April 15, 2023

Well so much has happened over the last few days that I will try to catch us up. 

The time in Moab went so fast as we were out and about everyday hiking or driving the trails. After the Safari Jeep drive we headed up the mountain to Chicken Corner. This was an edge of the mountain drive and once on the top we had to climb over an elevated rock pile to get down the other side to Chicken Corner. 

Chicken Corner ledge to my right.

Sign to Chicken Corner

It is called that because there is a pike that you can walk out on and stand at the edge. We chose not to do so. We were on this trail for about 4 hours. We met another couple from Maine that spend a month in Moab every year. They have been doing so for many years. They did not venture over the top of the mountain as they had a rental car. 

The views from this was magnificent. Buddy was with us and spent the entire time on the floor in the back seat. 

 We then took a drive through Arches National Park to check out where we wanted to hike the following day.

It is a beautiful 18 mile drive through the park with many stops along the way.

We did go back to the park the following day and hiked several trails getting our 6000 steps in.

This was a very steep climb up to the top, we made it 3/4 of the way, and we weren't the only ones to chicken out.

The sun was shining and it was 83 degrees this day. That was the warmest day we have had in months.

Next it was a drive to Tusher Tunnel just outside of Moab. Part of the road was like a deep sand roller coaster; fun. At the site we needed to hike up the mountain a bit to get to the tunnel. I was amazed that it spanned for over 100 feet. On the other side we could walk along the edge to get to other smaller cutouts in the rock. Diane slipped and fell but luckily not close to the edge. That is the worst fear when on the back country, getting hurt as most of the time we do not have cell service. 

 

Up at the crack of dawn.

Where we could, we got on dirt roads. Even in Arches National Part there was a gated section that was open with no sign to say out, so we ventured in. We drove in the back country for about 2 hours up and down rock trails and through washes. We stopped for lunch along the way. We did get to a point were we (I) decided to turn around and the trail looks to rocky for my Jeep.  I need those big tires.

We packed up on Sunday and head to Towaoc, Colorado for a few days. This is in the Ute Tribe reservation. The RV park is next to a casino and very nice, but the town is very poor. We did visit the casino yesterday for it buffet dinner. I stuck 20 dollars in a slot and on the first pull it rang up to 147 dollars. I cashed out and we went for dinner. This is the most I have ever won in a casino. 

We did take a drive to Mesa Verde National Park, about 40 mile from our campsite. Would you believe it began to snow as we entered the park. It was dark and overcast as we drove up the mountain but once we were at the back end of the park, about 23 miles in, the sun was shining and it was comfortable in the low 40's. 

There we stopped and took some picture of Indian housing from the Pueblo People dating back to 550 AD. They lived here for 700 years then moved into New Mexico. 

Then it was on to 4 Corners. The spot where four states meet; Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Nevada. 

The area is run by the Navajo Indians so it cost to get in to take a look at the spot and there are jewelry vendors and Indian artifacts all around the area. 

If you have watched the movie Forest Gump you may recall him walking forever across America and then coming to a stop in the middle of a highway in the desert. 

This is the spot Forest Gump stopped walking. I wasn't alone out here as other crazy people were doing the same thing. We had to watch for cars to get this shot. 

Lastly on our way home (this being a 200 mile round trip) we found a dirt trail taking us through the Valley of the Gods with some spectacular views.

This is called the Mexican Hat as it looks like a sombrero.

Thought I was done, but today we hiked Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch getting about 6000 steps in. Buddy did the hike with us and did quite well even when a number of horses passed us by.