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Day 6 Onwards to Utah
Having arrived late last night in the dark I was pleasantly surprised when I popped my head out the door this morning. Although still chilly the skies were blue and the morning sun on the lake just yards away was a welcome sight for weary eyes.
Colorado National Monument is in the background, and because of our revised route yesterday we didn't get to go there as planned, so over breakfast we decided to head for the Monument before continuing to Utah and Arches NP. Before leaving we strolled down to the banks of the Colorado river and wandered around this lovely park which is only minutes away from I 70.
The Colorado NM is often left in the shadows when the likes of Arches, Canyonlands and Black canyon National parks are mentioned in this area, but we thoroughly enjoyed it.
The 23 mile long Rim rock drive offers great views of towering red rocks through the canyons and across the plateaus as it winds it's way up to rim.
Independence rock, where American climbers hoist the United States flag on July 4th. This tradition was started in 1911 when John Otto [ the first caretaker of the NM] made the first climb.
Looking along the canyon.
At one of the viewpoint area's, the Canyon walls produce a delayed but very clear echo, this had 4 adults acting like kid's for a while, making strange noises and giggling away. Yep, we are easily pleased ! I am sure you could spend a lot of time here, but if like us you don't have much, it's a short detour off I 70 and the Rim drive is spectacular, so if you have 3 or 4 hours when in the neighbourhood............
As we left it wasn't long before we were on I-70, so for now it's goodbye Colorado, Hello Utah. Soon after we were coming off Interstate onto the 6 through Cisco and taking the scenic route down 128 through Castle valley. We thought Cisco might be a good place to get supplies and would save us having to go to Moab tonight, heading straight to the campground instead. We rattled our fillings loose as we headed along the 6 [We will have to inspect the china set later] and arrived in Cisco.
Cisco city limits!
And it was off to Moab for supplies!
We had a fantastic drive along UT 128 as it wound it's way through the canyon, for large parts following the natural path of the Colorado river. We decided to stop for a bite to eat by the river, the temperature was close to 80F [a far cry from Leadville] and it was in a beautiful setting, just us and the world.
After our lunch we head into Moab, fill up with gas and get some supplies before heading back up to Arches NP where our pre booked campsite awaits. As we enter the park we steadily climb up the road as the sun begins to set and it stirs memories of our previous trip to red rock country. The wonderful colors cast by the sunlight are fantastic, the Yellows and reds contrasting between the dark shadows are forever changing as we make our way to the campground at the far end of the park.
Because of our revised schedule we have arrived later than planned and as a result we decided to try and add another night to our stay here. This should also give us time to visit Canyonlands, a place we wanted to go but unsure whether time would allow.
We spoke to the campground attendant [who fortunately was doing his rounds as we drove up the road to our site] and managed to secure a pitch the following night on the "first come first served" basis. We then settled onto our campsite amongst the moonlit shadows of the red rocks and lit the campfire and set about our 'home cooked' evening meal while enjoying a couple of beers.
Looks more like Halloween !
Night, night.
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