First Real Trip of the Year - Moab; Canyonlands NP

[SmokerBill]

After a day and a half of preparation, I left Hutchinson, KS this afternoon and headed west. My destination- Canyonlands National Park and the Moab, UT area in general.

I've pretty much fallen in love with the area around Moab. The rock formations, the canyons, the desert, and the just the immensity of it all are impressive and beautiful. Moab is a pretty cool town too.

I should arrive at either Deadhorse Point campground or Horsethief Canyon campground sometime tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to crossing the Rockies tomorrow in my Ram 1500 gasser, just to see how it compares to the Ram 2500 diesel I pulled the same route with last year. I know I'll have to go slower, but that's ok. I'm not in a great hurry.

This will be a three week trip, so I'll have plenty of time to post pics of my adventures.

Right now I'm at the Colorado welcome area in Burlington, CO. If this stop is like others I've made, I'll probably sleep for 3 or 4 hours and hit the road again around 3AM.

Have a good one,

[RickAE]

Sounds like the trip is going to be a good one. Enjoy,

[Phar0e]

Wow...would love to do that trip! Enjoy the scenery and make sure you do get your rest though.

[villain2000]

Have a great trip. I do remember you having the diesel last year. What's your reasoning for going to a half ton gasser this year? I always like to hear different points of view on TV selection.

[cbaka27]

You are coming into my neck of the woods. Have fun, we will be camping a bit more up north in Utah this weekend.

[LBL 1206]

Moab, one of my favorite areas. Have spent a lot of time in that area. Have fun and enjoy.

[coachnorm]

My wife spent four days in Moab last summer and we loved it. The rafting was great with Red River Adventures. Arches was an amazing place to visit.

Enjoyng the trip.

[Bob Landry]

Arches is in my top three favorite NPs along with Bryce Canyon and Grand Teton. I love the red rock country, so photogenic and the sunset photography can be spectacular, especially with a red intensifier.

[Flytyer]

Any recomendations to stay and or place to avoid.. will be there in July..

[SmokerBill]

Sorry I've been missing. No internet access at Sandflats Campground or at Horsethief Canyon camp area. Doing laundry right now on Kane Creek road. Here are some pics, for starters. These are all at Sand Flats rec area, where I camped the first night. All except for the one where I'm filling the tanks with water, at Lyon's park, just across the Colorado river going into Moab.

[SmokerBill]

Villian2000, I switched to a gasser because it's cheaper and easier to maintain and drive. Sure, I miss the diesel power, but the Hemi had plenty of power going over the continental divide. I use my truck as a daily driver, too, and the Cummins didn't like short trips in town very much. It loved to be worked hard.

Flytyer, I'm staying at Horsethief camp area (BLM land), 12 bucks a night, for the next week. It's close to Canyonlands, where I'm working on a project (website). It's not a bad place, but no water, elect, or dump station. Glad I have my generator.

More pics: One taken at the Green River Overlook, Canyonlands NP. Next, an Indian grainarie, hundreds of years old, just over the top of Little Aztec Mesa (yes, I climbed to the top!), and another of some of the local Canyonlands NP flora.

[Jayco 228]

That is some beautiful country! You have some great photography skills as well Bill. Love to see camping pics from far away places. I hope when my wife and I retire we can do some traveling with a trailer and see some of these great spots.

[villain2000]

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

Villian2000, I switched to a gasser because it's cheaper and easier to maintain and drive. Sure, I miss the diesel power, but the Hemi had plenty of power going over the continental divide. I use my truck as a daily driver, too, and the Cummins didn't like short trips in town very much. It loved to be worked hard.

I can beleive everything you said there. Especially about the maintainance. I'm sure that Hemi has plenty left while towing that 26 bh. BTW - great pics. I hope to see all that one day while traveling in our tt.

[SecretCoveDave]

If you want to see that area around Moab in a different light find an old copy of Molly Ringwold's first film -"Spacehunter! Adventures in the forbiiden zone."

Early 80's, I spent 7 months in Moab. Youngish dolly grip at the time.

Dave

[SmokerBill]

Dave, I heard that there are a couple of films being made here this year. Johnny Depp in the Lone Ranger, and I think its happening right now. Have to go check it out.

More pics soon. Ha Ha ..I'm Drinking IPA right now. Having Fun!!

[SmokerBill]

Pics. First is of petroglyphs in Moonflower Canyon up Kane Creek Road near Moab. Second is taken from a viewpoint near Grand View lookout, Canyonlands NP. Funny how the tree looks like a galloping horse, huh? Third is a pic of Schaeffer canyon, taken this morning at around 6AM. Wind was gusting about 50mpg, bout blew me off the canyon wall? LOL

More to come!!!

Having IPA and Hot Wings at the Moab Brewery right now. YUM!

[SecretCoveDave]

Great pics!
Dave

[SmokerBill]

I found this girl in my TT storage area (under the bed!) when cleaning things up this morning.


On a lighter note, here's a pic of Double Arch at Arches NP I took yesterday afternoon.

[SmokerBill]

Forgot 2nd pic.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

I found this girl in my TT storage area (under the bed!) when cleaning things up this morning.


On a lighter note, here's a pic of Double Arch at Arches NP I took yesterday afternoon.

Wow, I wish we had THAT view when we see those little widows lurking around in our backyard! Glad you are enjoying the beauty there... sorry 'bout the spiders though!

BTW.. love Moab!