Oowah Lake

Portal RV Resort
Moab. UT
October 4, 2014

Hwy 128 along the Colorado River...

OK, we have spent a lot of time in Moab between last year and this year...by far, October is just the most awesome.


Castle Valley Road...

 August was hot, September was rainy and October, at least so far, is just perfect. Chilly nights and glorious days filled with lots of sunshine and cool enough temps to have the windows and door open ALL day! Sunday morning (10/04) was no exception...I happen to like facing the day with a burst of crisp autumn air when I open the door to take the pups out. A picnic at Oowah Lake was at the top of my list for things to do. Its a pretty ride to Oowah Lake...first on Scenic Hwy 128 along the Colorado River, then a right turn onto Castle Valley Road and one more right turn onto LaSal Loop Road (not to be confused with the LaSal Loop 4X4 trail we went on last week).

LaSal Loop Road Scenic Backway...

 LaSal Loop Road Scenic Backway is a twisty, winding road that takes you up and down and all around with spectacular scenery that ranges from forested heights of the mountains to expansive views of red rock landscape. We traveled thru the scruffy oaks which were putting on a beautiful show of reds and oranges, thru the dark bluish green conifers full of cones, and the delicate light-stemmed aspens quaking in the breeze. It is paved and about a 60 mile loop if you don't take side roads. 

LaSal Range is part of the Manti-LaSal National Forest and the southern Rocky Mountains.

Mt. Peale is the highest elevation of the three clusters of peaks in the LaSal Range at 12,721 ft.  

About 43 miles into our trip, we did take a side road. A gravel dead-end road that goes to Oowah Lake...our destination for a picnic and walk.
Its a 6 mile round trip side excursion that mostly follows Mill Creek and well worth the time. On the way down, a brown bear cub ran across the road right in front of us... 

Entrance to Oowah Lake Recreation Area. There are hiking trails, camping slots and day use areas to enjoy...

Oowah Lake is a 2.9 acre lake surrounded by huge conifers. It is well stocked with rainbow trout making it a popular place for fishing as well as swimming and canoing...  

...or searching for some hidden talent. 

Did we have a great time? You betcha...just look at that smile! It just doesn't get any better!

So, until next time, take care and...

 

 

 happy trails!

 



Leaf Peeping

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
September 30, 2014

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and positive thoughts concerning Joe. We did have a slight set back due to an infection. But all is good now. Today he had his second round of chemo, pizza for supper, and is sleeping like a baby. We have been very fortunate to have had friends Lynn and Dave just a few sites down from us for the past month. Dave graciously volunteered to give up a whole day to take Joe for his first chemo. Dee has been right next door... keeping a check on us also. They have provided meals, support, motivation and encouragement, laughter, shoulders to lean on and hugs.



Enough of that...back when we first arrived in August, the one thing I really wanted to do was see the aspens in color on the LaSal Mountains. 



Dee led in Thumper, we drove saddle and Lynn and Dave were tail gunner in Rockhell ( named after another beautiful red-head - Raquel )

Last Monday, after a very wet week-end, we loaded up to go leaf peeping with Dee and Lynn and Dave.


Joe and I have driven several trails thru the LaSals. But one we had never done before was LaSal Loop and Geyser Pass. Both trails are in the Guide to Moab, UT Backroads and 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles Wells. This was our first trail since the end of August...it felt so good to be out and about.

Until next time...

 happy trails!