Dear Maia, Isaac, and Virtual Wanderers,
Tonight’s blog will be short because the day was long. We took highway 191 to highway 98 north to highway 89. Here is our route for the day. Then we stopped at Horseshoe Bend near Page, AZ. Now, that place has some Frisson. Enough that it’s become a bit too much like Disneyland.
The first time Maizzy (my first travel companion dog) and I went must have been over 10 years ago. I’d check, but no internet tonight, so this won’t publish until tomorrow. Anyway, a woman at the Page Chamber suggested it as a place I could take my dog. I don’t remember exact details but the trail was much less developed, pretty much sand. No admission booth that I remember.
Today’s hike was warm. I was thankful that I could take a dog stroller on the improved trail because Koko hates heat and crowds. At least the stroller helped with the heat. And, the Ruffware cooling collars were helpful.
The reason I bring up my first trip to Horseshoe Bend is because it was total Frisson. People were laying down along the edge to get photos. No railings. Honestly, it gave me a falling nightmare that night. Now, it’s lines with people taking selfies. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still beautiful. But, I will never forget how it was before.
I usually stop at Lake Powell this trip for the beach. Today, we did Horseshoe Bend instead. Koko was done with tourist stops. So, I just enjoyed the scenery while I drove towards our destination for the night.
We arrived at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park about 5. (Utah Mini 5 State Park #2.) It was tight to even get a walk over to the sand before dinner and sunset. The days grow short. And, I finally had a campground with a shower. I was ready.
The coral sand is so distinctive. The first time we came, Kachina was still half puppy and loved playing in it. I’ve done the nature hike packing 2 dogs – must have been 6 years ago – and it’s fun, but go early. I want to play a bit tomorrow before we leave, but our main day hike tomorrow is Red Canyon.
It takes 2-3 hours to get packed, dog duties done, and on the road in the AM. Another 1-2 hours to set up camp and make dinner. For everything I add, something gets subtracted. Check back tomorrow to see what we squeezed into the daylight hours.
TTFN GM Cathy
UPDATE 9.23: Here is an Instagram reel with more photos of our adventure this day.
Traveling Grandma and Her Pup Crew 