September 18, 2022 - Utah Flight
Escalante River, Lake Powell, Sky Bryce
 
Our four rides lined up on the Escalante Airport ramp.
   
From the ramp, looking up at the pilot's lounge.
   
After takeoff, checking out the little town of Escalante.
   
Looking east where the Escalante River cuts through the rock.
   

The plan was to fly the Escalante River down to Lake Powell, then south over Lake Powell, then back northwest to Bryce Canyon Airport where we would have lunch at Ruby's Inn.

Now we are on the Escalante River, heading southeast.
   
An offshoot of the river.
   
 
   
The spot where the All American Highway 12 crosses the river.  There is a trailhead parking lot here.
   
 
   
The thin ribbon of river is just visible.
   
Crazy rock formations off to the side.
   
 
   
 
   
Chuck lights up some smoke off to the side.
   
 
   
 
   
Some red rock off to the northeast.
   
A good shot of the thin river.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
The river circles around a worn butte.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Then suddenly, the Escalante River becomes Lake Powell.  Complete with boats!
   
 
   
A popular beach on the Lake.
   
We come to Lake Powell proper; really, the Colorado River backed up by Glen Canyon Dam.
   
A typical side canyon.
   
Now we are headed west.
   
 
   
At center is the famous Rainbow Bridge arch.
   
Close-up.  It is accessible only via boat then short hike.
   
 
   
Some civilization at Dangling Rope Canyon.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
We made a right at a large offshoot called Last Chance Bay and headed northwest -- directly towards Bryce Canyon.
   
Passing by a large Butte.
   
Soon we had left the water and had to climb into the rising terrain.
   
Looking southwest.
   
I was looking for Grosvenor Arch.  I did not find it.  Next time.
   
Still looking southwest.
   
Bryce Canyon dead ahead; clearly visible because of its red cliffs.
   
Bryce Canyon sits on a mesa at the top of the cliffs.   We landed on runway 21, with strong crosswind.  This was easily the windiest landing of the entire trip.  I really had to step on the rudder; there wasn't a lot left.
   
But we all made it.  Here, safe on deck at Bryce Canyon Airport.
   
 
   
Ruby's Inn has a free shuttle to come pick you up at the airport and take you back to the Inn.  It's about 2.4 miles so you really don't want to walk it.  You just call them up and they come get you.
   
We had a delicious lunch at Ruby's Inn Cowboy Buffet & Steak Room.  Also in the large building is this central area and a well-stocked general store/gift shop.
   
It was a short flight from Bryce Canyon Airport to Escalante Airport.  Our path took us between Barney Top plateau (over 10,500 feet) and Canaan Peak (9,340 feet).  The wind was blowing at Escalante too, about 45 degrees off the runway, but not nearly as bad as Bryce Canyon Airport.  Here we are back-taxiing on runway 31.
   
Back at the campsite, Mark's tent is at front left and mine farther back to the right.
   
Chuck flying his drone.  Later we would give him the callsign of "Gadget".
   
The pavilion area with picnic table, refrigerator, gas grill, sink, utensils, etc.
   
The fire pit complete with lots of very dry wood was a big hit.
   
Mark liked the fire a little too much so we gave him a callsign of "Pyro".
   
 
   
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