Seeing the World

The Utah National Parks are impressive.  The last two days have seen me revisit Bryce Canyon and see Capitol Reef for the first time.

Bryce impressed me more this time.  I think I “got” how the rocks look like people more than on my first visit.  I felt the spirit of the place better.  And also took in an amazing view that outdoes the sight of Birkenhead from a hill to the north of Oldham.

Capitol Reef is so named because of the claim that the white rocks of Capitol Dome (pictured) look like the Capitol Building in Washington DC.  My own view is that it looks more like a walnut whip in white.  But I don’t think that holds with the locals.

Capitol Reef is a cheap National Park.  A third the price of many others and one I chose to ignore on a visit to the area two years ago.  Big mistake.  It’s a cracker.  With a great scenic drives which finishes with a couple of miles along the canyon floor at the end, surrounded by huge multi coloured cliffs on all sides.

A short walk at the end as the road ended and the trail began.  With my limitations we didn’t go far, but what is clear is that I can have good days and bad days.  Mobility is clearly better than it was three days ago.  But I don’t think it will be good enough to do a three mile walk to one of the iconic Arches locations today.  I booked the whole trip around doing that walk, but I think I know my limitations today.

Evening food has been fun for the last two nights.  We’ve managed to find extraordinary locations to sit, talk and eat for a couple of hours.  Last night we drove 14 miles up a road to discover a steak restaurant with its own wine and views to kill for over the Colorado River.  Red rock cliffs overlooking us as the sunset changed the patterns in the stones.

The night before saw us eat in a restaurant located at the bottom of a mini version of the Grand Canyon.  Ok, not quite the same thing, but the sun, the rocks, cliffs and shadows all played a part in a fun evening.

Today we’re going for the double.  Canyonlands and Arches.  Probably a little more to the former which was where Thelma and Louise ended their journey heading over the cliff edge.

It’s a fabulous place.  Pool and hot tub were welcome last night.

The Blue Utah Skies

Friday and Saturday saw rain, cloud and general atmospheric unpleasantness.

Today we hit the road.  The skies were blue.  The scenery splendid.  This is why I’ve come back.  A trip down memory lane, yes.  A chance to share somewhere magnificent.  And at last the weather has come good.

Driving in the heat with Steppenwolf, Born to be Wild playing loudly.  It doesn’t get much better.  Although Tom Petty’s Running Down a Dream rather captured the spirit.

Bryce Canyon was our main plan for the day and, although I struggled to appreciate it last time I was here it somehow felt better.  Looked better.  Was better.

An evening of steak and a night in a “luxury cowboy cabin” awaits.  And I’m going to enjoy every second of it.

Australian Challenge

Awake at 1am.  The knowledge of my growing pelvic tumour is very much on my mind as I slip into a Utah Sunday.

I’ve always hoped my medication will hold off the progress of this cancer for as long as possible.  Now I’m hoping that the doctors say I can have a drug that adds months to life expectancy.  There’s almost a feeling that it’s not worth it.

But I’ve got an amazing son.  An Ashes trip booked.  And Rachel, a lady who offers unlimited affection and support.  I’m struggling with the pain in these early hours but I owe it to many others to keep up my fight.  To keep up my hope that I can cling onto life for some new treatment.

Oncobabe advised against this trip.  Risk of the tumour leading to a leg break.  I’m uninsured if that happens.  At least the Aussies have a reciprocal health care arrangement with the Brits.

While the Australia trip is lots of solo flights I will need to handle my luggage regularly.  Big suitcase.  A carry on bag that I intend to reduce further in size.   Fagging it through airports hasn’t been fun.  Lighter loads are necessary, especially without a trusty companion on hand to assist.

Airline special assistance services will be used.  My expectations of myself need to be lowered.  But, despite my discomfort, I’m committed to the trip.

While I struggle, some eight hours behind UK time, I realise that the next two months are unlikely to see more foreign travel.  My sister’s Anglesey residence might be worthy of a few days away, but between leaving Vegas in a couple of weeks and heading off to Oz in mid-November rest is important to me. Denmark, Berlin, Vesuvius.  All on hold.

Maybe new medication will improve my failing mobility.  But rest has suddenly become more important.  Rest before a big personal travel challenge that will fulfil my sporting ambition.  Seeing The Ashes in Australia.  I’ll be devastated if I miss out.

Cloud Inversion Blocks Grand Canyon View!

It was a simple plan.  Lunch at the Grand Canyon North restaurant.  Admire the spectacular views while eating reasonably priced food.  Quick drive around the viewpoints and back to our hotel.

Not quite to plan though.  The day started with heavy rain.  The drive to the Canyon was blighted by the rain.  Arrival meant rain.

We wandered down to the impressively located eating place and eventually got a much desired window table, looking out across the Canyon.  Eventually because we asked for a table at 11.15am.  Who knew Utah and Arizona operate in different time zones.  I thought it was an hour later!

Views of cloud.  More cloud.  Changing cloud.  Eventually it cleared.  Partially.  Occasionally.  And pictures could be taken over Alaskan cod and chips.

It wasn’t quite perfect.  But it’s a spectacular location.  And just occasionally the rather irritating cloud behaviour gave the opportunity for unbelievable photos.

It is a reminder though that nature’s unpredictable ways can often impede our ability to admire it’s wonders.

Zion, Immobility, Hope

I spent a few minutes this morning looking for a first class upgrade between Heathrow and Vegas. Business class is nice. First class is exceptionally nice.

I was thinking “screw money I’ll pay £200 each to upgrade if the computer lets me”. It demanded a phone call, so I didn’t bother.

Fast forward to the Cathay Pacific lounge in Heathrow terminal three. Having had two breakfasts courtesy of the Dublin Airport lounge and the BA flight to Heathrow, I avoided the impressive noodles, enjoyed a Prosecco procured by the fragrant Rachel and wandered off to the gents. On exiting, I noted our gate number and rounded up the lady. The longest walk ever from lounge to gate.

Rachel, seeking out the business class queue somehow jumped the priority boarding area to get seen first. Bar code on the boarding pass scanned red. The word “shit” went silently through my head. “You’ve been upgraded to first”. An instant “get in” followed by “shit, what about me?” went through my head. Followed by a more polite “have I been upgraded too?” – answer a decisive yes!

I had priced up this trip in first a few weeks ago. Some £12,000 more expensive than business class. Not even considered! I’d been keen to blow my stash in light of an ever decreasing life expectancy to the tune of £400. Presumably they’d overbooked the cheap seats and undersold the posh ones. We were shunted to the nose of the plane as a result. More room for my feet. Easier to stretch my aches. Better food.

Do I complain about losing my window seat? Do we get a higher number of first class Avios for what was a business class booking? Why couldn’t they tell us earlier, allowing us access to the first class lounges?

I think I’ll lap up the extra luxury, the free pyjamas (my third pair) and highly attentive service. I’m a mere silver status member of the British Airways Executive Club. Rachel an unimportant Blue. Slightly surprised to get shunted up a level. But deliriously happy after a bad day yesterday.

Finding a Smile

I’ve not quite got myself back to happy yet.  A difficult night didn’t help.  But I think I’m going to be fine, most of the time, for this trip.

Good company helps.  Yesterday was the first time I’ve feared death since all this began.  Today that’s progressed to a sadness for those I’m leaving behind.  Tomorrow I’ll be in “there might be a cure” mode again.  But the chances and timescales are definitely working against me.

What has revealed itself is a desire to spend faster. Although there’s no availability I awoke willing to upgrade to first class between Heathrow and Vegas.  And I’d have paid £hundreds for it.  I’m keen to set the kids up if they lose me early, but equally I now feel even more free to treat myself and others.

Australia is a concern.  Solo travel pain, will I be well enough?  I am totally committed to that journey, but may limit travel before then and the hot tub at my sister’s Anglesey home is looking more fun the Copenhagen or Berlin.

Meanwhile, Viva Las Vegas!

Tumour Returns – Well That Explains My Discomfort