Dave and Jan have looked forward to the return of weather warm enough to permit them to resume camping outings – and the time finally arrived the last week of April. Studying a brochure on state parks in northeastern Nevada, they decided to try an outing at Echo Canyon State Park – twelve miles east of the former silver-mining town of Pioche. When they arrived near the park and were met by a bright red sign which said “CLOSED,” they decided to drive on anyhow to see what they could of the park. Driving through the park they saw plenty of evidence of recent flooding. Driving back through the park they stopped along the road near one of the park’s campgrounds so they could walk through and see what they might have enjoyed – learning in the process that the campground was being used by quite a few campers. So they picked a site and set up camp, and were glad that they did.

Dave enjoyed an afternoon bike ride around the lake at the park on the road which topped the dam which backed up the reservoir, then up a very sandy trail in a juniper forest. After dinner, he and Jan walked the road with its nice view of the somewhat muddy lake.

The next day (Friday) it was time to explore the Ash Canyon Trail, beginning at the trailhead at the upper part of the campground. It turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise.

Topping the hill above the campground, Ash Canyon began to come into view – turning into a rocky wonderland!

The trail dropped, precipitously in places, deeper and deeper into the canyon with its many interesting rock formations.

There were some canyon depths to which the trail never dropped – continuing along rock walls at higher elevations.

After a mile or two the trail descended onto the valley floor of Echo Canyon where the river had recently overflowed the road.

Echo Canyon apparently earned its name because of rocky canyon walls which bounce sounds back to their source.

Walking along the road through the canyon returned the hikers back to their campground where water sports are available at the lake.

While Dave and Jan find plenty of activities to fill their time with productive and enjoyable activities – caring for grandchildren, doing yard work, church activities, and some assistance with books at Stephen’s restaurant – they are very happy for opportunities to explore the ever-growing list of interesting places within a short drive from town in the “color country” of Southwest Utah.