Groggy Morning to you

How can this be? The B&B was so peaceful; the bed so comfortable; and yet I barely slept. Never-the-less, the morning is off to a wonderful start over a spread of coffee, OJ, a bowl of fruit, an egg and veggie scramble and pancakes. Once on our way, we make a few local stops to see some petroglyphs in the middle of the local golf course community and then to grab a lunch to eat at our trail head.

We stop at Newspaper Rock. It looks like I remember it. Just beyond the area we stop to observe several unmarked petroglyph panels. I swear, one etching is of a penguin. The valley floor has a purple cast from wildflowers and surrounding cliff walls harbor dozens of rock climbers.

We arrive at the Visitors Center. In the brilliant sun, a raven is snatching carry-out from the trash can outside. Inside the backcounty office is vacant except for a ranger ready to talk with us about our plans. We have our permits, but as we talk, it sounds like a pretty rough itinerary. We modify plans, eat our lunch outside under the raven’s watchful eye and drive to the Squaw Flat trail head.

The trail begins on dusty flat ground, but it isn’t far before we reach the first of the slick rock and the expansive colorful views. There are heavy downpours in the distance we are uncertain if we will be soaked by one before the day’s end. We are surprised to see ample water flowing in Squaw Creek. It isn’t long before we are at our campsite for the night. It is dusty and well used, but offers a few level-ground options. We set up camp and fix dinner. As evening approaches a buzzing chorus begin. The sound is like tiny frogs on even tinier mopeds. We walk a short distance to the creek. Ah–toads. Lost of them! Not long after, two deer visit. They take turns at the creek and watch us for awhile before retiring into the brush for the evening. The night sky is clear and I fall asleep to the mental image of the toads cruising around on those tiny mopeds.