Another Winter Break came and with it came another wonderful trip with a few of the international students — Hieu Nguyen, Linh Nguyen, and Ngoc Quyen, all from Vietnam.

We headed out early on a Thursday and visited Glenwood Hot Springs for a swim in the outdoor pool.  We were able to make a scenic sunset drive through Colorado National Monument before settling down in Grand Junction, Colorado for the night.

The next day, we visited, in order, Dead Horse State Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park.  No matter how many times I have visited these treasures, I always enjoy them more and more.  Hiking them in the winter is a special experience of solitude and contrast.

On Saturday, we made the drive up to Dinosaur National Monument through the lonely backroads of Colorado.  Due to snow, we swung back over into Utah and managed to get in a long hike along the Green River.  We did not see a soul over the many miles of hiking that day — it was simply glorious …  The day was made complete by a visit to the Quarry Exhibit Hall to see the fossils.

I enjoyed Sunday the most.  We drove up to Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area.  After arranging a car shuttle through a local fishing guide, the four of us hiked 7 miles through the Green River canyon on the Little Hole National Scenic Trail, once again encountering no other hikers.  If you have a taste for adventure, then this jaunt would definitely fit the bill!

Our journey was completed the next day by the drive along I-80 back east through the vast, snowy plains of southern Wyoming.

Thank you, Linh, Ngoc, and Hieu … thank you for giving me the gift of your time …