Well, I didn’t move very far west-ward… only about 50 feet (different camp at same campground). However, I did get out and have a pretty decent day in the Moab area.
My alarm went off at 5:30am and I promptly snoozed until 6:30. When I finally mustered the strength to get moving I noticed my camp-mate was still here as well so I fired up the stove and got some water brewing for a couple cups of coffee each. We finished our coffee and wished each other luck in our adventures, each of us headed in different directions; he was heading back into Colorado after time in California, and I was off to California from Colorado.
Negro Bill Canyon
I drove a few miles down the road to that trail I was considering last night, arriving just after 7am, and got straight to the hike. It did not take long for me to be amazed with this trail; hiking at sun-rise in the slick-rock canyons with a creek at my side… what more can I ask for? The trail climed up and over large slick-rocks, then dipped down to cross the creek. Back and forth, back and forth, the variety in terrain and spectacular views around each bend seemed more like a Universal Studios ride then a nature hike.
The trail winding through the creek
After 2.5 miles of hiking, the trail comes to one of the largest Natrual bridges in the Unites States. I hung out in the shade under the bridge for a half-hour in awe of the size and grandure of this thing. A small spring crept out of the rocks under the bridge, filling a pont just deep enough to wet your ankles, but the water here (rare in the desert) made for a much cooler area to relax in. The hike back was uneventful, though with the sun at full song, I had to keep my eyes low to avoid stepping on all the sun bathing lizards… and more of a concern was the potential snake… the biting kind.
Morning Glory Bridge (243 foot span)
Afterwards, I drove into Moab to refuel and find some place to kill a few hours. I was looking for a place to cool off (and wash off) so found the local public swimming pool and parked under a large oak tree to wait for the pool to open. I researched
some potential camping areas, checked in on work, edited my photographs for the day, and called in to both “mom’s”. When the pool finally opened, I rushed in, showered up and swam for an hour before taking another shower and calling it a day.
I always tell myself not to drive in the afternoons. Instead, pick a spot and setup camp and just relax! Today, for probably the first time, I listened to myself by returning to the sure-thing campground and hunkering down for the night. It is only 2PM but Im in full relax-mode with the awning out and the lawn chair under me and my fingers working away on the laptop.
No more plans for today other than a good sized dinner (chicken and rice!) and a good nights sleep. I will wake early tomorrow to drive into Arches Ntnl Park to hike the 3 mile Delicate Arch trail to get some images of this very famous arch (which I missed two years ago when Timmy and I visited the park). After that, I think I may get back on the road… though I may stay here another day if I find another trail or adventure to go after on Wednesday.
UPDATE: By 3:30 a thunder storm rolled in and completely soaked the place. Now I am even happier that I camped early. By 4:30 I have already eaten dinner and had my last beer… I’m ready for bed.
Related posts:
- Sept 4 – Colorado Ntnl Monument This morning started off as any normal Sunday, with work....
- Sept 3 – Westbound to Grand Junction Once again I am heading West towards California. Nothing special,...
