Fast 5 Moab Run Down

We just finished up our stay in Moab.  We spent the majority of our short time here repairing the trailer (and the wheel). Even so, the small amount of time we were in the Moab region was enough to captivate both of us - so much we are already planning another trip here in the future to see even more.  So, here is a look at how we spent our short amount time here:

1. Fixing the tire blowout and resulting damage to the trailer:

We were able to get a replacement tire fairly easily, but to put it back on, we had to completely button up the trailer, put the cats in their carrier, hitch back up, and put the tire up on boards to change it out with the spare. Then we hired a trailer repair guy to come out and help Jason work on fixing the side panel along with the underside damage.

We are both really glad that the damage has been repaired and we are reviewing our research on trailer tires and what we need to do to keep this from happening in the future. Our very latest research is telling us that trailer tires are only good for 5,000 - 12,000 miles! Huh. Somehow we missed that when we were initially doing our research. We had heard that they should last at least 10 years - and even the dealer we bought our trailer from said our tires should outlive the trailer. Apparently that is based on the idea that you don't go out on 5,000 mile summer trips every year. So, even though it was an expensive and time consuming event - at least we are all safe, no real damage occurred, and we learned something valuable from it. We are also thinking about getting some tire monitoring system to better keep track of our tires. And, of course, we will continue to monitor the tire pressure on our own.

2. Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

A large portion of all the hikes were all shut down due to a parking lot upgrade in Arches National Park. We were pretty bummed about that - but we didn't have a lot of time to explore everything anyway, so that helped us narrow things down to what we were going to do (and also let us know that everything else that was still open was going to be CRAZY busy). One thing I really wanted to do is see the Delicate Arch. So, on Tuesday, we got up early and headed into the park to try and beat the heat and crowds (and get a parking place!) so we could abuse our bodies by hiking to Delicate Arch.

I feel pretty lucky that we got there early enough to enjoy the arch with very few people around. 

The hike is only 3 miles round trip - but that 1.5 miles in were intense! Especially to us out-of-shape 30 somethings (and if you keep in mind the 4,000-5,000 feet elevation).  Anyway, the first half is all uphill and part of it is this very steep climb over a very large rock. 

Some of the images from our Delicate Arch Hike

We loved the hike - and we timed it perfectly.  There were hardly any people there when we got there so we were able to get some nice pictures and enjoy the arch for its beauty. By the time we left a ton of people had started to show up.  And by the time we got back to the parking lot, they had closed the lot we were in and people were parking on the side of the road for as far as we could see.

Although we about got blown off the cliff by the 50 mph wind gusts, the picture was totally worth it! I had no idea that the arch was as tall as it is. 

I LOVED the Delicate Arch. Even though I had seen a ton of pictures of it, it was really amazing to see it is person, and so up close as well.

3. Canyonlands National Park

We only had a few hours to explore Canyonlands, but our time there left me wanting more. Tons of hikes and things to see. We only got to see a portion of the park - but what we saw was breathtaking:

Truly an amazing view

We did go on one short 1/2 mile hike out to see the Mesa Arch.  It was a great little hike and the arch with the beautiful canyon behind it was lovely.  Plus we got to see a couple of different cactus blooms along the way.

Our Mesa Arch Hike

One great thing about Canyonlands was all the great viewpoints like this one overlooking the Green River as it cuts its way through the rock. 

One of Jason's panorama's of the green river overlook

Overall the area had a lot to offer (not to mention scaring the shit out of me when there were 50 mph gusts of wind when we were very close to edge of a major drop off!).  Can't wait to go back and see and do even more!

Some of the vistas in Canyonlands National Park

4. The rest of Arches National Park:

The rest of Arches National Park besides the Delicate Arch area was pretty fantastic as well.

We did get out and hike around some of the other arches that were still open, and they were amazing and beautiful.  However, it was so crowded due to the Devil's Garden section being closed down that it did take some of the majesty away.  If we had gone really early in the morning, we would have probably enjoyed it even more.

Clockwise from top left: double arch, the 3 gossips, some large sandstone rock, turret arch, us in front of the south window arch, north window arch, and a picture looking up at the north window arch. 

Next time we come here we want to visit the Devil's Garden area that was closed down this time. Also, maybe go at sunset to see some of these arches really lit up with that gorgeous light. 

Most definitely awe-inspiring!

5. Food and drinks:

For being such a touristy location, there was some pretty good food to be found in Moab. The first night we went to Bucks  because it was right in front of our RV park and I heard live music coming from the back patio.  Turns out that it has an amazing private patio overlooking the mountains which was made even better with live music.  We shared a couple of appetizers (Mixed Game Skewer with boar, elk and buffalo sausage and Clams Verde (clams in a garlic cilantro broth).  We also went to the Peace Tree Cafe which had a nice patio right on the main street through town and also had a ton of really good food. The Moab Brewery was also surprisingly good - my smoked salmon salad was delicious!

A small sampling of our restaurant adventures

Overall, we saw a lot of potential for fun in Moab. I think we will definitely come back some day so we can explore even more that southern Utah has to offer!