Dave and Jan headed for another camping outing the second week of September to the Petrified Forest State Park near Escalante, Utah (130 miles distant). The park includes a reservoir and several trails up to scenic views and numerous examples of petrified wood which are native to the area.

An evening hike on Thursday led up through colorful rocks to a plateau where many of the areas’ examples of petrified rock were visible – along with views of the reservoir and the nearby small town of Escalante with its population of around 900 people.

On Friday morning Dave and Jan took a hike around the reservoir – beginning with a trail on the rocky dike, continuing across wet soil conditions on the back side resulting from recent higher water levels.

Friday afternoon involved another hike to the top of the plateau for a closer look at the beauty of many of the petrified logs which were scattered across the ground and down into some of the canyons.

A short but more strenuous hike down into the Sleeping Rainbow canyon provided many more examples of the colorful petrified wood which make the State Park a popular destination for campers.

When the Lord Jesus was challenged by Pharisees in His day to silence His disciples, who celebrated His arrival in Jerusalem on “Palm Sunday,” He responded with the words: “I tell you, if these become silent the stones will cry out!” At the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, trees which have turned to stone are crying out in praise of the One who has placed amazing colors in the petrified forest which is on display. And the surrounding terrain is also displaying the Lord’s creativity in the landscape at the park.

Dave and Jan are enjoying the opportunity to explore the beauty and variety of the southwestern part of the state of Utah. They are grateful for the ability to see the Lord’s hand in all that He has created!