We are in our fourth and final week in Moab. The time has flown as we have cycled and hiked this gorgeous part of eastern Utah. Though it has been a great month, it is time to move on and we leave on May 1st for Park City.
The 22nd of April marked our two year anniversary of full-timing in the RV. This second year has flown by and I can honestly say that our experience has been wonderful. The places that we have seen in this incredible country, the people we have met, the friends which we have reconnected and the family visits have made for some of the most rewarding times in our lives. We are so grateful to have this opportunity and look forward to our third year of this nomadic lifestyle.
Some statistics:
1. Mileage on the Tour (14,937 miles)
2. 2,403 gallons of diesel
3. Mileage on the Terrain (36,000 miles)
This week found us hiking, biking and four wheeling (thanks to some new friends). Arches National Park has the largest concentration of stone arches in the world (more than 2,500). To qualify as an arch, the opening must be at least 3 feet. Our first hike in Arches National Park was to the upper and lower viewing areas of Delicate Arch. This famous arch is on the license plates in Utah.
Delicate Arch viewed from the upper viewpoint.
Roger and I then hiked a total of three miles to view Delicate Arch. This hike was over slick rock and traversed a rock ledge at the top. It was definitely worth the hike.
Delicate Arch with the La Sal Mountains on the left.
One of the great things about RVing is meeting new people. We have been so fortunate in becoming friends with Nancy and Dan. They are avid Jeep enthusiasts and love to go off road and discover the beautiful sights around Moab. In addition to finding dinosaur prints and bones, we were able to get to a cave that we could not do with our Terrain.
Roger, Nancy and Dan with the Rubicon.
Dinosaur prints discovered by ranchers when a flood moved the ground hiding them.
The start of a trail that took us along a path where dinosaur bones are buried in the rock. Fortunately parts of the bones are exposed.
Inspiration Towers in the background.
Inspiration Towers
Dinosaur bone
Vertebrae
Roger at the mouth of the cave.
A short walk revealed the other opening of the cave, with lots of slick rock .
Tuesday morning was a hike to Hidden Valley. Bear was thrilled because he got to go with us. After finding the trailhead, we had to scramble up rock along a series of steep switch-backs. At the top of the switch-backs, we entered Hidden Valley, a broad shelf between Moab Rim and Spanish Valley.
At the beginning of the hike (heading up the mountain).
Roger and Bear taking a break from the steep switch-backs.
Finally we find flat land in the Valley.
Sandstone Fins at the end of the trail.
Golden Eagles make their homes in these mountains.
Heading back down with the La Sal Mountains in the background.
About to start the switch-backs.
Thursday morning was an early hike at Arches National Park. We had to go early in order to get a parking spot at the trailhead. The hike out to Double O Arch was challenging and fun. The pictures below show parts of the hike.
On the hike, we passed Landscape Arch.
Landscape Arch
Partition Arch
Yes Roger, you have to do a bit of rock scrambling.
Our reward, Double O Arch
Double O Arch
Did I mention that the last week of April is the Moab Rotary Car Show? It is a yearly happening where the town is taken over by car enthusiasts. The Portal RV Park (where we are staying) had no vacancies. Our Tour was surrounded by RV's with trailers that contained all sorts of cars dating back to the 50's and 60's. The main event was held at the city park on Saturday morning. It was fun to see the loving care lavished on these automobiles.
Thank you for checking in with us. We appreciate your interest in our travels.
Thank you for checking in with us. We appreciate your interest in our travels.
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