Fisher Towers Hike

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
May 2, 2016

It's been two years since we hiked Fisher Towers.  Why I don't know because it is one of the most scenic and beautiful hikes here...at least I think so.

It's a moderate hike with lots of ups and downs to get the heart pumping and leg muscles warmed up right from the get go, but the surroundings are so pretty, I hardly noticed how hard I was breathing! 



It's a well maintained in and out trail with a total of 4.6 miles.


  

The Cliff Rose were in full bloom and the lovely fragrance filled the air as we descended into the washes...yes, more than one...and climbed back out at the beginning of the hike.

I am not sure what this bush of yellow four petal blooms is, but it had a nice cinnamon smell.

 The trail has a western exposure. We were there about 8:45 am just as the sun was peaking over the towers.  Much of our morning was spent in the shade. 

We took our time enjoying all the little things along the way.







Does this rock remind you of a boxer covering his face? 

Joe and I both chuckled as we watched this bee.



He was a lot heavier than the flowers.  Every time he landed on a flower the stem would bounce way up and down taking him for a ride. 

There was no doubt which arrow we were following!  




Ancient Art is a complicated formation with several major summits. 




The corkscrew summit is great for a moderately experienced trad climber according to mountainproject.com.

We were in luck.  There were three climbers and all three made it to the top of the corkscrew.

After meandering around the largest tower known as The Titan, the trail ascends and ends up on a ridge with a panoramic view. 



It's a full 360* view that includes Fisher Towers,

Onion Creek,

 and Castle Valley.

It was an absolutely beautiful, happy day...

Until next time, happy trails !

Mashed Potatoes

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
April 30, 2016

Twice a year (spring and fall) Moab Friends For Wheeling does a highway clean-up day on a section of Hwy 191 north just past Arches.  With a group of 10-12, it usually takes about 3 hours.  It is amazing the things you find.  This year I found an IPhone 6.  Dee cleaned it up, charged it, and posted the wallpaper picture of two children on Facebook.  Can you believe it had been lost for a year?  And the owner still had the box with the serial number to claim it?  So cool. 


Afterwards a few of us set out to do some wheeling on Mashed Potatoes.


The section of Mashed Potatoes we did has some short steep climbs and is rated moderate if you bypass the Gravy Bowl.  

Dee was the first to dip into the Gravy Bowl.  As the picture shows, there isn't much room to maneuver around once in the hole.  





Dee made several attempts to line up but was about 2 inches off the mark.  Pearl was glad to help.

Glen followed with great finesse...










...followed by Jeff who was in and out before I focused the camera... 











followed by Dee who aced it...







(Her reaction says it all !)

 followed by Keith (His first time.) who did an awesome job with Glen spotting.




The Gravy Bowl obstacle just happens to be atop of one of the prettiest overlooks where we had lunch.  Such a fantastic view of Hidden Canyon and Bartlett Slickrock.  

 Moving on, the trail had lots to offer in the way of views.

 No one has ever said, but I figure Mashed Potatoes gets it's name from the swirly white colored rocks you traverse over and around.

There was a mixture of sun and dark clouds for most of the ride but no rain.

It's amazing how these wonderful plants grow in the tiniest of places among the slick rock.

I am not sure what trail we connected with to exit, but it is so unique.  We have passed by here before and it always reminds me of another planet.

















Yep, we were tired, satisfied to have volunteered, and happy to have had a fun day with great friends. 

Dee was our leader for this ride. Joe and I are always amazed by Dee's trail knowledge. She makes the ride so interesting and so much fun.

Until next time, happy days and...

 HAPPY TRAILS !