Autumn 2017 Roadtrip Postcards: Sunrise from Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point is a state park that features an excellent viewpoint for Canyonlands National Park’s canyons. After shooting the night sky before dawn on Thursday morning, I drove out to the point to capture some images and drink in the scenery. Here are a few cell phone shots.

Dawn over the La Sal Mountains.

Predawn reflected light illuminates the canyons.


First light touches the canyons and buttes in Canyonlands National Park.

Autumn 2017 Roadtrip Postcards: Canyonlands National Park, Grandview Point

I arrived at Canyonslands National Park’s Island in the Sky district early enough on Wednesday to get a few photos from the Grandview Point Lookout. Here’s the best of the bunch off my phone. That light colored line in the foreground is 100-mile long White Rim Road, a dirt road I’d love to explore with my Jeep one day.

A view from Grandview Point into some of Canyonlands National Park’s canyons.

Autumn 2017 Roadtrip Postcards: Capitol Reef National Park Drive-Through

After spending Tuesday night at a friend’s house in Torrey, UT, I continued east through her neighborhood National Park: Capitol Reef. I didn’t take many photos with my iPhone, but this one does show off my rig nicely. 

My truck, Turtleback 2 camper, and tiny jet boat, parked in the desert.

Autumn 2017 Roadtrip Postcards: Cottonwood Campground 

Drove most of the day from Idaho east into Montana and then south back into Idaho. The stretch of I-90 between Coeur d’Alene and St. Regis (where I refueled and treated myself to a Huckleberry shake) was absolutely stunning with peak fall color. If you live in the area, go for a drive as soon as possible to soak in the beauty. 

I was hoping to get to MacKay where there’s a nice campground on a reservoir that is stayed in before but found a nice one right on the Salmon River about 70 miles north of there. It’s just me and one other camper here. Should be a nice, quiet night. 

I managed to back my rig into a riverside site — no small feat when you’re towing a boat so small you can’t see it in any mirror.


A look down the Salmon River from my campsite.


Finally got a chance to test ride my MATE power-assist folding bike. Long story there.


The sun set behind the hills, but Mother Nature still treated us to a light show.

Autumn 2017 Roadtrip Postcards: Coeur d’Alene, ID

I spent the first night of my trip in Coeur d’Alene, ID, with friends. It didn’t take much for them to talk me into spending the night in their extremely comfortable guest room where I slept nine hours straight. In the morning, Penny and I went for a predawn walk along the boardwalk that runs between their home and the Spokane River. 

A look down the Spokane River Just downriver from Coeur d’Alene.

Predawn walk along the Spokane River.