LOCATION: Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah
WEATHER: Cold, windy. Highs in 40s
We packed up at Calf Creek, with an early start. It was about 40 degrees when we left. As we climbed Boulder Mountain at 10,000 feet, we watched the temperature gauge drop to 25. On the other side of the mountain, we encountered blowing snow.
We drove about 60 miles north and east. Our destination was Capitol Reef National Park. This is our third one in Utah. The others so far are Zion and Bryce. All are different, but all are on the Colorado Plateau so they have amazing sandstone cliffs with brilliant colors. This one is unusual in that part of it is a valley where Mormon settlers farmed in the 1800s and early 1900s. The town was called Fruita, and their apple, peach and pear orchards remain. The trees are now in bloom. One original farmhouse is the park's museum and gift shop where they sell baked goods and homemade jams. We bought some bread and George couldn't resist a pie. 
We walked a mile on the footpath to the visitor's center, passing through Fruita. All of a sudden, we heard what sounded like gunshots. Then a piece of the cliff cracked, and dust came billowing out. We were awestruck! George later asked a ranger about it, but he had never heard of such a thing.
We unhooked the camper and drove the scenic road deeper into the canyons. The road turned to gravel. Pretty bumpy. We decided not to hike the trails as the wind was really stirring up the dust.
There are many marmots in this area. We saw one, who begged for food. Then, this herd of mule deer ambled through the campground. They still have their winter coats. 
We built a fire to keep warm. The sites are fairly close, so we chatted with tent neighbors.
DINNER: Corned beef and baked potato with green beans on the side.
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