7/24/2021 Tropic, Utah to Loma, Colorado.

So, Ok, I never made friends with the horses, but it wasn't from lack of trying! I guess they just can't see me way down here. But there are also cows! Do you know they make pies! Cow Pies! And oh, my how delicious and fragrant. Food Lady didn't approve, but I sure tried to eat a little each time there was some! Cows are great! I hope we can get one.

We took a hot hike in Escalante yesterday morning. That's where I first discovered all the cow pies. The drive in was a bit bouncy. We had to get off the paved road to a gravel road, that turned into a dirt road, crossed a creek, and was just sand and bumps and not at all comfortable to ride in. The only one who seemed to be enjoying it was Snack Guy. Finally, that horror ended, and we were able to start our walk. Whew, I don't know if it was the heat or the altitude but after only a mile or so I had to flop in a mud puddle. As usual, and as I expected, that put a quick end to the hike. We turned around and made our way back to the car and a bumpy ride out.

After that, we went into another National Park, Bryce Canyon. We drove through it and saw all the amazing sights. Really, there's just no words for it in dog or human. There were huge boulders, deep canyons; it was as impressive as the Grand Canyon. We took several little, short hikes, but it was getting really hot, so we mostly drove from point to point. After a few hours of this, we made our way back to Tropic and a late lunch of BBQ. And it was as good as any NC BBQ. Yep, I said that.

But sadly, we left Tropic, Utah and the horses and cows behind. On the positive side, they tend to attract a lot of flies. I don't like flies. You can't see them well and they are fast, and they scare me. Unfortunately, our house in Tropic was right on a horse farm, so the flies were plenty, and they kept getting in the house. Every time I see one, I go hide in my crate until Snack Guy kills it; he's surprisingly good at it. So, after an evening of playing in Tropic we crashed hard and got up early. You know why? Because there were dynamite explosions close to the house at 6:00 am! I'm not even joking. I jerked up and barked and growled and ran to my crate, back out, barked again, but yes, there were at least 4 huge explosions. So, we were up. Couldn't figure out what in the world was going on. I was stressed but still managed to get a decent poop. Then Snack Guy took me for a walk, and we played fetch for a while on a baseball field. He talked to some people out on our walked and asked what all the explosions were, and he found out that July 24, in Utah is Pioneer Day. They celebrate it like 4th of July (I still don't really get that one either. Why when humans want to celebrate, do they blow things up so loudly? Can't they just roll in some mud? That's so much better.). Anyhow, from what I gathered, it's the day the first Mormon pioneer settlers came into Utah and called it home. I guess it was just that easy. That's kind of how our lives are now. We just move into a place and call it home. But anyhow, that meant celebrating, blowing thigs up loudly and early, and even parades. We got caught up in two parades, one in Tropic and another in the next town over, Escalante. It must be some holiday.

But wow, the drive after that. We made our way up the Grand Staircase, and into a town called Boulder (not the one in Colorado; that's in a few days). We continued north through Fish Lake National Forest and Dixie National Forest, and wow, oh wow the views. The cliffs, the peaks, the canyons. I tell you one thing, Utah always keeps you guessing about what's around the next corner. We when through red rock canyons, white, salt rock, mesas, and peaks, up into woods lands of pine and aspen. We went through one absolutely beautiful Aspen forest. Breathtaking views that made my head spin looking down on the green valleys. Each crest was something new and amazing, gorges, valleys, huge boulders balanced on craggy hoodoos. It was really something. At least that's what I would have seen if I could see over the seat. I was able to catch some, and they take me out a lot to sniff around, but most of what I got here was just listening to my Humans cry out in amazement and Food Lady making dashes out of the car to take pictures. They both claim this drive was the most amazing of the whole trip so far. I have no reason to doubt them. Even after we got off the back roads onto I-40 East, the scenery was still spectacular. I'll post some pictures, but like the Grand Canyon, pictures can't really do it justice.

It was a long drive to be sure, but eventually we found our way into Colorful Colorado (That's what it says on the welcome sign). And now were in the quaint little town of Loma. I was so excited I almost peed. We pulled into another farm and two dogs came out to greet us! A little puppy and a larger, older dog. We started playing as soon as I got out of the car. We played so hard my Humans almost couldn't get me to come in, but Food Lady played the food card, and well, you know…you have to eat! So, I ate. There's cows and horses here too!

Later, we went into town and found a local brewery because othering than driving and playing fetch the only thing Snack Guy likes is to find breweries. We sat out in the cool Colorado evening having a local brew and a hamburger. Now, I'm exhausted again, so I'll end it here, but I imagine there will be another hike tomorrow. So far Colorado is awesome.

I'll keep you posted.

Risa,

PS A drawback! The horses and cows attract flies here too! I'm currently hiding in my crate until Snack Guy gets them to go away. I hate flies.