The day started with the temp in the tent at 33 degrees. Very windy day also. But, sunny, which made the colors great. We were able to view both the Petrified Forest and some of the Painted Desert. The name Petrified Forest is a bit misleading. The trees existed long ago, and it is believed that they were washed here in a huge flood, and covered with silt. All you see is desert here now. But upon closer inspection you will see a forest's worth of petrified trees lying scattered everywhere. In some places the trees are partially uncovered as the soil around them is gradually washed away by the rain. The painted desert is made up of many layers of different minerals which are exposed as erosion takes its normal course, leaving behind beautifully striped, oddly shaped hills. Our day ended with a rain shower accompanied by 30 to 40 mph winds. Our tent held out pretty well, all things considered; only got a few puddles and were able to keep the sleeping bags dry. Hope it's done raining for the night! We'll see more of the Painted Desert tomorrow on our way to the Grand Canyons. By the way, we are in MST which is same as Pacific time.
We will be at the Canyons 4 days. Then Zion, Bryce, and Canyonlands. At all of these locations, internet is scarce. Not sure when we'll be able to send next update. When we do, it'll probably be without pictures, as they take a long time to upload if and when the Wifi has a healthy signal. We'll do the best we can. Stay tuned...
Painted Desert
Newspaper Rock
This log was about 130 feet in length
Some were over 5 feet thick
One of many thousands
Prong Horn Antelope in the wild
It was a chilly windy day
About 18 inches in diameter
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