Utah, Colorado, New Mexico

BRIGHAM CITY, UTAH




From Boise, Idaho to Brigham City, Utah (about 7 hours with stops)

Population is approximately 18,000, with 89% being white and 10% Hispanic.  


Brigham City is in the county of  Box Elder and most of the growth occurred in the 50's ad 60's.

Mormon pioneer William Davis first explored the Brigham City area in 1850.   He returned a year later to create permanent homes.   Brigham Young led additional settlers to the site and eventually the town was named Box Elder (1855).  

The county was named for the box elder trees that abound in the county.   The boxelder is a hardy maple tree.   This time of year, the hillsides are red and beautiful.

When the town was incorporated (1867), the name was changed to Brigham City in honor of Brigham Young.  

July 2010 a groundbreaking ceremony was held by a native of Brigham City - Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The Box Elder Tabernacle, aka the Brigham City Tabernacle.

Downtown Brigham City

Almost every block has a four way stop (not lights) and changes in speed.   Traffic is vey quiet - especially on Sundays.   I was driving down a side street to go out to the refuge centre and notice a sheriff truck behind me.   No problem.   But, I notice the speed limit changed from 40 mph to 35, with the block and slowed down.   While looking down at the speedometer - I drove through a four way stop!

So, ticketed!  Next day, went to go to the court house to pay the $120.00 fine only to find they have not got the info entered into the system yet and no way to pay.   Could try a money order (NOT - we don't have a U.S bank account), cash which we are limited on and don't want to do OR pay on line.   Went back three time as they said the info should come through by 4 PM ---- it didn't.   We are leaving town early the next morning    So, most times, we have found paying anything with VISA on line is an issue as the account is attached to our Canadian address and most places will not accept a visa card without a U.S address.

Anyway, it went through and we carried on.   

Sigh ----- my first ticket ever, so not feeling too bad!

All excited to get up early and go to the Wild Bird Refuge (world renowned).  

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Set the alarm and all excited to check out the bird refuge with camera and tripod in tow as the sun rises. 

This is the view along the drive in the morning - with me, myself and I.

The Bear River flows into the NE arm of the Great Salt Lake.  The refuge protects the marshes found at the mouth of the Bear River - these marshes are the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

Over 250 species move through this area annually.  The Education Center is closed Sunday, Monday. My only day to do this was Sunday or Monday so I chose Sunday.   No information available, I drove past the centre and I drove 24 miles out to the point where the auto tour beings - you drive along this dirt road for 12 miles.   Once you enter, there is no turning around but there are pull outs along the route.

At the start of the loop is a large parking lot, bathrooms and lots of signage.   Several spots with signs for hunters.  Several trucks with boat trailers in the parking lot.   One or two fishermen.   So, I start on the loop and at the first pull out, get out of the truck with camera... so far, the only birds I have seen are seagulls (which we see all the time at home).   But, stopped anyway.

Gun fire all around me.   It is apparently bird hunting season! 

NOT impressed (as a photographer!)!!!!!

Every pull out along the way had trucks with boat trailers.   Not so much fishing going on, but birding.

These are two guys camped out on the little island in camouflage.

Saw one Merganzer.

Not a total waste of time (although disappointing) 

- enjoyed the landscape.

Leave Brigham City early Tuesday morning for the drive to Grand Junction, Colorado.

This is our new 'down-sized' set up.   

Big change from a 45' Country Coach - to the 34' Blackstone to this 21'.   The Blackstone is waiting for us in Arizona, under cover.   This one is our plan for going across Canada (which we tried to do last year but I had a hiccup along the way and plans changed).

En route to Grand Junction

Going to Grand Junction and passing the turn off to Moab 

(could not find an RV site available for a week as this is peak season so opted to go the 40 minutes further to Grand Junction).

KOA

Grand Junction, Colorado

Staying a week here - nice large sites and quiet, only ten minutes out of town.

Behind the Botanical Gardens is a paved pathway that follows the river for several miles. Along the river's edge is this gorgeous walk, disc golf and great fall colors.

James M. Robb - Colorado State Park

Park walkway along the Colorado River in Fruita (15 min drive from Grand Junction.)  

On Sunday afternoon - Fruita is buzzing with mt bikers and busy cafes.   A very outdoors town.   At most corner you see metalworks - for chaining your bikes to.

This is one of my only close up 'birding' experiences (so far)!   
And, I didn't set the alarm for this one.

The huge fairgrounds are just minutes from the KOA and with lights so this was where Tazz  got her exercise.

The skies lit up for us.

View of downtown Grand Junction City (biking/walking paths along the river)

Day trip
to

DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK, UTAH

An ever-changing landscape unfurls.  A dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.   The park covers 5,362 acres at an altitude of 5,900 feet (1,800 m).

The park is named because of its use as a natural corral by cowboys in the 19th century, where horses often died of exposure.  The area was also used in the final "Grand Canyon" scene of the 1991 film Thelma & Louise.

2,000 feet down to the Colorado River.  

The view stretches for more than a hundred miles.

Drove along HWY 128  . . back to Grand Junction. A lot of twisting, winding road and gorgeous campgrounds along the river.   

Dinosaur territory!

Going to stop here with the posting.   There is a lot to say as we have seen some incredible territory, that is all new to us, drove along some white-knuckle canyons and have some stories to tell.

Too difficult to keep up between travel days and sightseeing.   

Played some outdoor pickleball in the evenings in Grand Junction.   Very mixed level of play but nice people.