Moab - August 11

Final Day in Moab!  August 11

Did you think we would ever leave?? I know we didn't want to, but with  a few more sights left to see out here in the west, we were lucky to have the time to stay so long. Dee went to Colorado on Friday to take care of some things and brought back her other Jeep, Thumper, so Dad would have Roxanne to drive and Dee would have Thumper on our last day.  What a wonderful way to end the trip!!

At 8:00 AM we headed out to Arches, but went in the back way over Willow Springs Road. There is not a gate on this side of the park, but if you try to sneak in with your two wheel drive car, I guarantee that the rangers would have to rescue you.  Which would not be worth the effort at all. The trail is not especially well marked, but Dee knew it well, and we didn't have any problems. We were able to see many more dinosaur tracks too!

Roxanne and Thumper on Willow Springs Road. Can you guess how Roxanne got her name?

Back entrance to Arches National Park 

We drove the Salt Valley Road to Tower Arch and the 4 Wheel Drive road as well. 

On the second day we were in Moab, Dad and I brought the Liberty out to the Salt Valley road thinking we could drive it - no way! So we turned around. Now....with a different Jeep and Dad's improved driving skills....we have a great chance of making it over!! These are all pictures of Dad driving Roxanne. He did such a great job!

Dad following us over some obstacles. 

Nice crawling Dad! Dee always took a line that she thought Dad could handle. 

This would have been a disaster in the Liberty!

Crawling up the Salt Valley Road

Tower Arch was where we had a lunch and a little hike (ugh!) to get to it. The words as we were leaving that morning were, "I don't know how hard or how far this hike is," and those are probably my least favorite words I have ever heard...ever! Actually, the hike wasn't too far, but badly defined by the park service.  There were many trail marking cairns which are stacks of rocks that are probably hiker made! We could easily see the arch, but it took some walking around before we found the proper trail. 

Trail head

Tower Arch

At Tower Arch

Tower Arch

Great view!!! 

Monkey.

Dee is a monkey too. 

After driving to Tower Arch, we then took the four wheel drive on the recommended route from north to south. It is listed as a moderate drive so there are a few small ledges and some off camber parts of the road. It was my favorite drive we have done so far because not once did I feel like I was going to fall out of the Jeep, roll over in the Jeep, or tip over backwards!! It was a wonderful drive with a few sandy areas to overcome.  This time, conquering the sand was fun (we had momentum on our side)!! I think the drive took about 2 hours.....not a long time.....and we were able to see some remote parts of the National Park.     Dad logged more and more practice hours while driving Roxanne.




Heading out on the trail that will end at the Balanced Rock, a popular destination for many people in Arches. 

A few small obstacles on this trial

My favorite way to take pictures of Dad driving. 

Avoiding the bypass. Nice Dad!

This is my favorite picture of the day!

Heading down the sand dune!

The sign we found at the bottom of the sand dune - we made it!!!!! 

This is my favorite sign in all of Arches. Although we could clearly see the arch, we weren't 100% positive if the arch was the eye or what....

Here is the Eye of the Whale Arch.

There is the arch to the right, but I also think the rock could be a whale as well. 

What great looking Jeeps!!!

A safe and successful day of driving! 

View of Moab from our restaurant. 

So beautiful and such a great view!! Also, good food. 

The Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center

Down there is the road to get to the restaurant and that's how close Roxanne was parked to the edge!!!

Needless to say, Moab was a wonderful stay, and we are so lucky to have met Dee! I can't wait to go back and visit again.