October 1, 2018
We hit the road early by our new camping standards, 8:15 AM, and headed into the town of Escalante to pick up some groceries, coffee and banana bread. We really liked Escalante, it’s like a tiny version of Moab, clearly focused on outdoor recreation.
The early start was dictated by the threat of rain and flash flooding, which were predicted for this afternoon. It has only rained twice here in the last 12 months, so rain is a big deal, and flash floods are extremely dangerous to hikers and campers. We stopped at the national monument visitors’ center, obtained a camping permit, just in case we found a wonderful spot, and discussed our plans with the ranger. He strongly discouraged us from our planned hike, but with the rain not predicted until mid afternoon, our drive to the “Devil’s Garden” would be without peril.
To reach the “Devil’s Garden” we had to drive 12 miles down the “Hole-in-the Rock Road”, another dirt road of continuous washboards. This road, built by Mormons, is 52 miles long, the last 8 miles can only be traversed by 4WD vehicles. The road stops at the northern edge of Lake Powell. Alex is planning on revisiting this road with Alice some day.
As we proceeded done Hole in the Rock Road we rarely exceeded 10 mph; every filling in my upper jaw was now loosened, but it was worth it!
“Devils’ Garden” is a filled with red and cream-colored sandstone formations known as hoodoos, which look like gigantic dribble castles. As you look at each hoodoo from a different angle you imagine a different animal or face, often a celebrity. These formations are a popular destination, despite the road, so there are a parking lot, a pit toilet and picnic tables. Before we explored the garden we brewed some fresh coffee and consumed our banana bread.
We again lucked out, securing what our fellow campers acknowledged to be the best site at the campground, which sits at the bottom of towering canyon. This setting was spectacular. I think I have to revise our campground ratings, this one is now in our “Top 3”.
It sunny and warm with little wind at the bottom of this canyon, so we set up our shade dome tent for the first time. The storm is now predicted for later tonight, 3 AM, so we’ve really had a perfect day weather wise. A small stream actually cuts this campground in half, so if there is flash flooding we may be stuck here, but we’ll take that risk. If the weather is decent tomorrow we plan to take a short hike up to a waterfall and then spend another night here before moving on to Moab.
As darkness approached we dined on sirloin steaks purchased from the Mercantile in Escalante and the last of Lisa Woodward’s home grown potatoes. Peanut butter cookies complete this meal with our campfire now providing just enough light and entertainment to end this day.
For the past two days we have spent all of our time either in the national park or the national monument. The beauty of Grand Staircase Escalante is beyond my words. The thought that 85% maybe deregulated and open to private industry for the oil and gas industry is a great tragedy.
Our mileage total for today is only 55 miles, most of which were on washboard!
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