From BCNP

Day 12: Awake off and on throughout the night with the heat, but slept until 5:30. Still groggy, but needed to start packing up.

The drive from Moab to Capitol Reef was pretty easy. Made it there around 10 and was on the trail by 10:30.

I started with the Rim Overlook trail, which was rated as moderate, but felt pretty easy compared to Syncline Loop yesterday.

The terrain wasn’t too dissimilar, and the trail was also well marked, didn’t even need to look at AllTrails, which is a confidence booster.

I saw a couple groups coming down when I was on my way up, but had the overlook to myself. It was nice, but I enjoyed the views from the trails more and turned around after a couple minutes.

Gravity makes the return journey a simpler task and I broke into a trot in a couple places.

About a half mile from the end I heard voices coming up the trail. As I got closer, I realized they were not on the trail and had wandered into a dead end in the canyon after missing a turn. I scurried after them, and confirmed they were a little lost. Fortunately, they were truly just a little off the trail, and I was able to lead them back in just a couple minutes.

I bid them good luck, and finished off the rest of Rim Overlook. I also decided to add on the other trail that started from the same trailhead, Hickman’s Bridge. It was a short 1.5 mile loop with a natural bridge at the end.

After completing the hike, I drove around other parts of the park, but the majority of the scenic drive was closed (I think because of a rock slide). All things considered, it was probably for the best, as I was able to start the drive down to Bryce Canyon sooner.

As I got closer to the park, I saw smoke from a wildfire that had blown in due to strong winds. I was really looking forward to hiking here, so hopefully that doesn’t get in the way. The campground is fully booked, but about half the spots are empty. I wonder if they know something I don’t?

Hopefully this blows out of here quickly.

Day 13: It did not blow through overnight. It also dipped into the 30’s, so I double upped on sleeping bags part of the way through the night. All things considered, I got a great night of sleep.

There’s some ash on the tent, but the air quality isn’t too bad. Even though I’m in the same campground tonight, I have to pack up because I wasn’t able to get one sight for two nights.

I spent last night trying to decide between two of the top rated hikes on AllTrails. I decided to start with Fairyland Loop, because there is a connecting trail from my campground.

Still a chilly 40 degrees at the start, but I’m sufficiently layered and get on my way at 7:30. Although there is a little smoke, I don’t think it is slowing me down too much. The worst part is it clouds some of the pictures.

It warmed up quickly and I’m shedding the long pants a mile in, and the jacket less than a mile later. The gloves and hat came off before mile 3. I have a small day pack, and had to tie the jacket onto it to make everything fit.

There is no one else on the trail until mile 4, and I was beginning to think that I wouldn’t see anyone else.

The smoke started to clear the last couple miles and a few more hikers came from the other direction. Once I got up to the rim there were even more people, and clearer sky’s.

I made good time on the hike, and decided on the way up to double up with Figure 8.

Stopping briefly for an early lunch, I drove over to the trailhead, that was crammed with people. There are multiple trails and observation points by this parking lot and I was lucky to get a spot.

I was on the trail again a little after 11, and this one had a cool start with some switchbacks that brought hikers into the canyon.

It was much more crowded, as the first loop, the Navajo Loop, is only a few miles and accessible to families and retirees. Even Peekaboo Loop was crowded. But the Hoodoos were even better than those on Fairyland.

I finished off Figure 8 and my watch had me just over 6 miles. Wanting to get a few more on the day, I hiked up to Inspiration Point along the Rim Overlook trail. This portion was much quieter, and I learned why as I approached Inspiration Point and saw a parking lot with folks streaming off a bus. I guess people won’t work hard to achieve Inspiration if they don’t have to.

Not yet 2pm and 16 miles down, I called it a day. Stopping by the visitor center then heading to my campsite which is approximately 35 yards from where I stayed last night.

I caught up with a few friends, then started on dinner. I’ve made pancakes exactly once in my life, but one of my goals going into the trip was to make pancakes for dinner a few times. As it was the earliest I had set up camp, it seemed like the right time.

I’m sure you’re imagining the attempt went poorly, but I’m happy to report it was a smashing success. I definitely did not slightly burn every single pancake in the first batch. The centers were cooked to perfection, not undercooked in the slightest. After such a great first attempt, I didn’t double down on a second batch. And if I had they would have come out even better. My propane tank had enough fuel too. Didn’t have to change that midway through. Yep, it was a success, clean-up too! If it had gone poorly, then it would have taken a long time to scrub burn marks off the pan. Yes, it was a success. If it wasn’t, I would have ended my day with instant mashed potatoes and canned peas.