So...I wanted to go see "The Wave", which is a unique geological formation in the Middle of Nowhere, Utah. Most people have probably seen a picture of it on a scenic calendar, screensaver, etc. Problem is, only 20 people are allowed in each day. Permits for 10 slots per day are distributed in an advance lottery on the i-net, and the other 10 per day are given out at the ranger station daily in a "walk-in" lottery.I had failed at 2 attempts to get one on-line, so I decided to just go there and see what happened.
Now, this would take careful planning. And,the XT's were an absolutely integral part of the plan.......We drove the truck camper with XT's in tow to Utah, then over near the ranger station. The isolated campground was 10 miles down a very primitive road, so we knew once we got to the campground, the truck/camper wouldn't be moving....we would use the XT's to zip over to the ranger station daily to try for a permit.That worked out fabulously; the road was really fun to ride on....scenic, with ruts, rocks, sand, etc. to keep things interesting. The round trip to the ranger station would be 30 miles.
Here is the campground.....
In the closer view, we see the Serows have surreptitiously sneaked to the front of the campsite, being anxious to get on the road.
Having just arrived, however, we had to set up camp, and relax a bit; here is Spouseman dog-sitting...
The next morning, we went to the ranger station. 57 people were there, all hoping to get one of 10 spots. We did not get one. No worries, though, since we had the XT's to entertain us all day. There were many nice dirt roads (BLM), and they were actually marked with numbers, so it was a carefree day of sightseeing......
Next morning, there were 33 people at the ranger station. And.......WE GOT A PERMIT !!! It was for the next day, so we had another day of riding. This time, we incorporated some pavement, and made a loop, over to Jacobs Lake, which is a campground with store and gas station, etc. in the area of the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We had been to the rim before, so we did't go this time. Now...to the HIKE....TO THE WAVE !!!!
But first, we had to use the Serows again, to drive the mile to the trailhead parking lot. Then, the trail... it started out being visible....
With nice scenery, of course....
Soon, the trail disappeared, and the surface went from dirt/sand to all rock. The BLM had given everyone a handout that included a topo map and pictures of a series of rock formations and other landmarks. We were to head toward whatever was shown in the picture, then, once there, sight the next "point", head there, and keep repeating.
Well, after the first "point", Spouseman decided I was headed the wrong way, and took off on his own. Of course, he had no map or pictures to follow. So, of course, he never made it to THE WAVE. The only problem was, my motorcycle key was in his backpack. Oh well...no time to worry about that now.......ONWARD !!!
The terrain shifted between sloped/slickrock to vast expanses of sand, and, I was the only one out there, as far as the eye could see...what a great feeling! It was warm, around 90F, but there was a breeze. I walked slowly and sipped at my water constantly.
Sometimes there were long stretches between the "landmarks"....
But, there was never a lack of things to see
Eventually, I arrived !!
This is the first part of The Wave that one sees. Then....
I could have stayed there for hours, but had to get back to the campsite to take care of the dogs...and, oh yeah...had to see about sending out a search party for Spouseman! A few of the scenes leaving The Wave...
After hiking about 7 miles round trip, I arrived at the parking lot....2 Serows were there....hmmmmm.....as I said before, Spouseman had my key in his pack. So, I walked a mile back to the campground, got the extra key, tended to the dogs, then headed back to the parking lot to retrieve my XT. Eventually Spouseman showed up at the campsite...he had wandered off the route and sat and waited for me to go by, but he could see neither me nor any of the other hikers because he was not in the right place. I think he was less than 2 miles from the start, so he eventually went back.
It was a wonderful trip...perfect weather, and a deserted campground. I plan on going back next year, with some better maps of the BLM roads, so even if I never again get a hiking permit, there will always be great roads and scenery.
