Crystal Geyser, Ray's Tavern and Melon Mania!

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
September 2, 2015

 Last week we headed north on Hwy 191 and then west on I 70 towards Green River, UT to a POI we had heard about this past spring.  

As many times as we travel these highways and byways, I never tire of the views we see along the way...

Crystal Geyser was our first destination. 

East bank of the Green River

This geyser is on the east bank of the Green River and according to google, it is a "rare example of a cold water carbon dioxide driven geyser" and geothermal activity does not play a role in the activity. There is no schedule for when the geyser erupts. I read that it could be 8 to 22 hours between eruptions. 

The first written record of Crystal Geyser comes from a report of the Powell Geographic Expedition of 1869, July 13, 1869: " We stop to examine some interesting rocks deposited by mineral springs that at one time must have existed here but are no longer flowing."

The current form of the geyser was created by an exploration well drill in 1935 in an attempt to find oil. 

We did see a bubbling event...the pool surrounding the geyser fills with water resulting in a beautiful flow to the river. 

As you probably guessed, the geyser did not erupt while we were there. But it was still a great time exploring. And we did work up an appetite!





We were told that a trip to Green River is not complete without a stop at Ray's Tavern for lunch.

 Ray's opened in 1943 and has since become a classic for chilled beer, burgers and fries. The grill is behind the bar where burgers are made and flame broiled to order. We chose a booth, but you can sit at the bar.


Ray's claim to fame happened over the years as river expeditions, bikers, and hikers made their way into town. The walls are decorated with framed T-shirts from all over, folded so the advertisement/company shows...pretty cool to read them!

Another bit of trivia about Green River, UT...it just so happens to be the melon growing capital of Utah! Much to my delight, we were there during the picking season. They have a perfect climate protected by the Book Cliffs and good sandy soil that allows for rapid growth and long production periods. 

The melon fields had just been picked.
The three families of farmers who grow here admit they are farmers and that marketing is not their thing. Thus, word of mouth is their biggest advertisement. The town was filled with roadside melon markets as we drove down Main Street...the only street in town! 

The melons in the center bin are Israeli melons...a very delicate soft meat with a delicious sweet taste. The yellow Canari melons against the back wall are crispy and more tart. 

These melons were huge...way too much for us. We did buy a "personal" watermelon with seeds. We were told a pound of seeds to grow the small seedless variety cost about $1400 compared to $20/pound for small watermelons with seeds.

Ribbons from state fairs and farmers markets filled the walls.

It was a great day!

The bridge over Green River on Main Street

Until next time, let the good times roll!

The road to Crystal Geyser...

HAPPY TRAILS!

Cliffhanger and Hikes to Petroglyphs

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
August, 30, 2015

 At the last Moab Friends For Wheelin club meeting, Melissa volunteered to lead Cliffhanger with side hikes to some very impressive petroglyphs. This past Sunday we were up early as the group was meeting at 9:00 am. Last fall we were passengers with Dee when she did Cliffhanger and I remember every minute of it! 



We were assured by Dee, Melissa and Glen that Pearl and Joe would be just fine!

Our first stop was a half mile rock scramble up the side of a cliff. Melissa, in the orange T-shirt, leads the way.








It is thought that this panel dates back to the Fremont Indians somewhere between 800 and 1100 years ago. It consists of three sections. The first section is a single bighorn sheep on a narrow wall offset on the left. 





Then around the corner, these two pictures make up some of the center panel which include a very large human figure, the owl, vultures and a line of sheep.

The third panel is to the right around a sharp corner. It's a single figure holding a drawn bow and arrow. It looks just like he is waiting for the first sheep to come around the corner. 

The "Owl Panel" depicts the best-made owl (of the ones found thus far) in the area and the little vulture glyphs are said to be regionally unique.

Rosie takes a photo.

Back on the trail...the main route is 4.3 miles of non-stop rock crawling and beautiful scenery. The trail narrows and hugs the cliff wall. 

Going down the narrow ledge...

Dee disappears down the boulders.

Whew...it sure felt good to stretch!

Lunch at the overlook.

L to R: Shirley, Jeff and Melissa

Well, what goes out to the overlook has to return to the trailhead...

We did take one other short walk to view a huge bighorn sheep. The lighting was terrible. This one measures about 4 feet long.

Thanks for the photo Dee.

Well until next time, let the good times roll...

HAPPY TRAILS!