October 2008 Moab, Fins-n-things, Arches, White rim trail, Green River.
The plan was to leave by 7:00 am. We came close. A stop for a quickie breakfast and to the Fire Department to fill the cooler with ice and we were off about 7:20 am. My plan was that it should take between 10-12 hours to get to Moab. That would be around 7:00 pm at the latest.
Best plans are destined to be spoiled. We started getting snow just outside Boise, ID. By the time we reached Mountain Home it was getting serious about the white stuff.
This continued off and on. About Jerome it started piling up. At least eight inches would be my guess. We stopped counting the number of silly people that had slid off the road. There were at least three rollovers. One had extrication in progress. For us to stop would have caused more of a hazard and all were accompanied by assistance as we passed.
As we approached the turn south, there was a sign saying Interstate I-84 south closed. A car in front of us made the turn anyway, so we followed. Sure enough, a closed gate attended by a ODOT worker. No one was going that way. Here there appeared to be close to a foot of snow.
So now we continue east to find a route south. All the way to Pocatello. We have now traveled five hours to get an hours distance that should have been traveled.
It does not take long traveling south for the weather to improve. It still spits snow flakes from time to time, but now it barely moistens the pavement.
Through the gap we approach wind generators. I have seen the pieces traveling the highways but this is about as close as I have been to the assembled units.
The rest of the trip down to Moab is uneventful. Darkness shades the scenery as we arrive. Driving through the town is interesting. Our motel is on the far end of town. The lanes are narrow and many people are crossing from side to side as we roll through. Bar hopping from tavern to tavern is my guess. We arrive to our motel after traveling for about thirteen hours.
Once checked in I make a call to Reed. He left the day before with the intent to be here at the same time as we were scheduled to arrive. Something happened and his mapping program had him take a wrong turn, so he had not yet arrived. I placed a call to Jack who was still a few hours out. He said he would find a place to get some sleep and meet us in the morning.
We needed to feed the little one, so off to a quick easy dinner. Well that was the idea. I sure though Denny's would be quick and easy. No such luck. They were short servers and a tour bus arrived just after we signed up on the waiting list. I know what you're thinking, waiting list at Denny's? Well it is true. We waited forty five minutes for a table. It was late and we had time even though we were getting hungry. Finally we were seated and placed our order just as Reed arrived. he was able to walk in and join us. Greetings and dinner done we retired to our motels and planned to get together in the morning.
Our room in the red Stone Inn was small. Barely room for us and bags. I will not stay there again, but it was clean. We slept well and arose rested and headed to Mac's lounge for a bite to eat. jack was a couple hours out still. Reed met us at the breakfast place and we decided to stick close until Jack arrived. Checking the GPS we found there was a geocache nearby. Off we went to find it. A nice little walk.
City Market Has a nice big red sign and is an easy place to find. Jack called and was on his way in, so we headed there to meet him.
All together now introductions made we had Jack lead us out for the first days exploration. Off to see Camels back-
Then up the hill to the BLM managed lands. Through Slickrock campground and down the Fins-n-things trail.
The first real drop off gave me pause. I am still unsure of the front receiver mounted winch. Watching Reed and Jack make the angles I cleared it pretty easily.
The day was a good test of the vehicles and chance for me to gain confidence in the traction that the rock in this area possesses.
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