Off again by around 7am after a rather horrid Motel American breakfast. I ordered, of course I ordered, because it was included in the price of the room. But I just couldn’t eat it.
So off we set from Green River back down to Canyonlands NP. First was the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive. We drove and walked to lookouts of the canyon. It was very pretty but again, not too different from what we had seen. We then headed off to another entrance into Canyonlands. We had to go out of the NP, drive for nearly 2 hours and then re-enter to see the Needles Scenic Drive. As we drove into the second section we were both wondering if this was going to be worth it. Maybe we should have just headed straight to Mancos.
But we were wrong, it was different and we loved it. All these mushroom shaped rock formations that were different and extraordinary. We loved them. It was hot and a long drive but it was worth it. The whole of Southern Utah is just an amazing and vast land full of beauty. Again, can’t wrap words around it. Just have to send some pics and hope you can imagine it.
Then a 2.5hr drive on to Mancos to this very quirky, retro motel done out in 50s style.It actually is gorgeous. It has a lovely little bar in a kind of container and we went and sat there and had a SouthWestern Margarita. Everyone chats away to us. Lovely people everywhere. Like, really delightful, genuine and interested people.
Then out to dinner in an American-type diner which had lots of atmosphere. Another couple of glasses of vino and a drink-drive trip back to the motel. It’s a lovely historic town with beautiful old houses and what looks like a big artists community.
Now, shower and bed. Tomorrow we can get started a bit later. Off to the Mesa Verde NP which is UNESCO World Heritage Listed for its ancient Pueblas and rich Native American culture going way back. More tomorrow.