We arrive in San Francisco and will drive up into the mountains to Buck Meadows, stopping off at the historic little town of Groveland before bunking down at the Blackberry Inn Bed & Breakfast, famous for its endless and year round supply of humming birds. I can't wait to see them again!
We will head into Yosemite for the day and if the weather permits, climb up to the Toulumne Meadows to view this incredible high alpine pasture and to view Yosemite Valley from above.
OCTOBER 10
One last look at Tunnel View before heading to Fresno through Wawona and a flight to Las Vegas. Two nights at the Venetian - lots of shopping - a Cirque de Soleil "Love" show and hopefully dinner at Nobu with a cocktail or two
OCTOBER 12 & 13
Revisiting the amazing Zion National Park and staying at the Desert Peal Inn - a very elegant hotel right where it is all happening. I am looking forward to taking the shuttle into the depth of the park at sunset.
OCTOBER 14
We start our journey to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with a drive through the mountain on the Mt Carmel Highway and onto Kaibab where we will stay for 2 nights to take full advantage of out stay at this wonderous place.
OCTOBER 14 & 15
I plan to explore this side of the Grand Canyon slowing really taking in the different vistas and hopefully enjoying the sunset from The Lodge. They also offer lots of informative chats with the various Rangers throughout the day. Plus photos photos and more photos.
OCTOBER 16 - Joys 81st Birthday
We are heading to Bryce Canyon - what an amazing place! Hope she likes her birthday present plus we are going to stay at the brand new BW Grand.
OCTOBER 17
Now I am on unexplored territory - driving the Scenic byway 12 past Kodachrome Basin, Escalante and the other Boulder to stay in Torrey, Utah and Capital Reef National Park. Our one night stay is at the Torrey School House - looks very quaint.
OCTOBER 18
I am excited about this next day - we are heading to Mexican Hat via Hanskville and staying the night at the Valley of the Gods B & B - I am looking forward to seeing this interesting part of the US.
OCTOBER 19
Heading north to Moab for a night - gateway for river rafting on the mighty Colorado River down through the Grand Canyon - not for us but so much more to see in this beautiful area. Our next night stay is only 30 minutes away so we can make full use of our day especially seeing the amazing Dead Horse Point.
OCTOBER 20
I found this next stop while playing with Google Earth on the iPad. Sorrel River Ranch on scenic highway 128 right on the Colorado River - a treat!
OCTOBER 21 & 22
This is going to be an exciting day - not only are we taking Amtrak from Grand Junction to Winter Park but I also have to get Joy and the luggage on and off the train without a platform! I have chosen to do this journey by train because the track follows the river through Glenwood Canyon and that amazingly engineered road plus it goes through Gore Canyon near Kremmling which is only accessible by river or rail - scene of many exciting Western movies with baddies hanging off the sides of trains suspended over the raging Colorado.
Even more exciting is the fact that we meet up with Katy, Chris and Matilda for 2 glorious nights at Devils Thumb Ranch near Winter Park. It is luxurious; it is vast and it is pet friendly! A day for hanging out relaxing and eating fine food.
OCTOBER 23
We are all heading for Boulder 30 minutes from Denver to meet friends and go to a College Football game and some more shopping. My daughter like myself, has positioned us within credit card distance of the 29th Street Mall - she is well trained! And finally I will get to go to Wholefoods supermarket after 10 years of missing it.
OCTOBER 24
Back to Steamboat Springs for a few last days with Katy and Chris enjoying the finale of the fall trees and hopefully (or otherwise) no snow. But definately a fondue night at Cafe Diva! I can already smell the cheese fondue and the Chocolate Martini!
OCTOBER 27-29
Home sweet home Denver, Los Angeles and the A380.
