockstones and the wall is very small, especially on the left.)

 



 

 

Johnson Canyon Again

Day Off #1
Tuesday, July 22

We enjoyed last month's bike ride in Johnson Canyon so much that we returned for another ride yesterday.  We spotted a second advertisement, painted on the canyon's wall in the days when Skutumpah /Johnson Canyon Road was the primary artery between Tropic/Cannonville/Henrieville and Kanab/Fredonia, some petroglyphs and two arches.



Eagle Arch

 



As we unloaded the bikes, a few raindrops fell from thick clouds overhead but soon stopped.   The sky remained overcast, keeping the temperature down and limiting our sun exposure, but light rain resumed when we got within 1/4 mile of the Jeep.

(Model) T for 2(00)

Sunday, July 21

About 200 Model Ts invaded Kanab over the weekend.  Owners from all parts of the US as well as from Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom brought vehicles here for an international gathering.  The highlight of their stay, for Kanabans, was the parade on Sunday evening.  Being able to walk among four long lines of Models Ts parked in front of the city park and to talk with the owners was interesting and fun.  Except for when one guy started the engine to show us how it sounds--and found out it was in gear.  And nearly in to the car in front of him!