What a stellar day! Was a little worried driving into Escalante this morning as it seemed the whole town was shut down and deserted (Sunday?), including the two gas stations. And I needed gas!
Tried one pump of a closed station and found it worked quite fine if paying by credit card!
Headed east on Hiway 12 - also deserted. Some spectacular country! Took some photos at a viewpoint (37.74660N 111.45396W). Wanted badly to stay at very scenic Calf Creek campground, but was short of some critical supplies, so noted it for next time. $7. for a very small, very well maintained National Forest site compares well to some in Yoho at more than double the price and get nothing. Town of Boulder has two horses - both asleep, but nevertheless provided strong wi-fi at the only stop sign in town. Determined that I now have to go through Capitol Reef National Monument, so pulled up all the camping info, maps, fees online to make the visit easy.
Had to then drive north over a 9400' pass where it was down to -3C (see pic). Now publishing this update courtesy of the Best Western in Torrey (38.31999N 111.38261W) before I head into the supposed isolation of the Park. You will be glad to know that I got parked last nite in time to tune in to the Leafs beating the Oilers on the old sat TV. Eventually, I will get south, but this scenery keeps slowing me down. The 9400' pass area will be great spring or fall, but just a bit too cool for my liking this time around. Better get goin' down the road.