Moab June 2022 Trip

Boys enjoyed swimming, jumping pad, basketball, pickleball, and mini-golf. We burned a couple marshmallows and enjoyed another evening storm.

June 7 - We landed in Silt Colorado at a lovely KOA right next to the Colorado (or Shoshone?) river (spot 30) the boys are the masters of stone skipping and enjoyed the pool. We had lovely neighbors (Brad and Jenn from Tennessee). The thought of white water rafting and potential hot springs made us stay one more night - but we had to move to spot 19 (nice pull through)

June 8 - 8am moved spots, 10am rafting (and sunburn)- saw a BEAR, Rifle State park = waterfalls and trout, the Fish Hatchery - learned about magpies and osprey and extremely friendly chipmunks.

REALLY COOL - learned the trout life cycle. Saw baby fish being sent into holding tanks. Learned that smart magpies have an all you can eat buffet. And we learned that trout are dropped by helicopter into mountain lakes!

June 9 The first day we ate at Pasta Jay's and went to the visitor center. The boys enjoyed the pool. We entered the park after 6pm just to see what it would be like the next day and to make a plan. We visited Windows and Balanced Rock towards sunset. We went to bed as early as we could so we could get into the park early

June 10 Steve woke up before 4am to help us all get ready for the 5am entrance to the park. The sun was already peeking over the horizon. We paid our entrance fee ($20) and entered before our reservation time. We headed straight for Devil's Garden. Seemingly alone, we quietly made our way through the trails and saw a deer not even 10feet off of the trail. Mom made it to Landscape Arch and Dad took the boys as far as he thought it was safe. On the way out of the park (around 11:30a) we decided to do the 1mile walk to Delicate Arch. Longest mile of my life!!! It was not the gentle path walk of Devil's Garden. Sadly, only mom brought a backpack with water and the sun&climb were a little brutal. The stone ledge proved too much for mom. Dad went on with the boys and forced them to face their fears and they climbed under the Arch. Nice job boys!

In 1909, someone discovered dinosaur bones sticking out of the top of a hill. He excavated the area and assembled multiple dinosaurs from the "dino bone jam" and sent them to museums around the country. But, he also had the forethought to preserve the dig site with bones still in place and intact so that future generations could appreciate the experience (in an air conditioned building - which was very much appreciated!) And Luke completed the requirement for Junior Ranger of that park.

It was more or less of a laundry stop - we didn't even unhitch