2008JeffJourney

Great Salt Lake Memories

March 27, 2010

***J, D and L explore the Great Salt Lake coast - June 11, 2008. They were not even tempted to swim.

Researching the Great Salt Lake for Konos Kids brought back memories of our trip there in 2008. Our plan was to have the buoyancy experience but this was not to be, due to the colder than normal temperatures. So L's task today was to experiment with density and buoyancy.  Using an experiment from Home Science Tools, she had fun making sea water and testing it.

***watching food coloring diffuse in the Great Salt Lake water.

 

Which is denser? Great Salt Lake water - blue, ocean water - green or tap water - yellow.

June 19, 2008: We Head Out of Moab

Location: The same in the a.m., but thankfully moving to CO by afternoon. C: Dallas, TX

Weather:  High 90's.  Pleasant in the breeze in the shade.  Baking in the sun.

Mileage:  Surpass 8000 miles.

Audio:  Old Radio Programs like The Shadow and the Texas Rangers on XM radio

We are definitely out of practice.  It took us 2 hours to get up and off the site, but we made it to Quality RV by 9:15 a.m.  We were full of hope that he would be able to fix the axle and we'd be on our way after lunch.  To bide our time we explored the many tourist shops in Moab finding a few things to buy to remind us of our days there and had lunch at the very busy Slickrock Cafe.  We were headed to the town park when he called to tell us the camper was indeed repaired!

We were all lighthearted as we hooked up the camper and headed north to get on I70.  The goal was to travel west to camp at a state park along the Colorado River.  The repair man suggested we stop in Grand Junction, CO and check the camper tire.  While doing this we spotted a Goodwill and spent the next 2 hours finding all sorts of treasurers. We wondered if the camper would absorb all the books, board games, shoes, clothes and trinkets, but after spending 6 weeks traveling it is amazing how a few new items can bring such joy.  The car was full of reading children as they picked books to add to their Barnes and Nobles Summer Reading Program lists, and once we got hooked up at the new campground, several of the kids were found laughing and enjoying the board games.

June 18, 2008: What a Mom Won't Do For Her Boy

Location:  S & Kids: Moab; C: Houston, TX

While most enjoyed a morning of sleeping in and cable t.v. J and I headed to the Slickrock Mountain Biking Trail that Moab is famous for.  J had it in his head that he wanted to tackle the 2 mile practice loop and none of his siblings would join him.  Now the literature says that even the practice loop is for the mountain biker with advanced skills, but J was confident that this was where we should go. We were quite a pair, him on his non-gear, non-shock dirt bike and me on C's mountain bike that I wasn't sure how to shift the gears. I wavered in my confidence; since I have only been on a mountain bike a handful of times, I am not sure if I even am a qualified novice. These are the times I miss C being with us the most, as I know that he would love the challenge of this course and relieve me of this opportunity to stretch myself.

***J tackles the course

***Biking over an arch

We found the white dashes that marked out the trail and set out.  The slickrock sandstone that makes up the mountainous trail has earned it's reputation as the best trail in the USA because the mountain bike tires grip the stone in the descents and the inclines.  As we faced our first steep decent J zipped down flawlessly on his dirt bike absorbing the bumps in his legs as he stood.  I chickened out and walked. (The slickrock is great for walking on too!). I asked J if he minded going with me.  He laughed and said, "No.  Then I have an excuse to go slower."  As we went on I got braver.  I chanted in my head what I heard on the Y Tube video we had watched on mountain biking -- Just sit back and put your weight in the back, and look where you want to go and not where you are.  With these two tips (and the frequent prayers I found myself saying) I was able to make it down several steep areas.  J began to admit that this was a hard trail and he was glad we didn't go on the long trail. About at the midpoint on a steep uphill, "Pop!".  My chain broke.  I can't say that I wasn't relieved to be offered this excuse to walk the rest of the trail. (Smile)  J finished out riding and walking, and waiting for me to catch up.  He had the most fun at the end of the trail where he was able to just ride around on the sandstone.  It was only the heat that drove him off the trail.  On a cooler day he would have been up for doing it again.

We loaded the bikes up and took C's to a local shop for a new chain.  After checking on those at home who were just waking up, we decided to eat breakfast at a restaurant that caught our eye as we drove through town because of it's name, The Love Muffin Cafe.  They have a limited menu but great food.  After finishing his breakfast of eggs and potatoes, he said, "These are the best potatoes I've ever had."  My whole wheat waffles covered with fruit was pretty good as well. Enjoying our time out together we moved on to an outdoor store in town and then back to get the repaired bike.

When we arrived home no one was too eager to go out in the heat so we cut up some watermelon and watched the movie, The Game Plan.  Itchy to get outside once the movie was done we headed to the pool.  Just before we left I got a call from Quality RV.  The man said the axle had arrived and he wanted us to bring the camper to his shop at 9 in the morning. He thought if all went well he'd have it fixed by noon!  Hurrah!!! 

The afternoon was relaxing as we enjoyed taking advantage of what the campground had to offer - the pool, mini golf and the ice cream social.  We all were pretty hopeful that we wouldn't return the next evening so we started to prepare the camper for traveling again.

***The seriousness of the shot

Once the sun began to set we decided to take Ranger Sharon's suggestion for a moonlit hike back at the Slickrock Bike Trail.  She said the full moon acts as a torch and just lights up the slickrock.  Once again we packed up everyones water, put on hiking shoes and set out.  We got there with the dimness of daylight so J took D biking on the beginning of the trail to help him get an idea of what he missed.  They made it back in one piece before it was completely dark.  The rest of us were becoming a feast for the mosquitoes.  I began to get concerned as the sun was setting but we were not seeing signs of the torchlight of the moon.  We hiked out to the beginning of the practice loop and, to the disappointment of some and relief of others, decided to bag the moonlit hike and head home for sleep and to prepare for leaving in the morning. As we were leaving the park we saw the huge moon rise above the mountains and we wished we could hike till midnight.

June 17, 2008: Into the Fiery Furnance

Location:  S & Kids: Back in Moab; C: L.A.

Morning came early as I was so nervous we'd miss our scheduled time of 9 a.m. to tour the Fiery Furnance, an area of Arches National Park that one must tour with a Park Ranger for the first time. Our sleepy bunch had fairly good attitudes despite going to bed so late the night before.  We grabbed breakfast, put on hiking shoes and sunscreen, and with water bottles and snack in hand headed to the car.  We drove the 30 minutes into the park and made it a few minutes ahead of schedule. After a half an hour our restless group realized that there must have been a mix up.  One of the women contacted the park who let us know there was no ranger to lead our tour.  But to make it up to us they wanted to refund our money  (a $55 savings for us!) and take us on a special tour at 4 p.m. led by one of the very knowledgable park rangers.  The intent was to give us the best tour of the Fiery Furnace that they could give.

While we were in the park we took the opportunity to go by the scene of the incident with the border rock in the Delicate Arch parking lot that lengthened our stay in Moab from a few days to one week. We found one of the rocks pushed over a ways and knew this was the one that caused the sad state of the bent axel on our trailer.

*** The Providential Rock

Everyone was ready for a nap when we got back to the campground, but instead we had to dump our full holding tanks.  Since we had to unhook we decided to move, once again, to another site that had full hookups.  It is very nice to not have to worry about how much water we are using. The afternoon heat was threatening to cross over into the hundreds so most of us opted for an afternoon swim before heading back to the park for the tour.

Ranger Sharon did not dash our expectations.  The three hour hike through the canyons of sandstone fins was varied, interesting and a work out.  Sharon did a great job explaining the formation of the area and pointing out many of the areas natural features that make it unique. There are over 2600 arches in the park all measured and recorded by a group of dedicated people who search for the arches.  Since by definition an arch only has to be 3 ft, some of the them are quite small and difficult to spot.  Sharon led K up to the rock face to peer up and see the slither of space that makes Hitchhiker Arch official.

***Entering the Fiery Furnace

A was quite attentive to our trail from her backpack perch.  As we faced some of the steep down hill climbing she would gasp and wrap her little hands around my neck.  As we descended she would laugh.  There were times when she was passed from person to person to get her down the slopes and over the crevices safely. M's confidence swelled as he realized that he did not need much help.  He wasn't too sure about the whole thing when he was presented with the description and the pictures at the visitor's center a few days before.  He cautiously said he thought he could do it with help. Once on the trail he was off and running.  He enjoyed climbing on the slickrock and spotting the various animal tracks in the sand along the trail.

***A happily on her perch.

Sharon took us through narrow canyons that we had to creep through bracing ourselves with hands and feet, over large crevices that seemed to have no bottom and along skinny ledges (that are hard to balance on when a little hand comes out of a backpack and pushes against the canyon wall).  We  hunted for arches, created names for arches, walked under arches and the kids even squeezed through a tight arch.  We came out to areas where we had a grand view of the mountains in the distance and there were areas where we felt small against the towering sandstone walls that surrounded us.

***Feeling small.

We were all ready to head out of the Fiery Furnace as our time drew to an end.  We looked forward to cooling off on a return visit to Zax for their pizza buffet and then had no problem getting to sleep that night!

June 16,2008: Traveling the San Juan Skyway

Location: S & Kids: Colorado,  Mesa Verde National Park, Morefield Campground: we had traded in one of the few full hook up sites they have for a tent site without water or electricity.  The bathrooms were close though and the showers a short drive away.  Craig:  LA, California

Mileage:  Surpassed 7777 miles.

Jr. Ranger Badge #7: Mesa Verde National Park

Audio Book:  Finished The Life of Jesus

Morning came quicker than expected since I didn't even wake up or dream about bears.  Most of us went to the All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast offered by the campground.  We ordered the family breakfast and were treated to as much food as we could eat even though traditionally it only included 8 pancakes and 8 sausages.  The woman who was grilling quickly realized that was not all you can eat for our family so she just kept putting more on the griddle.  We were no longer hungry when we left.

We had to drive the 10 miles back to the visitors center for the kids to be sworn in as Jr Rangers at Mesa Verde.  This is one of the few programs that did not require they bring in a bag of trash, but they did have to promise to pick up trash.

***Driving the San Juan Skyway

I had saved an article from the Family Fun magazine (June/July '96) with an itinerary for a road trip on the San Juan Skyway.  They describe a two day itinerary on this drive which is considered one of the most beautiful drives in America.  We reduced the itinerary to the one day we had. Our first stop was Durango Mountain Resort.  All but Anna took the nearly 3 mile ride down the Alpine Slide. We all raced down but Leah who got a bit stuck and had to be rescued by a friendly worker who said, "Honey, I'm going to give you a little push." He came behind her with an empty cart in between them and pushed her down the mountain. She still thought it was great fun.  We all wished we had more time and money to spend at this little resort.  Given more time we could have mountain biked down the mountain, bungee bounced, played mini golf, hiked and ridden the slide a few more times.  We definitely added it to a place to come back to.

***L getting her boost down the mountain.

We couldn't pass Coal Bank Pass Summit (elevation 10,660 ft) without getting out and playing in the snow!  There were still patches of deep snow here and there on the ground.  Enough to run through, dig in, make snowballs out of, even sled in and of course to photograph.These GA kids are so deprived of snow they had to be called many times to come back to the car so we could get onto our tour.

***Kids at pass

***Improvising with a table cloth sled.

We hurried to get to Silverton by 4 p.m. I had read of the tour of Old 100 Gold Mine in several of my books. It is unique in that the tours are led by a retired miners.  This turned out to be a highlight of the trip.  Several of the kids said later, "I'm going to bring my kids back there."  Miner Ken, a gentle and kind tour guide, (the best tour guide ever according to N) started the tour by quoting Mark Twain who said, "A mine is just a big hole you sink money into."  After telling us the history of the mine (briefly so as not to bore us with the dates and such) he loaded us up on an old mining car and brought us down into the mine.  The reason for wearing rain gear and hard hats became apparent as we were showered with water dripping from the ceiling of the mine as we descended.  Once inside we walked through the tunnels (or drifts as Ken called them). We saw how to spot a vein that gold would be found in and we learned about all the equipment (and hazards) of the mine as Ken told us colorful stories of personal experiences and Tommi-knockers.  L even got to be the blast master, yelling "Fire in the Hole" and setting off a wall of dynamite (pretend, of course).  Once we left the mine Ken presented Leah with some gifts for helping.  When he gave her the ruler he said, "That's so you can be smart and not have to be a miner in Colorado."  

***Blastmaster

Once out of the mine, Ken patiently taught us how to pan for gold and silver in the sluice box and then said, "You are welcome to stay till the sun sets."  The miners locked up and took off while the kids stuck their hand in the frigid water , began to intently sift their dirt and searched for small shiny objects.  Once several found (mostly) silver the excitement level grew. They said, "This is SO fun because you actually find stuff!"  We had to pull them away an hour later so we could find dinner in the nearby town.

*** Miner Ken teaches D how to pan for silver and gold.

We hunted for the Bent Elbow, a restaurant and hotel recommended in the Family Fun article, and found it on a street that could be the set for an old western.  The dirt street was wide and lined with old buildings from the early 1900's.  We read that they have reenactments of gun fights on the weekends.  The Bent Elbow was built in 1907 as a saloon and has a colorful history in the wild rowdy town during the gold mining days.  As I was changing A, L marched right into the place and sat down at the bar.  She began telling an interested bar tender the stories of our travels.  Soon we were all sitting down at a long table and enjoying looking at all the interesting antiques that are everywhere around the large dining room.  After enjoying a tasty meal we walked the streets taking photos and poking into the little tourist shops.

***Silverton, CO

Realizing we still had a journey ahead of us going back to Moab we got back into the car.  I don't know if I had been told what it is like to go over Red Mountain Pass (elevation 11,074 ft) that we would have taken that route. I had little time to take in the beauty of the mountains or the many rushing waterfalls as I gripped the steering wheel and tried not to think about going over the steep cliff edges.  They had just painted the white lines on the edge of the road that were right on the edge of the drop offs. In one place the line went over an area that had been eroded away.  The kids kept saying, "Mom, look at ...."  I knew if I did we'd veer just a bit too far.  So I spent most of the time in the middle of the road, not looking over the edge and hoping we'd make it.

We did make it. We spotted ground hogs, mule deer and a herd of grazing elks as we made our way back over the line into Utah.  It was 11:30 p.m. by the time we got "home."

***Sleep

June 15, 2008: Out of Moab!

Location: S & Kids: Heading to Colorado  C: After spending Father's Day with his Dad in Connecticut, he flew back to L.A.

Weather:  Hot and Sunny, but we traded the 99 degree heat of Moab for the 80's in Mesa Verde

Audio Book:  The Life of Jesus, a Radio Theater drama of historical fiction about how Luke may have come to write the Gospel of Luke.

Oh the freedom of traveling without the trailer!  I feel so light and zippy, even with every corner of the car loaded with all we need for a two day adventure. We began early in the morning so we could squeeze four days of activity into two. First we headed south for 2 1/2 hours to a once-in-the-USA experience.  At the Four Corners Monument we got to place ourselves in four states (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah) at one time.  After taking photos some of us meandered through the art stalls of the local Native Americans tribes of the Navajo and Ute.  We also enjoyed some fry bread smothered in cinnamon and sugar or honey.

***Four States at One Time

Heading to Mesa Verde we went to a gas station and filled up ($3.99/gallon).  D was excited to return to the car after a bathroom break with a bag full of candy.  The woman said, "You can have candy for your family when you get gas."  He said, "I have a big family."  She still let him pick out something for everyone.

We came up to Mesa Verde along with a large number of bikers in some sort of cycling event.  We marveled at their ability to keep pedaling up the mountains.  Mesa Verde is a large park.  After we drove into the park we still had 15 miles of driving on the cliff sides to get to the visitor center.  We picked up the Jr. Ranger booklets and arranged for tickets to tour the Cliff Palace and Balcony House.  For the afternoon we climbed up and down ladders, squeezed through a tunnel and learned a lot about the Pueblo people in the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the area from 600-1300 AD. It is amazing that a group of people lived inside these cliffs with only hand and foot toeholds to get up to the mesa to maintain their crops.  J said he'd like to live there if there was electricity.  I would imagine that everyone would be in incredible shape just because of the exercise needed to live.

*** Climbing the ladder at Balcony House

Our last adventure of the day was tent camping and no cell phone service.  We had purchased a 6 man tent and already had a 4 man tent so everyone was comfortable and snug inside the two.  The campsites at Mesa Verde are big and ours overlooked the mountains and a beautiful view of the sunset. We had a snack dinner which eliminated all the equipment needed for cooking. When we arrived we were told there was a bear alert as bear where seen walking through the sites the night before about midnight; so we cleaned up all the peanut butter smears and salsa drippings with precision. I went to sleep ready to be awake most of the night. But the kids had no worries.  It was hard to settle them down as they danced and sung in the tent.

***Settling into the new tent

As for the no cell phone coverage, happily we were able to reach C via the satellite phone in the car to wish him a Happy Father's Day, but N wandered the park unsuccessfully looking for a signal.  He resorted to the old fashioned communication of the pay phone.

June 14, 2008: Searching for Petroglyphs

Location: The same

Weather: getting hotter, reached lower 90's today. So dry that the puddles the kids make evaporate in 10 minutes! We are also going through water like crazy. We are trying to get use to the campground water but it is difficult.

Everyone slept in this morning and had a hard time getting moving in any direction. I guess we are getting used to being in one spot and are not rushing to get anywhere.

We finally got out of the camper at 11:30 a.m. and headed, with little knowledge, to find the petroglyph's that a ranger told us about. After trying a few roads we finally found the scenic byway that led us to Indian Writings, dinosaur tracks, rock climbers and a wedding. The petroglyphs were found high on the rock face. We got out of the car and wondered how they could have made all those drawings so high on the cliff face.

***The kids infront of the the petroglyph cliff.  The petroglyph panel is up in the top of the photo.

J was more interested in the rock climbers who were suspended from the cliff faces from ropes. We also came upon a group that was learning to repel. It was L, J and D who were eager to get in the group and try it.

The surprise was coming upon a group of people who were setting up for a wedding. They had brought in folding chairs covered with white fabric and they were making a white arch set with the Colorado River and red sandstone cliffs as a backdrop. The reception area was set apart by colorful banners of fabric. A little bit away from the wedding preparations there were many tents, which we were guessing contained the guests. As we watched the group the kids discussed whether they would like their wedding to take place in such a beautiful but rural area.

When heading back to Moab, we saw a sign that said, "Dinosaur Tracks." After searching we were led to a tiny pipe to look through. It pointed us at a rock on a ledge with 2 clear white "dinosaur" tracks. The kids were quite skeptical, and disappointed it was too hot to climb up the rocky slope to check them out for themselves. We were prepared to hike today but pleased that we were able to see most of these sites from the car. The temperature kept rising and we have not adjusted to the heat yet.

Stopping for lunch at La Hacienda was a split vote, but ended up being a blessing. At the end of the meal a couple stopped to talk with us. They had been sitting nearby and had been watching our family. They were very complimentary of the children's behavior and said that their grandchildren would have been running around the restaurant. We talked for a few minutes and said goodbye. In a few minutes the man who seated us came by the table and said that the man who was sitting at the table next to us paid for our lunch! I was amazed! What a blessing! D said he had never seen me looked so surprised.

Our next stop was a little outdoor shop to buy another tent. We have decided to do a bit of exploring beyond Moab and are doing it by tent camping. Now that'll be an adventure. We bought a 6 man tent to add to our already 4 man tent. The kids are so excited to sleep in a tent (except for J and D who said they have done that enough.)

***M makes a difficult shot.

Weary from the heat and our morning travels we spent the rest of the afternoon at the campground. The kids were entertained by playing mini golf while I did the laundry and met many interesting people traveling through Moab. There are people here from many countries; some on motorcycles, some in tents and some in RV's. We all shared our stories and love of travel. You can see the excitement build when someone starts to share about where they have been and where they hope to go.

June 13, 2008: We Adjust our Thinking To a New Plan

Location:  The same.

Weather:  Sunny, Dry and Hot (upper 80's)

We tried to squeeze in a tour of The Hole 'N The Rock (http://www.theholeintherock.com/) before we had to change our campsite this morning.  This unique 5,000 sq.ft. home was built into the sandstone rock.  The Christensen's started with a kitchen and a diner and slowly added the rest of the house.  There are a few rooms that have natural light areas, but mostly it is just all underground like a cave.  They hand carved it with chisels and dynamited out the larger sections.  It is very interesting.  If that isn't enough to attract the average tourist there is also a gift store, general store and petting zoo (complete with Emu, Ostrich, goats, pigs, wallabies and more).

***Meeting the Wallabies

By 11 a.m. we were "home" to move to our third campsite in the park.  We got settled in and decided to stay out of the heat for the afternoon by doing school in the camper.  The kids were thrilled - NOT!  But even still we were able to get spelling, journaling and map work done before they just couldn't be contained anymore.

We also began to wonder if Mr.Quality RV had made any progress on finding our part.  When I called he said, "Oh, they haven't called me back.  I guess I could call them again."  Eeekkk!  I was under the impression that he knew we weren't interested in moving into Moab. Craig came to the rescue and began to talk with Mr. Quality.  Craig then called Peco Campers (where we bought the RV) and they stepped up to the plate.  They found a part in CA and are having it shipped to Mr. Quality.  He said he'd do his best to squeeze us in when the part came.  As one camper said, "You are now stuck on Moab time."  Craig said, "Just have it in your mind you'll be there till next Friday."

So for the rest of the afternoon as A & M rested, the boys shot army men with their slingshots and the others found something to occupy themselves, I shuffled our schedule - canceling reservations and coming up with new plans for our days.

***Under the Pine Tree Arch

By 4:30 p.m. the heat subsided and we decided to head out to Landscape Arch, an arch that is 6 ft longer than a football field.  It was one of the arches that the Rangers say, "Go see," because they are unsure how long it'll be around.  In 1991 a big section of it cracked off and came down.  There are several arches out on the Devil's Garden Trail.  The Pine Tree Arch was our favorite. It is a large arch that we could stand under.  It had some fun places to explore as well.  A, M and E loved just playing in the red sand.  J, D and L had no lack of climbing opportunities. And N, K and I had fun photographing them all.

***Phooning on a Sandstone Fin

On driving the 15 miles back through the National Park, the views of the red sandstone structures was incredible as they were lit up with the setting sun.  It was another night where we forgot the time and stayed out till the sunset. Spaghetti Dinner was at 10:30 with another showing of a Buster Keaton movie.

June 12, 2008: Stuck in Moab

Location:  Moab KOA.  The boys agree that this is a great campground.  They have enjoyed the view (red sandstone mountains), playground (one of those old fashioned spinning things), pancake breakfast, and pool.

Weather: Sunny and getting hotter.  Upper 80's.

Jr. Ranger Badges #6: Arches National Park

I guess there are worse places to get stuck.  Today we didn't receive good news.  It is indeed the axle of the travel trailer that is bent and will need to be replaced.  How that will happen has not been determined.  The RV fix it man tried to call for the parts but ALL the phone lines in the town of Moab were down until evening.

So we have been doing a bit of campsite hopping so that we can stay in this campground. This site came with neighbors that are from.... McDonough, GA!  Isn't that funny?

While our camper was being assessed we found a local pizza place for lunch then headed back to Arches National Park so the kids could get their sixth Jr. Ranger Badge.  The Rangers were very impressed that the kids have received so many badges on this trip and have suggested that they apply for a ranger job soon.

One thing that they are asked to do more frequently with these ranger programs is to pick up trash.  This park suggested they bring in a medium bag each!  It is funny to hear your kids say with enthusiasm, "Mom, can we go pick up trash?"  D even went so far as to say when he had gathered quite a bit, "It feels so good to pick up all that trash!  The top of their bag was bursting with rusty items they found in the rocks beyond the visitor center.  The Ranger asked them where they found it and then suggested they leave the "antique trash" in it's place.  She said they'd learn the difference between cowboy trash and today's litter.

***J backflips into the pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***A tries to warm a shivering M after getting out of the cold water at the pool.

 

 

This evening we chose to hang out at the campground and go to bed early.  This is kind of like forced rest for the scheduled obsessed.  Rest for the kids has to include activity though.  We found the pool and the evening ice cream social.  Once the younger kids were in bed we laughed at an old silent movie starring Buster Keaton.

Now the camper is quiet and I am wondering what this next week (or two) will hold.

June 11, 2008: Utah from Capital to the famous Arches

Location: KOA of Salt Lake City - Though we didn't stay long and didn't take advantage of all they offer, I would definitely recommend this campground to anyone who wants to stay in SLC near the city.  The staff there is the friendliest we have found.

Weather:  The first real rain we've seen since the thunderstorms of the first night on the road.. Chilly & Overcast (50's) in SLC, 70's & Sunny as we went south.

Mileage: Surpassed 7,000 miles

True to his word Mike of Mr. Mobile arrived at 8:30 a.m. and had our crank replaced in no time.  We had time to throw our laundry in and just about get it dried as he worked.  Our plan was to drive out and see the Great Salt Lake this morning and get back in time to check out at noon.

The weather made this possible as we didn't want to stay in the chilly wind longer than needed to walk a bit on the beach and head back to the car.  The word, Eeewww!!!!, was said the most often as we walked along the shore spying dead birds, a large dead fish and an enormous number of small gnat-like bugs hovering above the sand.  The stench had E holding her nose all morning, but it didn't deter D and L from getting right into the white foam that was building up at the shore or poking at the dead things.  I, with no sense of smell, was not bothered but only saw the beauty of the shades of grey (stones, water and stormy sky) and the great photo opportunities.

N's photo shoot with L

&

J with the stinky dead fish

***Playing in the foam

No one was too disappointed that it was too chilly to swim/float and they all aren't too eager to come back too soon when the weather is warmer!  We met the camp host on the way out who spent time with us telling stories of the lake.  He told us in the winter they have a polar bear swim to raise money for a charity.  Since the salintiy of the lake is about 14% it never freezes but just gets colder and colder. He measured the temperature one year at 26 degrees.  He said they all scream when they jump in and are glad of the heaters and attention when they jump out.  Not up for a polar bear swim, we left to pack up.

Our drive south to Moab was uneventful but long.  We are all getting weary of days full of much driving.  The excitement of the drive included stopping at Target, getting a better idea of the enorimity of the windmills south of Lehi and watching the landscape change to the rocky buttes as we neared Moab.

By the time we entered Arches National Park the first come, first serve campground was full.  We quickly called Moab KOA and made a reservation for the night.  Having a place to stay and another set of Jr. Ranger books in hand we headed out to find the trail to lead up to the Delicate Arch.  All the books say to go there at sunset for the best view and pictures.  Little did they know what a task it is to find parking for a 33ft camper plus suburban and get a load of kids all into their hiking boots and prepared for a somewhat strenuous hike after sitting in the car all day.  With some fear we'd be walking back in the dark we set out.

I am never disappointed when we get out into nature.  My soul does sing. Even if it is at the cost of the pain of hiking 3 miles through rocky canyons.  M and I took up the rear as the path became quite steep.  He led the way finding all the piles of rocks marking the path as I used his slow pace as an excuse to stop and rest often. We had a lot to distract us in sighting rocks that are weathered by water into interesting shapes and seeing bridges (hollowed out areas shaped by water) and arches (hollowed out areas shaped by wind.)  The rest of the troops marched on and found THE arch surrounded by fellow hikers all waiting for the glory of the setting sun to make the beautiful, incredible.  We watched as the sun lit the top of the arch.  Wanting to get a photo, the kids set out to get underneath the arch.  As they approached the arch, the hillside rang out with "NO!"  All the photographers were waiting for just that moment to capture the evening sunlight eluminating the arch.  A few minutes later N dropped his water bottle. As it rolled down the slick rock toward the drop off below, L ran, pounced and slid on her belly bringing the bottle to a hault.  The hills once again rang, but this time with cheers.  A man turned to me and said, "I can not believe that girl just did that!"  I had to admit that she was my daughter and at times does not show the greatest common sense, but she sure is enthusiastic in all she does!

***Our arch picture compromise

***L finds a place to rest.

We did make it back to the car just as it was getting dark and here we tried to solve our new dilemma. As I was hunting a parking space in the crowded parking lot earlier that evening, I cut a corner too close and ran up on a rock - o.k. a boulder - used to mark out the parking areas.  As we examined the tire it just didn't look right.  Maybe a bit bent?  After it was examined by us all, a bus driver and a few others hanging around in the parking lot, we decided to drive it slowly to the campground.

We'll deal with that in the morning.  For now we had to get us all fed and into bed.  Midnight came too quickly.