Jacob Lake
First, Happy three month Birthday Gracie Sue!!
We have spent last two days just kicking back at a forest service campground at the Jacob Lake intersection where the road takes off to the north rim of Grand Canyon. There is a small lodge and gas station across the road. Very nice campground. No hookups but large, level, gravel camp sites with lots of room between. Our site is at the back of campground, away from road (which is not really that busy, dead at night) and looks out over nothing but trees. Another plus (right now) is that the elevation is 8700’+. Very comfortable days (85 degrees or less) and cool nights. Clean air, blue skies by day and dark nights with lots of stars. The rest of our trip will be at lower elevations and hotter so we have been watching the weather and extended our stay here ‘till lower temps forecast in our direction. Today we took a couple of hikes. Got in over five miles.
Some Kaibab Squirrels we saw on our walk. The Kaibab Squirrel is only found on the Kaibab Plateau which is the land mass that extends from roughly where we are (Highway 89A on a map) south to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Pointy ears and white tails. Very different from any squirrel we have seen. They are also very skittish. Other squirrels will retreat to a safe distance and then watch you to see what you are up to. Chipmunks and ground squirrels are even braver to the point of approaching you some times. These guys head for a tree as soon as they see you coming and keep climbing. Fun to see this rare animal in his environment.
There really is a Jacob Lake. It is about a mile from the intersection down a gravel road. The original inn and road were near here. Historic ranger station is just across road behind where pictures were taken. For several reasons the road and inn were moved to higher ground (nearly 100 years ago) leaving the lake alone in its peaceful setting.
). Pleasant, informative crew eager to share insights and answer questions.
) in Torrey. It was the beginning of a holiday weekend. First two parks were full. Third park (a very nice one) had space (we were there just after noon). Settled in and then back to Capitol Reef visitors center. Got info and then drove the roads and saw the sights of Capitol Reef. Entrance to park is located near/at old Mormon settlement and homestead. There are still functioning orchards with trees that must be pushing 100 years old. Pick what you can eat on the spot otherwise 50 cents a pound. Again, great views of the reef – but always manages to be different.
