Monday, 29 April 2013

The Needles and Wall Street

Summer temperatures have arrived in southern Utah! Lime green leaves and fields of green grass are popping everywhere, bringing life to the valleys, much to the satisfaction of the mule deer (and Yukoners) in Castle Valley. Last weekend we ventured into the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. We hiked the Chesler loop which circumnavigates Chesler Park, a large meadow of grassy dunes surrounded by multicoloured sandstone rampart spires. A magical place that left us regretful we didn't bring along our camping gear so we could indulge further. This week was capped off with an afternoon of guided climbing on Wall Street, a section of Navajo sandstone that meets one of the local roads along the Colorado River. Our time in Castle Valley has gone by quickly and now its time to move on. We have enjoyed everyday in this valley and highly recommend it as a base for exploring Utah's canyon country. Tomorrow we move on and trade our comfy rental home for a tent and campfires under the sanctuary of the stars. Can't wait!!

Spring storm hits Castle Valley

Castle Valley after the storm

New leaves

Enroute to Chesler Park loop in the Needles

Leyla getting a glimpse of Chesler Park

Team Salomon in the Needles


Hot, dry and thirsty

Sullivan navigates the joint


Inside the joint

Refreshing temperatures in the rocks

Sofia making strides through Chesler Park

wonderland

Sofia gets serious at Wall Street

Sullivan climbs a crack on school house rock while our trusty guide Justin lends a hand

Jeff on school house rock


Sofia at Wall Street

Wall Street executive

Sonnet bouldering above the house

Bouldering on Shafer Lane

Delicate dance inside the Yucca

handsome dude


See ya...


2 comments:

  1. Nice summary, we would have joined y'all but Ryley needed the special attention for the moment. Keep in touch over the next portion of your journey.
    Dad and Mom

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