Wed, Oct 20, 2010

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Today would be totally a play day for us.  After checking the weather to be sure there was no rain in the forecast we firmed up our route into Arches National Park.  The road we planned to take would enter the park from the northern most point via a dirt road thru a long valley known as the Salt Flats.  We have traveled this road before and knew it can be impassable with just a little rain.  But it was another beautifully clear day so our course was set.

The motel had a typical continental breakfast so we fueled up and then headed out stopping to top off the gas tank. There would be no services until we exited Arches at Moab, UT. 

We had just pulled onto the Salt Flat Road and pulled over to review the map to confirm the turns necessary to remain on the right road (there are untold dirt roads that wander the areas around Arches and Canyonlands and few have any markings.  Of course the windows were down and as soon as the Jeep stopped Paris jumped over to Dodgers side of the car. Yes, they normally have sides… they are just like children and if Paris gets on Dodgers side he pouts and whines and will then reluctantly take up her window but at the first opportunity he grabs his side.  This will only happen when she has decided to give it up.  Anyway, just outside was a prairie dog sitting at his front door staring back at us.  It was a real thrill for Dodger & Paris who spend their days looking for just this very thing.

There had been heavy rains in the area last Sunday and although the road was dry there were tracks that showed just how muddy and sloppy it had been.  We passed a couple out rock hounding and found a spot just down the road to make our first stop.  The sides of the valley of flanked by huge sandstone cliffs and just a few minutes scanning the ground shows the area is ripe with stones that would have been used by the native Indians to produce their needed tools.  The spot we chose was one of these areas.  Everywhere on the ground  next to this protected area of rocks were the chips that remain after the arrowheads and other tools were completed. We spent a good while exploring the area and the dogs, in particular Paris had fun climbing around on the rocks.

As we made our way back to the Jeep the couple we had passed earlier drove up and asked us if we knew if the road was open into the park.  We were still outside the park boundaries and there is a gate at the entry point that they close and lock if the road conditions warrant.  They had been in the area for a week and love wandering as much as we do.  They proceeded and we followed soon after getting a snack and watering the dogs. 

The road was open and soon we were “officially” inside the park.  The temperatures had started out in the low forties and were climbing steadily so it was time to ditch the coat for the vest.  It would serve me for the rest of the day. 

The Salt Flat road ends with a climb out of the flat valley and where the largest sandstone rocks begin.  The better part of the day was spent riding from one parking area to another followed by hikes to explore the gorgeous red rocks and arches. 

By mid afternoon we made the descent out of Arches and into Moab, UT which serves as the starting point for visitors to explore both Arches and Canyonlands.  It’s an outdoor person’s mecca and a huge mountain biking area.  It has grown tremendously since our first visit to the area some 30 years ago.  We found a room, did a little grocery shopping, and had an early supper before heading back out to Canyonlands.  We had run out of time to make the Shafer trail drive… I might be glad about this for it is an unbelievable drive off the top of the red rocks.  Originally an Indian trail, later a “one cow wide” cattle path to take cattle to the grassy top, later widened for prospectors seeking Uranium and now serves the tourist trade. The dramatic road is literally carved into the slick red rock. After a stop at the visitor center we made the drive out to the Mesa Arch trailhead.  We barely made it out to the Arch with enough light to get a photo but it was worth it to see the view as a full moon rose behind the arch.  Then we made a short drive to find a good spot overlooking the opposite side of the Island in the Sky area to watch the sunset. This part of the world has to be one of the quietest.  Stop talking for a moment and there is literally not a sound to be heard… very peaceful.

We are now back in our room and resting after a day full of walking and climbing. Tomorrow the weather will change and there will be a good chance of rain so dirt road travel will not be an option. We have decided not to take the Shafer Trail as it is impassable with just the slightest moisture. So we'll head down the paved road to toward Lake Powell.

We are well and hope you all are too!

Peace, Hope & Love,

Donna, Charles, Paris & Dodger