Desert Exploration

My apologies for the double post! I realized this morning after posting that we were home that I completely forgot to post about our last SLC adventure! In keeping with the 1:1 treatment: adventure rule, this past weekend, we decided that the last adventure called for a special adventure. We decided to pack up our adventure gear and head toward the San Rafael Swell. We knew it would be hot, but so would SLC. It was 102* in SLC when we left. 

We headed out toward the Swell without any particular plan other than "to see cool stuff". And see it we did! We initially set our sites on the Wedge Overlook and the Little Grand Canyon (Thanks for the suggestion, Holly). We explored that area and others via some Jeep roads, some desert two-tracks, and a map. We finally found the perfectly secluded, shady, off-the-grid camping spot that we had both been searching for. Eric and I enjoyed a calm, desert evening which even included a gentle rain. 

Once the rain stopped, the temperature was quite pleasant. We were able to camp with the tent fly off all evening which provided a great view for star gazing. The stars were so pretty!

The next day we found some pictographs and a few canyons to explore on foot. Despite the climbing temperatures, the hike was great! We were even lucky enough to find a spring that was still running! Aspen and Shelby thoroughly enjoyed the desert oasis created by the running water....twice! We both had fun trying to identify various tracks in the sand, different rock formations, and some of the plants. 

Throughout the trip, we were in awe of the harshness of the desert environment, the starkness of the scenery, and the fact that everything in the desert was trying to poke us!

What a great adventure it was and I am so happy that we went. While this isn't our last adventure by any stretch of the imagination, it is hopefully one of our last Utah adventures for a while!