Antelope Island by Moonlight 2012 - Mayan Meltdown

Sunset on the Great Salt Lake Causeway to
Antelope Island.

by Karin Marie Plunkett

Couldn't resist a pic with one of the natives.

Imagine a 22-mile ride on an island surrounded by excited groups of families and friends. Now picture these people, old and young, bedecked with lights on helmets, bikes, and clothing. The Antelope Island Ride begins as the day ends. Our vehicle of anxious riders crept out along the causeway as the sun lowered in the sky.

Just before dark, the crowd began gathering for a large group start. With lights turned on and water bottles filled, folks gathered to participate in the adventure of night riding. City lights sparkled on the horizon and reflected in the glassy lake.

Watching small children, bike trailers, tandem bicycles, and the large variety of mountain and road bikes climb the rolling hills was both inspiring and delightful.

Meeting up at the historic barn for "updates" and refueling.

The ride is an out-and-back with a rest stop tucked into a cozy barn. There the riders are treated to a variety of fruits and bars. There we enjoyed the late moonrise as we regrouped and visited with friend.

Joining up at Syracuse Pizza Factory before
the ride so we can caravan across the causeway.

The Antelope Island ride is short enough to be undertaken by people of wide range of ages and fitness levels. The funds from the entry fees support the upkeep of the island. Approximately 2,000 people registered for the moonlight adventure this year. I hope to see you join us there next summer!

http://www.daviscountyutah.gov/go/moonlight/ 

http://www.davisareacvb.com/attractions/antelopeisland.htm

Celebrating 22 Years, Our Anniversary Tour-3rd Stop

Our 3rd Stop: Escalante, Utah

From Bryce Canyon if you drive east on highway 12 for about 45 minutes, you run right into the town of Escalante.  This was our last stop on our anniversary trip.  We stayed at the Rainbow Country Bed and Breakfast. This was another good reminder that we should stay in B and B's whenever we can.  Rainbow is set up very nicely for families; with a large screen TV and a pool table in the common area as well as a hot tub on their deck. The photos on the walls are all of local attractions, most are taken by Clark and Catherine Barney; the hosts of Rainbow Bed and Breakfast.  In addition to the photos, the Barneys have a wonderful collection of antiques on display.

"hiking" in the river to
 Escalante Natural Bridge

Catherine makes sure you start your day off with a hearty breakfast, maybe a breakfast burrito or fresh fruit pancakes. We had her Stuffed French Toast & Scrambled Egg Omelets.  While we enjoyed our breakfast, she gave us numerous ideas of ways to spend our time in the Escalante area. Because Clark and Catherine love the outdoors, they have explored most of the area and can help plan out your day. Whether you want to spend the day sight seeing from your own car on the paved portion of the Burr Trail or trying squeeze through a slot canyon along the Hole-in-the-Rock Road or Hiking in the sandy trail that leads to Calf Creek Falls or maybe doing some off road 4x4ing -  they can help you get set up. 

Ronelle and I chose to hike to Escalante Natural Bridge mostly because it was over 90 degrees in the sun that day, and most of this hike we could do walking in the Escalante River. It's a 4-mile round trip hike that follows the same path the river cut through the canyon (the trail crosses the river several times). The Escalante River at this point is lined with large trees on both banks, so choosing to hike in the river and not on the trail, provided a great double break from the summer sun:  cool knee-deep water as well as the shade of the trees. We took our time and enjoyed our walk. The contrast in colors made our trip spectacular.  Gorgeous blue sky, multiple shades of green in trees and brush all set against a beautiful redrock backdrop. This was a great way to beat the heat.

We've only driven all of highway 12 a few times (which we did on this trip over a 3-day time frame). It doesn't take long to be reminded why this Scenic Byway was designated an "All American Road" in 2002 - meaning it's one of the most scenic highways in America. It starts about 5 miles south of Panguitich on Hwy 89. As you head East, you drive right through Red Canyon on your way to approximately 122 miles of twists and turns through small towns, over high mountain passes and amazing lush forests - all loaded with photo opportunities at the dozens of pullouts as well as the numerous side roads you can take.  Catherine from our B and B highly recommended that we drive the paved portion of the Burr Trail. Having never seen any of the Burr Trail (except in pictures) we made this side trip. We were quickly taken in by its beauty. We stopped at a very short "slot" called Long Canyon. It's only a 2 minute walk from the car.  It doesn't get very narrow like some slot canyons do. However the colors in the rock walls are beautiful. This is ideal for young families and aging grandparents who may not be able to walk very far.

Long Canyon - just a few feet
off the Burr Trail Road

Before heading back to our B and B, we stopped for dinner at Boulder Mesa Restaurant in Boulder, Utah. They sit just a few 100 feet off of Highway 12 on the Burr Trail Road. I have always heard that in the small towns it's good to find out where the locals eat, and eat there. When we walked in there were about 25 of the areas seniors there having dinner.  We were told they meet there twice a month. That advice worked well in this case, the food was great. My wife and I both had their Flat Iron Steak with Shrimp, with blueberry pie for desert it was killer good!  Walking back to my car I remember thinking 'WOW!, that was really good food, especially for a such a small town'.

Ronelle and I had an awesome 4-night, 5-day anniversary all in Utah.  Great food, incredible scenery, fantastic places to stay, a really fun adventure.