Petroglyph National Monument

 We decided to make one more stop at a national monument on our trip.  This one is called Petroglyph National Monument.  This was another one that I was allowed to walk with the folks.  Mom really enjoyed it until Dad told her that we needed to get a move on because we had to be at our campground before sunset and it was further away than he thought.  We didn't get to walk the entire trail.  We walked about half and it was an easy walk.

The rest of the day was spent driving.  We arrived at Leasburg Dam State Park about 5 p.m.  I did not like this place at all.  Gravel, gravel, gravel.  I had to walk across gravel to get to a trail that was a cactus garden trail.  Mom kept an eye out for cactus and rattlesnakes while we walked it.  There was some dried out grass at the end of it but no matter how long Mom tried to get me to poo, I refused.  She was really worried I would get her up in the middle of the night but I am no fool, I didn't want to walk out there again. 

Our site at Leasburg Dam State Park

We left the next morning early because it was another long day of driving but Mom said we would be back in Texas. We crossed the state line early in the day, but I didn't see grass for quite a while.  We found some fake grass at a gas station and I was happy with that.  We arrived at South Llano State Park around 4 p.m.  There really wasn't grass, but there was dirt and weeds and that was fine with me. We forgot to take pictures here. Out site was nice and it was close to the restrooms.  Mom showered here but didn't like it because of the spiders.  They were large.

The next day we hit the road around 8 a.m. and we pulled into the parking lot of our condo at 3 p.m.  It was so nice to be home.  I was so excited when I walked into the condo that I jumped on the folks' bed and ran in circles.  

It has been nice being home. Everyone knows my name here and they all asked how my trip was and they said they missed me.

We were gone for seven weeks!  I missed my beach and my friends, but I am ready to go again.  Mom said we are going away for a few days around New Year's, so I guess I have that to look forward to.

Bryce Canyone and Kodachrome Basin State Park

On the last full day of our stay at Ruby's Campground, we headed back into Bryce Canyon.  We took the paved trail that dogs are allowed on.  It was a fun walk.

After we got back to the campground, the folks decided not to waste the day, so we drove to Kodachrome Basin State Park.  It is a small park and the fee is $10 a car.  We walked on a trail there.  I was glad when it was over because I was tired.

Our next stop is Zion National Park.

Jaxson,

The Greyhound Who Is Tired Of Walkin

Bryce Canyon

 We arrived at our campground, Ruby's Inn Campground and RV Resort on Friday.  Basically, Ruby owns a good section of this town.  He has restaurants, motels, tours, stores and a very large campground. The general store is quite pricey.  A can of Spam was over $8!  Canned tuna and chicken were just as high.  We did not buy anything there. There is a town nearby called Tropic. They have a very small grocery store and we were able to pick up some essentials there for not a lot more than at home.

The campground is somewhat nice.  We ended up with a decent site.  We pulled into our site instead of backing in because it was harder backing in with all the pine trees and when we backed in, it was so unlevel that we didn't think we could sleep with our heads going downhill.  Our spot is right off the paved street, so it is perfect for me.  There is a huge lawn in front of our site but it says "NO DOGS ON GRASS". So, we found another nice patch of grass around the pool that doesn't have signs. There are several nice areas around the park, so I am happy here.  While were are quire happy with our spot, we can definitely see why other campers would not be happy at all with theirs.  I think we have one of the best spots in the place. 

Mom has been very excited to visit Bryce Canyon. She wanted to see the HooDoos and they did not disappoint.  We all felt this national park is the best that we have seen.  We really like all the paved overlooks and I am even allowed on those.  They have a paved trail from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point that dogs are allowed on and I loved it.  I wish more national parks allowed dogs to walk around like this one does.

Here are some photos:

Hoodoos!!!

The weather has been really nice.  The highs are in the 70's and at nice, it is quite cool.  It was 37 when we woke up this morning.

Jaxson,

The Greyhound Who Is Losing Weight From All The Hiking

Rocky Mountains National Park

 The folks have been trying to get to Rocky Mountains National Park since 2003.  In 2003, they got to the gate and were told the park was closed due to snow.  This was in October of 2003.  Did you see the movie Vacation?  John Candy was in it and played the park ranger who told them the park was closed.  The park ranger who spoke to my folks looked just like John Candy and said the same thing " Sorry, folks, the park is closed."  Mom and Dad still laugh when they tell that story. They tried again in April of 2015 to go to the park and once again, it was closed due to snow.  Finally, we made it into the park.  The folks were a little disappointed. We saw elk, chimpmunks and a female moose.  She was way out in a field and Mom didn't get a a picture.  They really wanted to see a bull moose.

One recommendation that Mom has is using an app called GyPSy Guide.  You download the tour that you want on your phone and then it will play on your car speakers.  The guide follows you like a GPS and when you approach certain areas, it automatically plays. The guide tells you interesting tidbits but he also helps you know where to turn and which lane to be in.  Dad didn't think he would like it, but he really liked it and they are going to purchase tours for the Utah parks that we are going to see.

We purchased the America The Beautiful pass for $80. This gets us into all the parks for the next year.  It was $25 a day to get into Rocky Mountain National Park and we went three days, so we almost paid for it just here. We have several more parks to visit on this trip.

Okay, are you read to see some photos? There was a lot of smoke due to fires so the views were not as good as they could have been. The last day we were there, it was cloudy.

This is at Bear Lake.

This is Huffer's Hill. It is 1/2 mile up the hill. It is 2 miles above sea level. The folks made is halfway.

An elk

Me and Dad

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Fall colors

A chipmunk

That is it from Rocky Mountain National Park.

Jaxson,

The Greyhound Who Isn't Fond Of The Mountains