One our first adventures after arriving at the Shrek House in Bryce Woodland Estates was to locate Tropic Reservoir. It is located 40 miles from our summer location. If we could go directly over the mountain from our location, it would be half that distance.
To get to the lake, one must take highway 12 towards Bryce Canyon. On the way you pass through Red Canyon. Just before turning into Bryce Canyon there is a dirt road that cuts back south, and which leads to the reservoir.
This view and the ones that follow are rock formations seen as you pass through Red Canyon. There was highway repairs being made and traffic was stopped, so I had plenty of time to take several pictures. The unique formations are formed by ice, snow and wind. The road work was right in the area where there are two arches that you drive through, so we did not get any pictures of them.
We arrived at Tropic Reservoir to find a huge body of water surrounded by pine and juniper trees. There is a sign that indicates a campground. That is near the boat ramp. Most of the lake shore would otherwise be difficult to get to to launch a boat.
You can see in this view how steep the bank is.
This is a view from the far end of the lake. It is a wonderful place to kayak and fish. We saw a couple of nice fish caught along the shore while there, even though it was mid-day.
At one time, while driving to the far end of the lake, we spotted a huge flock of geese on the water. When we returned, they had dispersed. We managed to photograph a few of them.
Here is a close up of some of the geese.
There is a wonderful spring of fresh water that is fenced off, but not locked out.
This is the final view of the lake. It is fed by a stream that flows into it. That dark spot you see on the lake is a fisherman. It is like a wonderful oasis in the middle of the mountainous desert.
We decided to take a vacation from the New Mexico heat and spend some time with our son, Ben, and his family. They moved from Cedar City, Utah to the Bryce Woodland Estate near Hatch, Utah.
This is a distant view of the mountains in which their house is located. Notice the red rock in the mountains to the East. Bryce Canyon National Park is located about 36 miles from their home.
The road from the highway to their home is a long, dusty four miles. You can see the roar in the foreground as it winds it's way to their home. In the background, you see the red rock cliffs.
Cumulus clouds were building up above the cliffs. We had one rain producing thunder storm after we arrived, but since it has been dry, accompanied by afternoon wind.
You go over several hills as you travel to the Bryce Woodland Estate. The road divides just before you reach their home, which you can see in the center of the picture. The house has a large wood carving of Shrek and Donkey. Everyone in the area knows it as the "Shrek House."
From this view, you can see some of the other houses nestled in the foothills. The "Shrek House" was the first house built in this division, and was the show house.
The Driveway up to the house is steep, but we easily towed the trailer up into the yard. The Shrek and Donkey statue is below the porch near the hammock. I don't think it can be seen in this picture.
The driveway is to the right of where this picture was taken. Lots of family autos😊.
We backed the trailer in next to the back side of the house where the 30 amp connection and septic system were located.
Everything is on a slope. Leveling the trailer was quite a challenge. All the ground is covered with small rocks hauled in for ground cover.
Here we are set up with everything but the kayak unloaded. The elevation is about 7800 feet. It is high and dry and cold at night. In the morning we often see mule deer. This morning while walking the dog I saw a four point buck and a doe.
Here are some pictures of beautiful Lilly-like flowers that are blooming. I don't know my flower species. I just know they are beautiful.
If you are a botanist, maybe you can identify them. If so, feel free to let me know.
I had to include these two pictures of the cactus that just started blooming because the look like some of the same species we have at Rock Hound.
On my next blog post, I will feature some of the lakes I have been able to kayak.
