Moab, UT
May 18, 2014
We were traveling north on I-17 towards Flagstaff. Interstates are not my favorite way to go, because they can be boring. But that was not the case on Saturday. In fact, I got this jingle in my head. It's aggravating when that happens because it's really hard to stop singing them. Do you remember "See the USA in your Chevrolet"? It was sung by Dinah Shore. 
We couldn't remember all the words so we made up our own. Of course we don't travel in a Chevrolet, but the words "So make a date today to see the USA" sounds good to me!
I don't usually do this, but don't ever spend the night in Tuba City, AZ at the RV campground behind the Quality Inn. I always find something good about the places we spend the night. But there is nothing good to share here. I will spare you the horrid details. Let's just say there have been MANY dog owners that were not responsible for picking up after their pets.
We were up at 5:00 am and couldn't get Belle cranked up fast enough!
So today, we logged in 244 miles...Hwy 160 to Hwy 163 and finally to Hwy 191.
First,Highway 160, also known as The Navajo Trail, is one of the major routes crossing the Navajo Nation in Arizona...
Then a left turn onto Highway 163. The southernmost 44 miles of its length are within the Navajo Nation . It is a National Scenic Byway as it goes right thru the heart of Monument Valley. It crosses over the San Juan River and took us to Mexico Hat, UT.
Our first time to see Monument Valley...
We crossed the San Juan...
and landed ourselves in Mexican Hat, UT.
That sounded like a most unusual name until...
we saw this sign!
And viola! A geological marvel of erosion...
Highway 191 was the last leg of our trip today...last, but not least as the views of the La Sal Mountains were not to be outdone by rock formations and grazing lands.
And we did pass by church today...Church Rock that is.
All in all, it was a pleasant two days of travel.
It was exactly one year ago this month that words took on a whole new meaning. Words like...air down, armor-clad, beefing, gnarly, kiss, lifted, pumpkin, and lockers.
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| There's Pearl... |
It was also when hiking became a way of life. Yep, the backpack and dusty hiking boots have become a necessity!
So yes, we are so glad to be back in Moab.
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| Home Sweet Home |
Until next time, take care and
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| Driver for hire! |
enjoy the journey!
We did that route last May. It sure is beautiful this time of year. However, it was a car trip and not an RV trip. I'm glad we didn't stay at Tuba City. I don't think we'd like it either.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that just a beautiful ride Jeri? I couldn't believe all the pretty colors!
DeleteGood decision on your part. I don't know what we were thinking...just one of those duh times. We should have driven on to Monument Valley!
Such beautiful scenery, enjoy your time there.
ReplyDeleteThank you George! We can't wait to hit the trails!
DeleteStunning scenery! All the wildflowers just add icing on the cake. I love the shot of Wrecks behind the wheel, he appears to take his job very seriously. Two things, would like to know more about Potal RV Park if you don't mind & now that you've piqued my curiosity, explain air down, armor-clad, beefing, etc. please. Looking forward to reading more about this area.
ReplyDeleteThe wildflowers were spectacular...the rock formations were spectacular...my singing however, not so!
DeleteWrecks is a very serious pup! He is last on the totem pole around here and so sensitive!
Portal RV Resort and campground is just north of town. It's an easy walk or bike ride to get to town. It's a bit of a splurge to stay on the resort side. But the campground does not offer 50 amp which we need. The owners, Doug and Jane Sorrenson, are great folks. We often see Jane out pulling weeds! They do have a pretty good website...www.portalrvreaort.com
The trail lingo we just picked during our stay here. Folks around here take Jeeping very seriously! Air down is the most important which means to deflate the air in your tires, beefing is adding modifications to do some serious trails, kiss is when you lightly hit a rock, etc. I did leave out the most important though...10/100. That's CB talk to stop for a potty break. Boys to the left, girls to the right...that's because girls are always right!
LOL thanks for the low down on trail slang. It just might come in handy one day.i will check out the RV park. It looks nice. We too are careful about how much we spend on rates. The price you pay on a fixed income. Gay I would never comment on how badly you sing. My singing is so terrible even our church choir wouldn't except me, & they were begging for more bodies. They said they really needed me to work in the nursery during choir practice so they could entice some of the young parents to join. So I did & they were happy.
DeleteNow I'm going to have Dinah Shore on my mind all day. :)
ReplyDeleteI gather those are jeeping terms?
Oops...sorry! We watched The Dinah Shore TV Show and the Chevy Show when I was growing up!
DeleteAnd you guessed right...a kiss is not just a kiss anymore!
Oh yeah! Stunning sceneries all around you. Love all those reds/violets in bloom on the desert floor.
ReplyDeleteLooking at all the parked rigs there, Betsy will be the only one with a CRV not a jeep :(
I was a little disappointed the violet colors didn't pop much...they sure did as we rode by.
DeleteNot to worry MonaLiza...you can go with us if we ever are here at the same time! Jeeps are not the only means of transportation....lots of folks stay here just to enjoy hiking and biking!
Haha! Love the final photo...too cute! Looks like you are back in "our" site!! How totally cool. You know that you are killing me! I am beyond jealous:) I can't wait to join you on the trails so keep those blog posts coming!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful drive! I do remember that drive as we approached the Monument Valley...spectacular! The flowers are so pretty. I love the shot with the bright red flowers in the foreground and the monuments hazed in the background.
You got it Pam...site #30 until June 23rd!
DeleteWrecks is like that all the time...way to serious!
Looks like we will be doing lots of repeat hikes here. There are others, but the are way to far for us to go.
The red flowers sure had a pop!
How much does your driver charge? Depending on his rate, I might like to hire him. Also, does he bring his own food or would I have to supply?
ReplyDeleteHe works pretty cheap...4 cups of Blue Buff Wilderness formula a day and about 30 minutes of ball catching.
DeleteCan't wait to be back out west and in particular to explore Utah. Great photos, stunning scenery.
ReplyDeleteGood morning LuAnn. I couldn't believe how pretty the wildflowers were! I do think Utah is exceptionally scenic. We sure love it here too!
DeleteWe look forward to the familiar sights ….. but be safe on those trails !
ReplyDeleteHi Sue...we will! Hope to see you and Paul soon.
DeleteThe colors in the header photo are stunning! Thanks for taking us along on the route we decided not to do this year. Maybe next time.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to meeting you at Portal!
We are looking forward to meeting you and Vic as well.
DeleteSafe travels to Moab!
Your pictures are amazing as always.
ReplyDeletewith great sadness I guess you already know all those places you visited in Sedona are now on fire. At least you have the pictures to remember how it was.
Hope you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazingly colorful drive you had! Despite the lack of rain in the West I am so happy to see so many flowers this year. You are in for a wonderful month!
ReplyDelete