The Flying and Dining ...Part 3

Portal RV Resort

Moab, Ut

June 9, 2015

June 9th was Dee's birthday. Jim and Kathleen arranged for a REDTAIL AVIATION adventure as a gift for their sister. Joe and I were blown away with excitement when we were invited to join them. 

We traveled in a cozy 6 passenger, single engine Cessna 207 aircraft better known as a Skywagon. 

Larry, Jim, Kathleen, and Dee

Larry, far left, was our pilot. He retired as Chief Ranger of Canyonlands after a 37 year career in the NPS which included positions at Rocky Mt., Everglades, Grand Canyon, Lake Clark (Alaska) and Zion.  

He is the most personable and knowledgeable tour guide we have ever had anywhere/anytime. His involvement with countless rescue and fire details both on the ground and as a pilot uniquely qualifies him for his second career as a Redtail Aviation pilot/guide.  Larry knows this part of our great country like the back of his hand including much of its colorful history which he so ably shared during our flight.   

The birthday girl was our co-pilot. 

Confluence of the Green River and Colorado River

The Colorado River feeds Lake Powell.

Lake Powell...notice the white line around the lake. It is known as the bathtub ring. 

Monument Valley...Larry told us the names of all these formations, but I don't remember them.

That was the planes wing on the top right of the picture...cool reflection from the rocks!

These two I remember...left side is the Totem Pole and middle to right is The Family.

Natural Bridges National Monument became a NM is 1908. There are three majestic bridges all formed from the power of water.

Angel Arch is located in the Needles District of Canyonlands NP. The arch is 100 ft wide and 150 ft tall. It is not accessible by car. You can hike to it...over a 20 mile hike round trip.

Upheaval Dome is located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands.

Shafer Switchbacks...a very scenic jeep ride.

Potash evaporating ponds can be seen from space.  

Corona Arch 

Circling around Delicate Arch in Arches NP...do you see it?

Landscape Arch in Arches NP.

And here we are about to land...

 Our tour took almost 4 hours which included a stop in Monument Valley to stretch. There we met and visited with Lucy, a beautiful Navajo woman. But that story will have to wait.

Our day ended with a glass of wine and the best steak dinner ever at Jeffrey's Steakhose.

Jim, Dee and Kathleen
Happy Birthday Dee!

Our time with Dee's family passed by too quickly. It was filled with laughter, fun, "Woohoos!", several breakfasts at Moab Diner and yes a meal or two at Zax. We miss you and look forward to our next get toghther! 

Until next time, take care and

HAPPY TRAILS!