Saturday, September 7, 2013

Colorful Colorado and Wonderful Weather

Durango, CO
September 4-6, 2013

We left Moab bright and early Wed. (Sept. 4th). It was a beautiful ride to Durango and only about 180 miles. We enjoyed being on a country highway as opposed to the interstate.
 Sights along the way kept me busy and interested...
 A huge thanks to the people working in this heat to improve our quality of travel.
 We passed many farms...
 colorful meadows...
and pastures before arriving in Durango.








 Belle quickly settled into her spot at the Durango KOA. We chose a secluded back-in space on the far side of the park. Its very quiet and very little traffic.
Wrecks





The Tan Clan is happy...Joe made a nice fenced in area at home so they can sit out with us and there are two fenced in bark parks at the campground  for them to play ball in.

Dover


We started our third year of full-time RVing on September 6th. The time has flown by and just thinking back on all our adventures sure makes us thankful we can enjoy this life style.
Jack



Our pups seem to have settled down over the past 2 years. They always know when we are getting ready to move on.



Sally



And have turned out to be great traveling companions.








 Thursday was spent running errands...Pearl needed a new air filter...imagine that! We needed information...always good to have! And we needed a few things from Wal-Mart and the grocery store...nice to stock up!


With errands out of the way...Friday we hit the trail!

 The Colorado Trail stretches almost 500 miles...from Durango to Denver. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers all enjoy the trail which is maintained by the Colorado Trail Foundation...all volunteers!


 The section of trail we hiked was along the Junction Creek just outside of Durango.











Pam and John (Oh, The Places They Go!) did this hike with friends when they were in Durango...look familiar?


We only made it 2 miles in...didn't get to Gudy's Rest. If we have time, we want to go back to catch that view!





We finished our time with a 7 mile ride (one way) to the Animas Overlook. It's an unpaved road with wonderful views.























There is a very short interpretive walk at the overlook along with picnic tables and a potty.











Oh, I almost forgot to mention the wonderful weather...it is absolutely perfect. Highs in the mid 80s and the lows in the mid 50s with a very nice breeze. 

Hope you are having a great week-end.

 Take care...

until next time...










Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Car Wash and a Hike = Fun Labor Day Weekend

Moab, Ut
August 31/Sept.1, 2013

The car wash, ummm...not a fun thing to do on a holiday week-end. But Sunday (9/31) it was calling our name. This car wash is a little different from the norm. The water was dried up...thank goodness, there was only one person in front of us, and we didn't need any quarters. 

 This car wash is on Hell's Revenge. It is not the hardest obstacle on this trail, but the hardest for Pearl to date. It is an optional side route with a bypass. But not this day!

 Dee drove Roxanne thru first...down
 ...and up.

 Then it was Pearl's turn...the car wash is a large pot hole at the top of a narrow fin. Its easier to get in than it is to get out. Pearl performed flawlessly...no straps needed and she didn't even try to tip over!

              






My view going down...





and coming out!







 We took a breather at the River View...


the Colorado River,

 ...scenic Hwy 128,

...and Arches NP.







 This is Josh and Stephanie attempting The Escalator. This is also optional...lockers and lower gears are needed. Two of the things we plan to add next year...



Check out the tires...pretty cool!





 Josh backed out and tried a couple of times...then OOPS!
Stephanie strapped up the Jeep and Dee's winch straightened him back up...he slowly backed out and didn't try again. No damage was done to the Jeep. The dirt bikes didn't make it up The Escalator either.




 As we were leaving Hell's Revenge, Dee made another recovery...two in one day! This Jeep was hanging on by a thread...about an inch of tire thread that is...on the back passenger side. Front tire was completely off the trail.

Roxanne did her thing...pulled the Jeep back on the trail and after a few "Whew!"s and "Thank you!"s we were all on our way.



Hell's Revenge is described as... "dangerously steep climbs and descents over sandstone and ledges." I concur! Also recommended is "low gearing, good articulation, and lockers." The guide suggests "not for stock vehicles or novice drivers."
 
 
This was an awesome last trail ride in Moab for the year!
Pearl on the Dragon Tail.
 Bright and early Saturday (9/30) we revisited one of our favorite hikes...The Fisher Towers. Its a 4.6 round trip hike with amazing views and some challenges.

 The trail was harder to follow this time. We last did this hike on June 6th. The rains have washed out some places and the cairns were gone in some places.  
We were glad it was somewhat familiar and we only got lost once on the return.







The trail winds beneath the towers...



 


 ...and ends up on a ridge with a 360 degree panoramic view.


Sign says...Trail End
 We have had an awesome second visit to Moab. It has been hot in the afternoons, but afternoons are for naps! The mornings are for sunrises, playing with our pups, hiking, and Jeeping. The evenings have been pleasant as well...visiting with friends, grilling, and enjoying the stars.
 
Seed pods on Fisher Towers Trail
 
Sunrise at Portal RV Resort
 Dee pulled out Monday morning headed for the Rubicon Trail.

 Jan and Martin arrived Monday evening. 
 
We are spending the day preparing to leave in the morning. And tonight, its the Blue Pig with friends.We are excited about going to Durango, our next destination. We have never been there!
 
Take care! Until next time...
 
Be safe and enjoy the view!