Day 34, Utah is beautiful

The title says it all. Utah is absolutely stunning. I have some issues with their beer laws, but I'll get into that later.

It doesn't get better (and look at that moon).

When I first started the cycle tour, I didn't have coffee every morning (gasp!). However, the last week I've been spoiled. The mission objective every morning is coffee and while passing a tiny little town in southern Utah, I flagged down a driver about to turn on the highway.

I asked if there was anywhere around town to grab a cup of coffee.

Not for 53 miles. Well, that is no fun.

Stunning rock formations everywhere. I stopped every couple of miles to snap some pictures.

But I'm observant, and about 10 miles from that point, I spotted a restaurant sign. Its worth a try. I climbed up the steps of the Paria Outpost and tried the door handle.

It was open!

Susan, one of the owners, warmly greeted me. She told me that she passed me on the highway and figured I'd stop in! The restaurant was closed, but they had coffee.

Yes, yes, yes

I poured myself a cup of coffee and we got talking. Susan and Steve Dodson built Paria Outpost and now operate tours of the area. They hope to get the restaurant up and running again, but find it difficult to get help.

Susan!

Steve gave me some great hiking suggestions, pointing out locations on their 3d topographical map of Escalante Grand Staircase. If I had shoes other than bike shoes with clips, I'd definitely go on a hike.

In fact, southern Utah would be a great place for a week or two expedition with a car and mountain bikes. The trails would be more accessible and you wouldn't spend all day trying to get from one spot to another. Maybe next spring.

Once again, the folks I meet are wonderful. Thank you Susan & Steve for letting me hang out with you for a bit and enjoy some coffee - you made my day. I'll try to visit you (and Nina) next year.

Nina, the puppy.

From there, I slogged uphill for a couple miles and then battled a headwind (not complaining, just stating) into Kanab, Utah.

Just outside the city, I met Udaya, on his last quarter mile of a 600 mile loop around the Grand Staircase. From Ashland, Udaya drove his camper van to the area, packed up his bike and headed out on an adventure!

We tried to take a photo of each other taking photos. I missed apparently.

In Kanab, I decided to have a beer. This is where Utah and I have some differences. First, I looked up places in town to have a pint. I chose one with a decent tap list and ordered.

If you order beer at a dining establishment, you are required to order food as well. Blast. I chose the cheapest appetizer on the menu (already ate dinner...) and a pint of a local IPA. Solid, but I can do this on my own.

I headed to a state run liquor store to pickup a beer to enjoy at the campsite. There were zero cold beers. The only cold beer that is sold is 3.2% ABV. So I had to get creative. I bought another local IPA, and a bag of ice from the grocery store.

Back at the campsite, I emptied out one of my dry bags, filled it with ice and put the beer inside. One hot shower later, the beer was cold, and I was happy.

By the way, I changed the photo on the front of the blog to one I took today. It's a little more apt for a cycle touring blog.

Joe