good-times-rollin

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Rainy Days and Fun 4-Wheeling!

Moab, UT
August 27,2013

Sunday and Monday were a total wash here in Moab...tropical storm Ivo has dumped much needed rain in the area.

In fact, we were under a flash flood watch along with frequent thunderstorms until midnight Monday.

I am hoping that places with wildfires have also received much needed rain. In between showers Sunday, I took a walk around Portal. The roses were so pretty with the rain drops on the petals.

And the frogs were having a grand time in the Koi pond.

Castle Valley Road

A hike on Monday was not meant to be, but with a few hours of no rain we decided to take a drive...the LaSal Scenic Loop drive.

The Priest and Nuns

Our very energetic next door neighbors, Judy and Gary, went along too.

It was way cool to drive along in the clouds...although it didn't offer the best of views sometimes.

Then other times, the clouds opened up to grand pictures above and below us.

We did take the side trip...about 3 miles one way... to Oowah Lake.

The aspens were beautiful...

...the wildflowers were still blooming...

...and the lake was as still as could be.

It was a peaceful ride through the mountains with good friends!

Pearl is 3rd in line!

Speaking of rides...we had a very fun, and more energized ride last Saturday. Joe and I along with Gary and Judy were invited by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Club to join them for a ride. Our first time for a "group" ride. It is quite nice to sit back and enjoy while others do the leading!

A stop to go over the map and directions was in order. This was a "premier" trail...meaning the club had never done this trail before.

The first part of the trail was familiar...take Potash Road and turn right on Long Canyon Trail.

After some time. we made a right turn onto another trail...I think it was called Day Canyon. It was not the most difficult trail we have done, but never let up. Constant wheeling over, up, down, and around rock ledges and slickrock.

Judy...taking it all in!

Until we arrived at a beautiful view of the Colorado River.

The locals knew all the sights...I heard "the pig", "Jeep Arch", "the buffalo", just to name a few well known spots off in the distance.

Once again, we pulled right up to the edge...

...for lunch with a view!

This ride was not a loop...we all made the pass through the fallen rock one more time.

And enjoyed the view of the canyon!

Thanks to the 4-Wheelers and Dee for the invite. We had an awesome time and having Judy and Gary with us made it even more special!

Today was a fun packed day...we headed out with Judy and Gary and hiked the Corona Arch trail...absolutely beautiful and what fun for us watching them as it was their first hike there. Definitely a "WOW!" kind of hike. After lunch, Dee called and asked us to go 4-wheeling. Joe drove Fins and Things! And didn't take any alternate bypasses to avoid the difficult obstacles. Pearl performed flawlessly!

Right now, I feel like the flower below...

Thanks for stopping by...take care...

Jet boat on the Colorado River...

...until next time.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Delicate Arch...I Did It!

Moab, UT
August 23, 2013

We first did The Delicate Arch hike on May 23. That day was a very, very windy day...walking out to the arch was not meant to be.

When we left, I hoped to have another chance one day.

When we decided to return to Moab, the Delicate Arch hike was at the top of the list. Tuesday, 8/20/13 was the day!
It's a great 3 mile hike up slickrock, through a sandy area and then a ledge. Just as you turn the corner which Joe is about to do in the picture above, the arch comes into view...WOW!

This picture shows the walk out to the arch...a slope of slickrock and a drop-off. I got about half way...and don't know what happened. I just couldn't go any further. I did sit for awhile hoping the uneasy feeling of lack of confidence would pass, but it didn't so I turned back.

Fast forward a few days to Thursday evening. We met Gary and Judy (full time RVers for 5 years!)...our new next door neighbors for a week. This is their first trip to Moab. They are avid hikers and at the top of their list was the Delicate Arch hike. "I can do this!" I said to myself. Joe and I don't usually do the same hike in the same week, but I really wanted to achieve a small personal goal.

The walk up the slickrock sure gets the heart to pumping. But our time passed quickly...its always fun visiting with and getting to know fellow RVers. There are always lots of stories to share.

Gary, Judy, and Joe

In the picture below, I wasn't just taking photographs...I was inching my way to the arch.

Judy

Joe joined me about half way...to take my picture at the arch.

I DID IT!

What a great "WOW!" moment. The third time's the charm.

That's me!

We continued on...next stop was a 1 mile hike to the North and South Windows and the Turret Arch.

My best shot of the Windows.

The view looking through the North Window. Quite impressive!

Turret Arch is just a short distance away.

I think I have seen it all...we not only took a double look, we took several looks. I don't think you can tell from the picture, but we did see fish net stockings!