Canyonlands Maze, Day 1

Both humans and animal friends at our house were growing weary of snow.  Steve noted that the top of the trailer was mostly snow-free, and he took that as a sign that it was time to go riding somewhere.  So, we loaded up and headed for southern Utah.  We drove about 4.5 hours to BLM (Bureau of Land Management) rangeland just outside of the Maze district of Canyonlands National Park.

Hoodoos and unusual rock formations made for an interesting drive once we left the paved road.

This sign marks a remote 4 way intersection of dirt roads.

As we approached, the Maze, deep sandstone canyons cut through the high desert plateau.  This place is a geologist's dream, demonstrating the effect of wind and water erosion on sandstone over millions of years.
Though we loved the scenery, we also loved having snow-free, sandy paths to ride for many miles.  We saw a few cows, rabbits, and antelope, but no cars or people.

The above photo shows the snowy Lasal Mountains (near Moab), across the expanse of the Maze District and the Green River corridor.

On the afternoon we arrived, we rode for 7 beautiful miles along the rim of Horseshoe Canyon.
The high temp was about 40 F, a little chilly for us, but good for the horses who are still wearing their winter coats.
That night, we camped near a small pond, one of the few water sources in the area.  A flock of ducks hung out there.  When we brought to the horses to the pond for a drink, the ducks flew away, circling until we were finished and the coast was clear.  Then they'd return.  They weren't about to give up the only floatable surface for miles around.
Unfortunately, our camp site had a dead cow carcass nearby, which was still somewhat odiferous.  Fortunately, Daisy was able to salvage a delicious rib bone for her supper. 
We chowed down on canned stew, which tastes like ambrosia when you're hungry enough, then huddled in our gooseneck trailer's sleeping quarters, awaiting sunrise and another day on the trail.