Our return to Switzerland was approaching quickly and good weather was predicted for one more week. One day in October we decided to check out a few places we have not been to before. The next day we were on our way.
Crossing the Rockies dotted with Falls colors of every shade was no challenge on this fine day. Winter Park and Steamboat Springs ski areas passed below, recalling to mind earlier trips we had made over the years.
Dinosaur National Park
with it's spectacular and colorful gorges came into view. Many circles
were made for video and
photo taking. At the far northwestern end we found our first stop, the lonely airfield of Dutch John at an altitude of over 6'000'. It must have seen busier days, judging from the outlines of three runways. Only one is in use today, but can serve many different aircraft as it is over 7'000'. Everything was locked up tight, so we watered the dry fields and were on our way.
The
next
photo opportunity was the Flaming Gorge Reservoir lying just north
of our take-off from Dutch John. On this relatively
calm day it was like a mirror reflecting the clouds of an oncoming frontal
system. What a perfect place for a seaplane base. There are many places to explore and several expeditions
are available to see this magnificent area. The wind picked up significantly
and 85S was a handful as we bumped across the Wasatch Mountains. 
Having
crossed the State line from Colorado into Utah, we entered the Salt Lake territory. North of Ogden we
skirted the Salt Lake City airspace and soon were descending over the
great Salt Lake to the freshly
surfaced runway of Wendover, Utah.
Though the terrain is barren, it is a worthwhile stop. The airport of Wendover has a very interesting history. It was used as a training ground at the time of WW II for the development of the atomic bomb and more recently for the filming of "Independence Day." We took our pictures and then took advantage of the low weekday hotel prices at one of the nearby casinos in Nevada. The Rainbow Casino has newly renovated rooms which are warm, inviting and large. After our two steak dinners for $14.00, we opened one our free rolls of nickels. With the second pull we cashed in. Breakfast would be on the house!
After
a great rest, lots of good food and some luck in the casino, we continued
south, skirting an active MOA and had a delightful flight to Ely,
Nevada.
Not too much going on there, but the people are VERY nice. We chatted
for a short time with the guys, took some more pictures and said our
goodbyes. 
With no delay and fresh fuel in the tanks, we were off to our next destination of Marble Canyon in Arizona. Along our route, we flew southeast of Bryce Canyon with its shining bright colors and unique formations. Only a few years ago we had walked in the Canyon and were taken with its incredible beauty. We might add that on that trip we landed at Bryce Canyon airport which has a most wonderful FBO. The approach and departure were also super.
The
spectacular descent over the Colorado River and then along the ridge of
the Vermillion Cliffs gave us an excellent introduction to the Grand
Canyon area. The landing at Marble Canyon on the narrow, bumpy, up and
down runway tested our skills and proved to be quite exciting.
Spectacular
landscape and very warm temperatures for October, greeted us. We chocked the
plane with large rocks, wrapped it up and walked slowly with our gear to the
Lodge. After a refreshing ice tea, we walked down the street to see the two
bridges over the steep banks of the Colorado River. Wow!
Soon the orange sun set and the full white moon rose over the cliffs of Marble Canyon, giving relief to the sun scorched land. The moonlight walk down the runway was a refreshing change to the sizzling temperatures of the day. An hour later after taking countless breathtaking pictures, we called it a day and soon were in dreamland.
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