It was going to be hard to beat waking up to an unexpected hot air balloon festival but we had planned some special places to visit that day. We allowed ourselves enough time that morning for some coffee and a brief walk before regretfully packing up to head out. Neither one of us said it outloud, but it was clear we had found a great spot and if we had stay there a couple of more days, well that would have been just fine.

The day started off with a tremendous amount of promise and it continued to get better. The winds had died down and the sky was clear blue. We took a few pictures of our campsite and a few goofy self-portraits. I make some notes in my journal and it's clear to me we're both stalling, not at all eager to leave.

Nestled under a giant spire


I even offered to set up the Zodi shower for her but then I noticed the one mishap of our trip. At home I had filled a 2.5 gallon water jug just for showers. As I went to retrieve it, I found it nearly empty. A pinhole leak had allowed most of the water to escape and (fortunately) drain out of the icebox. So scratch the whole shower idea...

So we exited Valley of the Gods somewhat reluctantly. But I always say the same thing when I leave a place too quickly, "I'll be back." I have no doubts we'll be back again sometime. Hopefully with more time to linger and lurk about, respectfully.

Valley of the Gods