One night we took a ride down the Colorado River. It was a nice, pleasant ride and another way to see the rock formations. On the way we encountered rain showers with some lightning way out in the next county. We turned around about 18 miles down the river near the potash plant (makes fertilizer). On the way back, we lucked out getting to see the beaver. He was huge.

one of a few climbing the rock

jug handle arch (few try and climb the handle)

beaver

  Following day we went to Canyonlands National Park, approx. 30 miles from Moab. Where at Arches you look up at rock formations, in Canyonlands, for the most part, you look down into deep, vast expanses. The main road is the Island in the Sky Scenic Road. There are viewpoints all along the road.  This is where the Green River meets the Colorado. Another beautiful area to explore. There is also The Needles area and The Maze (need to go with a ranger for these tours). Also need 4-wheel drive to get to some of the back trails. You could spend weeks here and not see it all.

Skip on edge

me in front of edge

upheaval Dome - meteor hit in 1988

 

 

You could spend weeks here and not see it all. We also stopped at Dead Horse State Park. Legend has it that back in 1800's, cowboys would herd wild horses out to the point because of  access being 30 yards wide and deep canyons on 3-sides (drop in 2,000 ft). Believe me, it is far down to the Colorado River that winds through. At some point, cowboys forgot to feed and water horses and they died - hence the name of the park. Forward to the 1990 and for those who have seen the movie THELMA AND LOUISE - welcome to where the final scene was filmed of going off the cliff.

 

 

 There are a lot of national parks in Utah. After leaving Salt Lake City, we headed southeast to Moab, Utah to visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands. This was about a 5 hour drive going through the mountains that surround Salt Lake City to vast open desert lands, to a landscape of red rock beauty.  We headed to Arches National Park. As you drive into the park and make your way up (approx. 1,000 ft or more) through a few switchbacks you will be taken in by the sheer vastness and magnificent beauty of massive rock formations that spread out before you. This is a place you will stop and soak in all that is around you.

Park Avenue never looked so good

  Along the drive, you can stop and walk around many of these formations. Make sure your camera is charged because you will not stop taking pictures.

balancing rock

inside large "window" formation

small "window"

Landscape Arch

trail to Landscape Arch

Skyline Arch

vast landscape

spires



underneath an arch

Hope you enjoy. These are just a few of the many photos that were taken today.

Skip was under the weather so Dot and I went to Ruth's Diner for breakfast. This diner has been featured on Food Network, and is a local favorite. We both had the French toast which was very good. I could not get a mimosa because it was before noon.

Afterwards, we met Joseph and family in Park City at the site of the 2002 Olympics. We took the tour around the ski jump area and bobsled. They water ski jump down so skiers are able to practice in summer.

ski jump venue

bobsled venue

Afterwards, there is a show featuring "future Olympians" doing aerials into a pool. This was awesome to watch.

 One day Skip, Thumper, and I took a ride to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. The lake is salty. Take my word for it!!!!

Following day Skip and I went into Salt Lake City. We visited Temple Square. As most know, if you are not a Mormon, you are not allowed inside the church. The grounds are beautiful with flowers and reflecting pools. There was a wedding couple having their pictures taken in the garden.

flowers in Temple Square

Mormon church

Afterwards, we walked up to the Cathedral of the Madeleine (Catholic Church). Beautiful inside.

 Later that night, we went with Dot to see the Salt Lake City Bees (AA ball team) v Fresno Grizzlies. The Bees won. Afterwards, there were fireworks to celebrate Pioneer Day which is a big holiday for the Mormons.
  Joseph and Laurie had us over for dinner. Had a great time.

  Since Dot left town for a conference, we decided to take a ride to Sundance (owned by Robert Redford). Students can learn and work on film making, etc.

entrance to Sundance

overview of Sundance

   We had a great time in Salt Lake City with Dot, Joseph, Laurie,
Ella and Zoey. Thanks for everything!!!!!

We leave in the morning heading southeast to Moab, Utah and Arches National Park.

On our way to Utah

We have been in Salt Lake City for the past few days visiting friends. We are staying at the Mountain Shadows RV Park in Draper, Utah to be near Dot and her family. Dot and I spent an afternoon at the Museum of Fine Art on the campus of Univ of Utah, and to Gingal Sculpture Gardens. This was interesting. Basically about the Mormons. Scripture carved into stone.

 That night went to concert at Draper Park. Her son, Joseph and his family (Laurie and two children, Ella and Zoey) joined us. Weather was hot, but there were lots of people for concert. Don McLean was headliner and a group singing Frankie Valli and Four Seasons were opening act.

Skip and Zoey

Skip and Dot under tent

  On Saturday, Joseph and family took us up to Snowbird Resort to ride the tram to the top of the mountain (11,000 ft). Spectacular views. Afterwards Ella showed us how to somersaults on a trampoline. Dot had us all over for dinner. Busy day.

top of mountain

at 11,000 ft



Ella on trampoline - giving us a lesson



all of us

Our visit continues!!!!!