Back to UK after USA vacation

[phot]

We had a great time, flew into Vegas and picked up the rental bike from Eagle Rider before heading to St George in Utah. Took a detour on the road thru the Valley of Fire as suggested by a forum member, a beautiful ride and well worth it. Spent most of our time travelling in Southern Utah visiting the State Parks such as Zion, I never get tired of looking at the magnificent landscapes. Took a ride thru Monument Valley and to the North rim of the Grand Canyon staying at Jacobs Lake Inn. We attended a talk given by John Rich about the Navajo people and the weaving they produce, a great talk by a passionate man. Only one day of rain, rode thru a spectacular storm riding from Lee's Ferry on the Colorado to Jacobs Lake. In the shadow of the Vermilion Cliffs, riding across the plain on a straight road, strong winds virtually blowing the bike from one side of the road to the other, in torrential rain (felt like home). We rode back into Vegas on a hot afternoon under a clear blue sky, only to be met with grey skies and rain as we touched down in London, sigh. We could easily make Southern Utah our home, if it were possible. So for now its back to work with winter approaching and only the photo's to remind us of the hot days with unbroken blue skies and red rock canyons (and of course my breakfasts at Denny's).

[highwayman2011]

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Just to rub it in a little I live in Pennsylvania and will be moving to the Las Vegas area in less than a month. I'm retiring and my wife took a school teaching job there. The scenery is spectacular.

[VulcanE]

John, glad you and the Misses had a great time. Remember, Y'all always welcome over here.

[smbke]

Happy to hear you had a great trip. Sorry I missed you! Maybe next time!

[cactusjack]

Up on the Kaibab Plateau, where Jacob Lake is located - you run about a 50-50 chance of getting rained on in the summer, with greater odds in the afternoon. I got soaked riding through there from Salt Lake City to Flagstaff in July. 10 miles later, I was dry again.

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

[duffy]

I'm headed down that way in a couple of weeks..............got tired of the rain here so I'm retiring and moving somewhere else. Southern Utah is the first stop. Using the toy hauler to find that "place". I'm thinking the southern Black Hills of South Dakota eventually.

[Silent Sam]

Glad to hear you had an enjoyable vacation in The Colonies...Utah's "Color Canyons" Area is just beautiful for sure..(I lived in Caliente~ Nev., Enterprise Utah, and St George Utah)..I hope you made the short ride though Snow Canyon..just north out of St George..

A few years ago I dropped of the Grand Canyon, North Rim into the Lee's Ferry Area...it was 70 degree's on top sunny and calm...5 miles later..at the bottom of the switch-back down grade off the rim..it was 114 degree's(f) with a 40mph cross wind from the south...all the way to Cortez Colorado...I stopped at every wide spot and bought a qt of gatorade..and drank it...it took me 6 -7 hours to cross there..and a couple gallons of Gatorade...and I never had to piss once..due to dehydrating temp's and wind's !

[Silent Sam]

Winters are EVIL in South Dakota...Summers are HOT in Color Canyons Country , I'v seen 127 degree's(f) in St George Utah,..

I sat myself up to have 80 degree summers in the area of Pie Town, New Mexico....and wet but mild winters here on the shaky side...(mighta-shoulda, went for the South Texas Gulf Coast for winters..?)

[BudMan]

Glad to hear you had an enjoyable trip. Monument Valley is on my wish list of places to ride.

[boyntonbeachrider]

Originally Posted by phot

We had a great time, flew into Vegas and picked up the rental bike from Eagle Rider before heading to St George in Utah. Took a detour on the road thru the Valley of Fire as suggested by a forum member, a beautiful ride and well worth it. Spent most of our time travelling in Southern Utah visiting the State Parks such as Zion, I never get tired of looking at the magnificent landscapes. Took a ride thru Monument Valley and to the North rim of the Grand Canyon staying at Jacobs Lake Inn. We attended a talk given by John Rich about the Navajo people and the weaving they produce, a great talk by a passionate man. Only one day of rain, rode thru a spectacular storm riding from Lee's Ferry on the Colorado to Jacobs Lake. In the shadow of the Vermilion Cliffs, riding across the plain on a straight road, strong winds virtually blowing the bike from one side of the road to the other, in torrential rain (felt like home). We rode back into Vegas on a hot afternoon under a clear blue sky, only to be met with grey skies and rain as we touched down in London, sigh. We could easily make Southern Utah our home, if it were possible. So for now its back to work with winter approaching and only the photo's to remind us of the hot days with unbroken blue skies and red rock canyons (and of course my breakfasts at Denny's).

Awesome place. We did the loop over there through the five National Parks , monument Valley and the Hoovr dam. Incredible scenery. Stayed at an incredible place too. Just outside of Moab called Red Cliffs Lodge. Love Utah.

[phot]

A few more photos of the trip, the road into Monument Valley, view into the Grand Canyon from the North Rim and on our from the North Rim down to the plain by the Vermilion Cliffs heading for Lee's Ferry. I wont be riding for a while now, yesterday I had my left hand operated on to cure the Carpal Tunnel problem, will be followed by an op on the right hand. Been suffering from problems with my hands for a few years now, hope the surgery solves it.

[duffy]

Originally Posted by Silent Sam

Winters are EVIL in South Dakota...Summers are HOT in Color Canyons Country , I'v seen 127 degree's(f) in St George Utah,..

I sat myself up to have 80 degree summers in the area of Pie Town, New Mexico....and wet but mild winters here on the shaky side...(mighta-shoulda, went for the South Texas Gulf Coast for winters..?)

Born and raised in SD.......certainly have four seasons. I might just have to pass thru Pie Town, NM. on my way east.

[Silent Sam]

Great Photo's phot ....looks like you had near perfect weather...and a well designed "back rest" ...

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Silent Sam

Winters are EVIL in South Dakota...Summers are HOT in Color Canyons Country , I'v seen 127 degree's(f) in St George Utah,..

I sat myself up to have 80 degree summers in the area of Pie Town, New Mexico....and wet but mild winters here on the shaky side...(mighta-shoulda, went for the South Texas Gulf Coast for winters..?)

It's hard to beat the Santa Cruz area. 50-70 all year round if you can get a place near or on the water.