Last week I took the Ms. up camping in North-Eastern Utah – 2 nights without the kids. We stopped in Vernal at the Forest service info. place and got some maps and different ideas on where to go exploring. They told us about Jones Hole, the Ashley forest, Dinosaur NP and Flaming Gorge area. I was highly indecisive as to where to go but finally made up my mind to got up highway 191 towards the gorge.

When cruising along what to my wondering eyes should appear but beautiful slabs of mohave sandstone, very Moabesque and inviting. I saw a sign for a state park called Red Fleet and we went to check it out. Upon inspection of the park we liked what we saw and decided to stay for the night. There was a very nice reservoir there and a good campground. There was hardly anybody there so we got the sense of remoteness and solitude that we were looking for. There are some red sandstone fins which look like sail of a ship coming into harbor, thus the name.

We attempted to go swimming at night with the full moon on the rise and the sound of frogs croaking in the background but I was a major wuss as the water temperature was something like 60 degrees. The next day we did some exploring and hiked to the tip top of a nearby slickrock dome. Then we packed up and headed off to a place called Jones Hole.

The first European to discover Jones Hole was a member of Major Powell’s Rio Grande exploration team. (those dudes had one crazy adventure). The US forest service uses the natural spring water that flows there for a fish hatchery. It is a 4 mile hike from Jones Hole to the mighty Green river.

We began our hike and about 1/2 mile down came across a bunch of Freemont Indian petroglyphs and pictographs. There is also the remains on a canyon shelter/dwelling. About another mile and a half down a side canyon opens up called Ely canyon. We went up exploring for a bit and came to a small and refreshing waterfall. We did not hang around too long as the mosquito’s were viciously attacking me.

We turned back and continued down the stream towards the river. We passed back country campers, anglers and river rats heading up to the ruins or water fall. We made it to the river but left quick as once again mighty vicious mosquito’s bit me over and over again. No kidding I had bites on top of other bites. (If only I would have brought that jacket to cover up with) At one point the itching was so bad I leaped into the stream bank and covered my arms and legs in mud – which brought sweet relief.

We got back to the truck just as huge gusts of wind and rain came sweeping down on us. Back up to the top of the mountain we climbed and rolled on back to our camp. We checked out other camping along the way but nothing beat Red fleet. It was only two nights but it was a grand time. Much renewal and refreshing scenery, sounds and smells to take in.

Check out a bit of the video I took up Ely canyon. There was much more but unfortunately I am having major video issues when trying to convert to a swf file.

In Ely Canyon from Glen Gunnell on Vimeo.