Southern Utah, Who Knew?

Across Utah on US 50 to Moab, just south of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.  On the way we crossed an another beautiful mountain range, where it was in the low 30s and snowing. It wasn't sticking to the road much but the car got filthy, which was perhaps more distressing to us than warranted.   Meanwhile, spectacular cliffs and gorges everywhere on the way in.  Moab is an interesting little recreation-oriented town with more amenities than we've seen in some time.  We got a room at the Gonzo Inn, as offbeat and charming as its name, but luxurious after Salina.  We even found a Thai restaurant for lunch.  Since we arrived at midday, we headed off to Canyonlands National Park in the afternoon.  Still more amazing rock formations.  Ziggy can be out of the car on a leash in parking lots and on roads only.  He's a little miffed, but takes it like a dog.  

 

After lunch we were on our way to another monument when the low tire pressure warning light appeared (this car has warnings for everything).  This caused some concern, as the Sienna doesn't come with a spare tire and we were heading into a remote area.  We checked and found one tire was down 10 psi from the others.  Back to town to fill it up, and we decided to go to a closer location.  Arches National Park (see pictures) with incredible towering red rock formations like something from another planet.

When we were done the tire was low again, so we went to a tire shop in town, where they found a nail and patched the tire.  Disaster avoided.  Plus we found a car wash in the process.  Of course, the real highlight of the day was discovering that Ron was old enough to qualify for a senior pass to all the National Parks!   After a one-time 10-buck fee,  he (and any passengers with him) have free admission for life to all the parks in the land -- for free!   One benefit to getting old that isn't so bad.  And one use of our tax dollars we won't complain about. 

On to Colorado.  At Grand Junction we went south on US 50 off the interstate and spent the night in Delta, a small town distinguished by a lovely classic old movie theater called the Egyption where Iron Man was playing, complete with a guy out front in a wonderfully tacky Iron Man costume waving at passersby.   It was Friday night, and suddenly we felt like seeing a movie.  The theater was packed with families, a great small town experience.

Saturday morning, back on the road, toured the Black Canyon National Park.  Uniform black stone walls 2000 feet down.  Then on, across the continental divide.  The Colorado terrain was as gorgeous as Utah's, just different.  Think  "A River Runs through It."  We planned to stay in Canon City, but there was a Rodeo in town and no rooms were available.  Next town was Pueblo Colorado, where we spent the night.