The Fins and The Rocks

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
June 6 & 7, 2016

For some reason or another, last year we didn't spend any time on Fins and Things.  So when Red and Dolly asked us what trail we wanted to do, I didn't hesitate to say "the fins". Like Hell's Revenge, it is a classic 4X4 trail here with humongous views.  This was the first trail Joe and I did in our brand new stock Wrangler 3 months after we purchased it in 2013.  The purpose then was to figure out what modifications we needed...and so the journey began! 

I always love the fins !  It's still jaw-dropping...   

 As the name would imply, this trail is not all about the fins.  There are "things" to traverse as well...like gnarly climbs and sandy washes. 

Moab Rim...

and the LaSals make a beautiful backdrops.

The next day we were off to Behind The Rocks with Red and Dolly and were excited Dee joined us as well.  Our version is referred to as a "tip-toe" version because the extreme obstacles called High Dive, Up-Chuck, and Hummer Hill have go arounds and we took them. Dee drove Up-Chuck and played on Hummer Hill.  The go-arounds are difficult...this would not be a trail one should do without a buddy. 

Dee is always helpful when we tackle new obstacles.







Whee...Red led the way on this curvy section of sandy wash that had me giggling...

This is the top section of the by-pass for High Dive...Dee was the last to go down.

We made a large loop around Prostitute Rock...








...on the front side is Balcony Arch

 ...and on the back side is Picture Frame Arch where we had lunch in the shade of piñon pine trees.

After lunch Dee led for awhile as we meandered below and up-close to The Rocks.  Hummer Hill was on the way where Dee made the near vertical climb and descent.  

What fun it is to play in the sand !  Impressive sand dunes...

Behind The Rocks is an awesome trail.  We had a great time...thanks Red and Dolly, and Dee.  

The hottest part of the day here isn't until 4:00.  Dover has had fun cooling off in the doggie lake here at Portal.

With the cool morning temps, Jack gets plenty of time to play ball.  

And Sally knows just how to handle the warmer temps.  



















Until next time, happy days and...

HAPPY TRAILS !

Vistas, A Well, and Pictographs

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
June 2 & 4, 2016

Last week while Joe was at Moab 4X4 Outpost, he met Red.  Red and Dolly (from So Cal) have been visiting Moab and riding trails for 30+ years. Red invited us to join them the next day for a Jax Trax/Cameo Cliffs run.  

Located on the south side of town this combo trail offers great views of the LaSal and Henry Mountains and everything in between.



Always something beautiful around every corner.

We saw lots of sego lilies. This beauty was named the Utah state flower in 1911.








We also met Puff, Red and Dolly's 10 month old Shar-Pei. She is full of energy and love and oh so cute !

Two days later we joined them again for a Rainbow Terrace/3D trail ride. On the way, we made a stop at Dubinsky Well.  

 





The stone work to construct the holding tank for water is amazing...huge stones precisely placed in a large circle perfectly straight on the outside and slanted towards the center on the inside.  

the outside wall...

the inside wall...

We then circled back and headed for Rainbow Terrace and a view of the meadow below it.  Lighting does not show the purples that we have seen in the terrace before.  It's especially pretty wet. 

striations in the terrace

the meadow below

 Our lunch spot on one of the lookouts on 3D trail was gorgeous.  We even had a breeze !

Looking right towards Hwy 313... 

 straight ahead toward Bartlett Wash... 

and left toward Hidden Canyon. 

The highlight, other than the great company, for me was seeing two unique pictographs.  The first is known as Bartlett Pictograph Panel.  

The green alien...

A small area for parking with a kiosk is provided at the trail head.  Its a short walk to an alcove where the "green alien" (although faded, it is green) along with a collection of other pictographs is located.

and other figures.

 A short drive to and on Hwy 313 we found the "intestine man" also a pictograph.  We have driven by this spot many times and never knew it was there. Parking is along the road with a short walk to the panel which appears to be an interesting story.

 It is thought that the drawing on the right is a bear claw. 

The up-close picture below shows a man, the man fatally attacked and an angel.

A short walk away is a panel of petroglyphs.  It depicts a man, a trail, and very fat big horn sheep.  

We enjoyed meeting Red and Dolly and appreciate them letting us join in on these adventures.  Two awesome trails and adventures.

  

Until next time, happy days...

and, HAPPY TRAILS !