Leaving Goblin Valley we headed to Hanksville for food. But not much of a grocery store in Hanksville. Well, bummer. The next closest place for food was either back to Green River 54 miles or on to Torrey 59 miles. We're starting home so Torrey was the logical choice. We remember the drive from Hanksville to Torrey as being straight, flat and boring. But to our surprise it had way more contour than we remember, a nice drive. The section through Capitol Reef NP was very scenic but also very busy. In Torrey we stocked up and stayed overnight at an RV Park.

One of the goals for the trip was to see Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef. But, darn it, we ran out of time. I guess we'll have to come back.

The plan from Torrey was to go back to Capitol Reef NP and take the Norton Bullfrog Rd sourth to the Burr Trail. The Burr Trail goes up into Escalante Grand Staircase meeting Hwy 12 in Boulder UT. However, it rained heavily the night we were in Torrey and since some of this route is unpaved, we opted out. Should have tried it but we're wimps.

The alternate was to take Hwy 12 directly from Torrey. Not a bad choice, Hwy 12 is one of the nicest drives around. Climbing out of Torrey the views are great. Then, once over the moutain, and through Boulder, the scenery takes a desert slant. Here's also a pic looking towards Calf Falls. We're aiming for home so didn't spend much time site seeing, been here before. Did stop at the grocery stores in Escalante for a few items, slim picking though.

Being a Tuesday we decided to try staying at Kodachrome SP outside Cannonville. Nice campground. Since we were there last they renovated the restrooms. They now have the best showers we've seen in a campground, full on rain head. Surprisingly wonderful.

We asked those at Kodachrome abut driving Cottonwood Canyon. They though there'd be no problem so we headed that direction. This is a dirt road south coming out a little east of Kanab. A real short cut compared to the highway. Also takes a lot longer. The road was easily passable. The start was a lesson in washboard travel, Denise was not pleased. But when it dropping into Cottonwood Canyon, past Grosvenor Arch, the road surface noticably improved. A fine but very dusty drive.<./p>

Went the southern route, Hwy 89A, and stoped overnight at Jacob Lake. One stop on the way, in Kanab, for a real grocery store.

From Jacob Lake it's just driving back towards Flagstaff. Stopped for lunch at the Cameron Trading Post. Very large tourist shop, but also a high end Navajo/Hopi art galary. Beautiful things we couldn't afford, and wouldn't know what to do with. But it was great to browse. The wind really kicked up on this leg. Hard to drive Ziggy pulling Waldo in heavy winds. Tiring day. Ended up where we started at Bonito CG just north of Flagstaff. Miracle of miracles though, we asked if they found our steps (first day of trip one month ago). They said sure, want them back. Absolutely, thank you. So we didn't have our steps for the entire trip but we started with them and now are ending with them. It was a windy night at Bonito.

The drive from Bonito to home was through a wind storm. Not a pleasant drive pulling Waldo. Down right scary a few times. Should have waited out the storm but closing in on the weekend we couldn't stay at Bonito. Likely could have boondocked, but so close to home and all....