The Deserted Reef

We haven't taken a weekend trip for a while, so both Jeremy and I were itching to get out of town. We headed off on a sunny Friday morning to Capitol Reef. In order to keep the trip relaxing we avoided I-15 in Utah County by driving on the west side of Utah Lake. It has become one of our favorite drives, hardly anyone is on the road and the view of the lake and Mt. Timpanogos is beautiful. We also like to stop at this farm in Goshen and buy fresh eggs ($2/dozen, what a deal). I am sad to say that when we stopped by but they must have been out doing chores because there was no answer. I started to wander the farm to find them, but there were some very big dogs behind a fence and I did not trust the fence.

So we continued on and stopped at another favorite place, The Red Barn in Santaquin. It was 9:00 a.m. so what else would you eat, but sour cherry turnovers and chocolate almond ice cream. Ethan was most interested in the ice cream. (We haven't started him on solids yet, but he has quite an interest, maybe soon). We also enjoyed their chocolate covered cherries, kettle corn and strawberry cherry salsa later in the trip. A few hours later we arrived in Torrey, which looked like a ghost town so we never spent anytime exploring the town. 

We went straight to Capitol Reef and had our first picnic of the year complete with: Pan Bagna (my mom's specialty sandwich), grapes, Pringles, Izze soda, pumpkin cookies for dessert, and 70 degree weather. We picnicked right next to an orchard that was in bloom. 

We hiked and then headed to Cowboy Cabins. There were 4 cabins on an original 150-acre pioneer ranch. This was a highlight for me. It was a tiny cabin with everything you need for a few day stay. The stars were spectacular the first night--I was so tired the second night that I forgot to check. The second day we took a scenic drive to Boulder. We were planning to do a long hike, but when we got there it was so windy we changed our plans and did a simple hike and picnicked in the car. Ethan loves hiking, or shall I say riding in a pack while someone else does the hiking.

We had reservations at Hell's Backbone Grill. The restaurant was good--although each of us had our own commentary and critique. I think my dish was the best, pumpkin pinon enchiladas with a sweet habanero corn cream--very good. The desserts did not disappoint. We had the lemon chiffon cake and the chocolate chili pot. Both of these recipes are on their website and I recommend them. The next day we woke up to snow and headed home. We had a nice visit with Jeremy's parents on the way. Good trip, nice to finally check Capitol Reef off the list -- don't think it makes the cut for a second trip. Zion and Arches are too much of a favorite.