Zion National Park

Tuesday, June 30, 2010

Hi everyone,

I haven't blogged in a couple of days because we have not done much. We are temporarily stuck for a while. Hopefully, not too much longer. We blew a hose on the engine leading to the Turbo Charger thing. Not sure what that means but we had to order a part from several towns away and are waiting for it to come Fed Ex. I'm just hoping that Tommy can install it because A: the motor is halfway under our bed in the back of the RV, and B: there isn't a Tiffin authorized repair shop for over 100 miles from here. Wish us luck!

Yesterday was fun. We went into Zion National Park. It is beautiful! There is this road that is 24 miles long just to get in the park. Along the way I was not impressed, but the minute you pass the guard gate the landscape completely changes. Its gorgeous. You have to drive through a tunnel that is 1.1 miles long and can only take traffic one way at a time. If your vehicle is over 11.1 feet you need to have an escort, which also cost $15. You are truly driving through a huge rock. Its amazing.

The pictures I post do no justice whatsoever. These rocks, sandstones, are magnificent. They are as tall as skyscrapers and on the side slopes and tops are full grown 30 - 40 foot trees. You cannot actually tell that from the pictures but they are massive!

There is a $25 charge to enter the park, per vehicle, which I thought was a bit expensive for a National Park, but once inside you realize why. You are only allowed to drive so far in - up to the visitors center. There they have shuttle buses that take you all throughout the park. There are several stops along the way where you can get off an on as often as you like. Each stop has its own 'attraction'. All along the ride there is a narrated tape explaining what you are looking at and how it came about. Zion, actually pronounced ZI IN, is an old Paiute Indian word meaning; peace.

We got off on every stop and hiked one trail called the Ponds. It was pretty cool. It was only a mile long and led us to these natural ponds where the waterfalls created a pool inbetween the rocks. We saw a rattle snake on the way back. He was docile and we were only about 2 feet from him. He had 4 buttons on his tail. They grow one a year so he was relatively young.

We still cannot get a signal here and tried to hook up Skype so we could call via the computer, but it comes to be that our internal microphone is somehow damaged and of course there is not Radio Shack even remotely close to purchase an external one.

We alternated our plans once again. This is the great thing about not wearing a watch or knowing what day of the week it is. BTW, we also decided not to cut our hair until we get back home, so when we do arrive back in South Florida, we will be fit (hopefully), all confused about the time changes and have extremely long hair!

We plan on leaving here Saturday morning, if all goes well with the motor repairs. We will head over to Lake Havasu, AZ. Our friends, Jim and Jackie have a house there and a boat, and we plan on spending the forth of July with them. We are very excited to see them again. From there we will head to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Yesterday we headed out on Deer Creek Trail. We took the back road from our RV Park through and around the river and across the highway.

As we entered onto the trail we saw a little Toyota pick up in front of us. We thought it was strange that there was a vehicle on the path, especially a non equipped, 4 wheel drive one at that. He drove very slowly and after a while, at a stream crossing he stopped and moved over so we can pass. We chatted for a few moments.

It turns out that he OWNED the mountain. His family has owned this town for well over 100 years. He was taking his 96 year old mother to a cabin that they had half way up the mountain. It turns out that the Grandfather and Father struck it rich with Uranium and Gold, way back when.

As we passed, beautiful cabin, after beautiful cabin, we saw his truck pulled over into a driveway/bridge type of area. We pulled over and got out. We talked some more and he invited us up to his cabin. His mother was the sweetest lady. She walked through the forest with a cane and needed, nor wanted, any assistance. She reminded us A LOT of Thelma. (Tommy's mom).

The cabin was built over 100 years ago, by his Dad and Grandfather, but had to be moved down the mountain in 1958. The forest service needed to do a controlled burn on the mountain and it was in danger of being destroyed.

They took it apart! Nail by nail, board by board and transported it piece by piece. It was reassembled and still sits where they re placed it, today. The river is directly in front of them about 100 feet away and while inside the cabin you can hear the bubbling brook! What a paradise. The natural surroundings are in describable. They also have a 'meat' house. (Which is bear proof). and and outhouse, that they still use because of no running water available. And they have another building where they hang and cut and gut their hunts. Gross, but whatever!

Inside the cabin they have an old, old stove. A wood burning stove, where you have to lift the circular shaped tops off the top for the flame to hit the pots. They explained to us that that was their only source of heat in the winter. Although it was rare they spent more than a week or so at a time there. Mostly just to hunt. It slept 7 people comfortably. I would have loved to take pictures, but I felt we would be imposing since we were invited to come in. Super nice people.

It also turned out that the beautiful cabins we passed along the way were other family members. All the brothers have their own and are within reasonable walking distance from each other, but not within sight.

They invited us to a big forth of July bash that the family was throwing but unfortunately, we will be leaving here shortly.

After we left the 'Grows' (that's their family name), we continued along the trail until we did a full circle and ended up back at the park. It was a really nice, relaxing day and the weather is perfect. Its 80 at the park and 70's up in the mountains.

Tonight we have a pot luck dinner at the little club house they have here in the park, where everyone brings a dish. I am making baked ziti. Anytime I have the chance to make a good pot of sauce I jump all over it. (Tommy hates Italian.) I cant wait until dinner.

Tomorrow we hit the road again and head a little more south, but still in Utah. We cant seem to leave this state, it so incredibly beautiful. We will be at Zion National Park for a week and I believe will head down to the south rim of the Grand Canyon from there. My older sister and her family are meeting us there and I cant wait to see them.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend..

Silver King Trail

Friday, June 25, 2010

Thursday was a relaxing day for us. We drove to the next biggest town, which actually has a Walmart, and just explored around. The town is called Richfield and is very quaint. We laughed because we needed to mail some postcards, etc and when we looked for a mailbox, there were none to be found. It was the strangest thing, ever. We looked everywhere. So on the way out of town we started looking at the houses and they also do not have mailboxes... nowhere. Perhaps they still use the Pony Express???

When we arrived back home to base we again looked around, and our little town has no mailboxes either! Is that not the strangest thing? I'm guessing there is a small post office somewhere in each town and you have to get your own mail....

Yesterday, we hit the trail called Silver King Trail. It was long, almost 70 miles round trip. The trail was more like a dirt road for most of it. As we climbed higher and higher we layered the clothing. It was cold. We saw some snow but nothing compared to earlier in the week. Nothing threatening to us at all. We passed old buildings that were housing for the miners but have fallen due to the years and the elements. We found a mine but could not enter it. It was blocked off. We passed alot of deer, directly in front of us on the trails sometimes. But STILL no sheep! I think they lied to us about the Rams!!

As you travel through these trails you enter and exit state parks, national parks, BLM land, and very small patches of private property. The private people are very adamant about entering their property, which we don't blame them, but they are MEAN!!!

After about 3 hours we hit, Freemont Indian Reservation. This was an Indian we have never heard of so we stopped in the welcoming center. They had a short film about their settlement and disappearance and also a museum. In the museum there was a skeletal remain of a 17 year old Indian girl in which was found in 1987. A construction crew was clearing the land for highway 89, that passes through here, when they discovered her. Scientists have reconstructed her and it is very impressive. They also found a small village of huts and left behind pottery. It was very, very interesting. The theory behind their disappearance is still unknown. The Piute Indians, pronounced; Pie Ute; is the settled Indian in this territory.

On the way home we usually back track because alot of these trails just end. This one through this Indian Reservation went all the back to Marysvale so we decided to go for it. They have these 'gates' that you need to fit through in order to access the trail They are 50" wide and very unforgiving. If you cant fit through the gate, you cannot make it through the woods. They do not lie.

The second half of our trail was was beautiful. We climbed to about 9800 feet and the wooded areas were incredible. We would pass hundreds and hundreds of white cypress trees with their leaves twinkling in the sunlight. Then we would pass pine trees 80 feet tall and the smell was enough to want to bottle it up.

We also stopped at a very old cemetery here in Marysvale, UT. I cannot explain why I am so drawn to old, old cemetery's. But I always am, where ever we go. There is something just so peaceful and questioning about people who lived 150 years before us. To imagine what it was like for them is heartbreaking at times. The courage and tenacity they they possessed it absolutely amazing to me.

Last night we met, again, new neighbors. It is so much fun meeting all these different kinds of people and getting to know every one's stories as to why they are here and where they are going. It, again, reminds us how very very lucky we are to be able to do this. And the cherry on top of the cake is - it is so spectacular. The discovery is contagious.

Today, I'm not quite sure where Tommy is taking us, but today and tomorrow will be our last day to explore Marysvale. We are heading south about 90 miles to Zion National Park on Sunday.

Thanks for reading and have a good day!

Beaver Lake

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Yesterday we tagged along with our neighbors. Janet, Wally, Debbie and Joe. They each have an ATV and we followed in our Razor. We took a trail called Beaver Lake. It ascends you up to just over 10k feet and is a really nice, smooth trail.

We saw alot of deer and cows along the way but no sheep - still!

I learned some of the rules and regulations along with the sign language that goes along with off road'ing.

First, and most important; you are responsible for the person behind you - at all times. If they are out of your site for more than 5-10 minutes, you should turn back and find them. (Great rule!)

Secondly, as you pass other trail blazers in the opposite direction, you all have a duty to sign to the opposing ATV'ers how many are in your convoy behind you. For instance; Janet led us with Debbie behind her, then Joe, then us in forth position, and Wally took the rear. As we passed people Janet would hold up her hand with 4 fingers, Debbie with 3, Joe with 2, us with 1 and Wally would use a right hand turn signal with a closed fist to indicate he was the end. At first, I didnt think this was too important but some of the turns are like hidden driveways and you can crash very easily.

Lastly, I learned that no matter how long you are out on a trial, time gets completely away from you. Every single time we venture out it seems as if its 2 maybe 3 hours and bamm....its been 6 hours gone by. Before you know it you can be up 10k feet with only 1 hour of light left - not good!

When we got back to camp we headed over to Joe and Debbie's for cocktail hour. We ended up mooching off their dinner. And it was great! Joe is Cuban and had made roasted pork and rice and beans....mmmm mmmm good!

We got up early today and I took a ride on Janet's ATV, with Debbie following us. We went to Rock Candy Mountain Trading Post. The trail we took was about 45 mins. It was nice, just the girls.

Not really sure where we are heading today, but I'm sure Ill have something to blog about.

I am sorry I haven't returned anyone's phone calls, AT&T's coverage SUCKS!!!! (but Im not bitter! lol).

Everyone have a great day!

Marysvale, UT

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Yesterday we adventured out in Marysvale, UT. I completely and totally mis-judged this town. When we first got here, I had a pissy fit. I was besides myself thinking that we are in the middle of Little House on the Prairie (not sure of the name, where ever Laura Ingles lives).

After heading onto a trail that you can access from anywhere you are, because the 'town' is ATV 'friendly', and everyone and anyone has an ATV. (The whole family goes to the one and only mini market, (which, btw, is the gas station, the liquor store, the grocery store, and the social meeting place - all in one,) on their ATV's.) We went on this trail called Bullion Trail. It was amazing.

At first, we started to pass several people back and forth on the trail. Then as we progressed, it became far and few between that we would pass someone. We started out at just over 6k feet at base and when we hit the summit it was 11,133 feet up. We hit alot - I mean ALOT of snow! We would have to exit the Polaris and access the depth of the snow drifts to see if we could make it through. After 3 or 4 of these, I wanted to retreat. The snow is melting so its soft and even with 4 wheel drive you 'fishtail' AND you are not close to the edge of nowhere, you ARE ON THE EDGE!!! I became completely freaked out and videoed taped Tommy just in case something happened and then when I went for help and died from the elements or animals atleast there would be some sort of answers to what actually happened. (Yes, I'm dramatic, but I'm also a chicken shit!) Tommy of course, just wants to plow through it all.

Along the way up we passed so many, well, not SO many, but alot of old mines. Apparently this was THE place to find gold and silver. It amazed us as to when they were done with mining they just moved on. They left everything but what they could carry. Alot of the structures and old machinery is still where it stood while in production. We have a ton of pictures but I cannot figure out how to post more than 5 at a time.

At one point, Tommy wanted to cross the river, which was flowing extremely fast. We came across a tree that was fallen over the water and he decided to walk it to the other side. Again, I pull out the video (because there is NO way I'm doing that!) and yes, I have jumped off cliffs in Jamaica, and jumped out of a plane, and did alot of stupid stuff where I could have died, but that's behind me now. Im a scaredy cat!

Tommy made it to the other side while I waited for his return. He found a waterfall that he wanted to chase so he went on a little hike. Leaving me on the other side - alone. Soooo, I go to the Polaris and get out the gun. There was no way a bear was going to eat me! After about 45 minutes and me in shear panic, Tommy returned. He negotiated his way back over the fallen tree, which totally amazed me, and when he saw I had the gun in my hand he laughed at me. The ironic thing was, I had no idea how to get the safety off and when I asked Tommy how to do that, he explained to me that there was no safety! HA! Even though I probably couldn't shoot the side of a barn, I felt better just having it in my hands.

On the way down we still hit snow but not as badly as on the way up. The way down was extremely enjoyable. We were on the trail for over 6 1/2 hours and will head out again today.

We met our neighbors and are heading out with them today on another trail. I have to go pack a lunch. Have good day!

Goodbye to Moab

Saturday, June 19, 2010


Tomorrow we will say goodbye to Moab. We absolutely love it here. We hope to come back, soon.

Yesterday we were going to go hiking, but opted to walk around town to get all the little things we need to get back on the road for tomorrow's trip to Marysvale.

We walked off the main street and found a wonderful little deli for lunch. From there, we went to the Moab Museum. Which we did not even know existed. It was so very interesting. We spent almost 2 hours in there reading all the history, and looking at the pictures. The museum itself is no bigger than a small 2 bedroom house and is chock full of information. There was a little old lady, a volunteer, who was more than happy to tell us everything and anything. She knew about, the rocks, the uranium, the first settlers, everything. She was sweet and definitely enjoys her time there.

Today, we are washing the RV, and the truck, and the Polaris. We will have dinner with Gloria and Ivan and then afterwards will head up to this huge house set up on a hill overlooking the town. It is now a restaurant, but was the house of Charlie Steen. He is the man who hit a vein of Uranium and made $65 million dollars in the late 40's. His family has since moved and sold the house. He is the local small town hero who helped develop this beautiful, untouched place.

We will write more when we settle in Marysvale. Thanks for reading and Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Yesterday we went on a trail called Picture Frame Arch. We took the Polaris and left Sire at home.

We didn't hit the trail until after 1pm and returned home around 7pm. It was a nice, cooler day. It is amazing how desolate it can become just 4 or 5 miles off the 2 lane highway. You feel so alone and so at peace. All you hear, (if you shut off the IPOD), is the birds, which are seldom, and the winds swirling around the canyons.

At one point on the trail, we had, as Thelma, (Tommy's mom), would say - A Cow Oat, cross our path in front of us. I was surprised as to how big they really are. I always thought they were the size of a 40-45 pound dog. This one was not! And his/her ears were tremendous. My first reactions was, Holy Crow, how cool, but then when he/she stopped, and turned back to look at us and I became extremely nervous. The first thing out of my mouth was, "Tommy, do you have your gun'? Of course, Tommy laughed at me! He/she ran off, and even if he/she did come to back to eat me, Tommy would never, ever shoot him! (He saves everything!) I think the whole gun thing is just for show, for me!

The ironic thing is, we been in Moab for almost a month, and every single time while hiking or on a trail with the Razor, I am constantly saying...'here sheepy, sheepy. I really want to see a Ram, up close. We have not seen any. All we see are foot prints and poop. NOW, after the coyote, I don't think I want to see one up close anymore. LOL.

When we reached the 'picture frame arch', we were pleased with the description of the trail. Sometimes these trails have the weirdest names and we cannot, for the life of us, figure out how they came up with them.

We went past the point on the map into uncharted territory, what a surprise! We pulled off to the edge of Kane Springs Canyon a couple of times. It was a great place for lunch. Tommy, every single time, on the edge, has to throw rocks off the top and we listen for them to hit bottom. It sounds as if its a gun shot, the way it echos off the canyon walls. Its fun, its as if we are little kids, but he makes me so nervous sometimes. We hear of people dying here all the time. Hes crazy, but hes having the time of his life.

Today is the last day for us to play in Moab. I'm not sure what Tommy has planned for us, but I'm sure it will be fun. We leave for Marysvale on Sunday, and tomorrow is filled with giving our temporary housing unit a bath, and having dinner with Ivan and Gloria. We hope to hit the road, Sunday, early. Its a full days drive southwest of here.

We will miss Moab, and Gloria and Ivan. (They run this RV Park), but we are planning to meet up again with them in Sturgis, SD the first week in August for bike week.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

All About Sire

Wednesday, June 17, 2010

Yesterday was a day totally committed to Sire.

Because we were busy last week on the Razor, he could not come with us on trails. So we decided to dedicate the entire day to him. And he LOVED it. He the acted like the only child at Disney World...the entire playground was his, and his alone, to do what ever he wanted to do. It was great!

We went back to Mill Creek Trail where the waterfalls are and all the locals hangout. At first we could not coax him into crossing the creek at all. The river rocks are unsteady and sometimes you end up in 2 feet of water. If the water level hits his belly he becomes extremely nervous. One pass took almost 15 full minutes to convince him it was safe. After that, he was still hesitant, but became more and more confident.

By the time we headed back, he would not get out of the water! He rolled around in the sand and buried himself, he played with other people as we passed them on the trail. He was totally and completely the center of attention all day!

When we got back home, he had a bath, (which he hates), and slept like a baby all night long.

We are leaving Moab Sunday, which gives us 3 more days of playing here. Today we are going on yet another trail with the Razor. Sire will be staying home with the babies.

We are going to miss Moab, the people, especially Gloria and Ivan, when we leave. It is so beautiful here and we feel as if we live here full time.

But Bryce Canyon and Zion are calling our names, so that will be our next adventure.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

Onion Trail

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 Yesterday, we headed out on the Polaris for "The Onion Trail'. We left late and started on the trail at 3:00. It was beautiful. The timing of the sun on the return trip was unbelievable. The pictures just do not capture it in all its hues. We went off trail at one point and it was extreme. We went about 1 mile and decided to turn back to the trail that was marked by BLM. (Bureau of Land Management). Today, we are going to attempt to hike. The weather cooled down to the low 90's and we want to get Sire out for some exercise. The winds picked up again and are supposed to stay steady until Friday. Right now they are approximately at 35 mph. Hopefully, the sand wont effect me. The meds are slowly kicking in and the coughing is slowly going away. Tommy and I got the crap scared out of us the other day at the hospital because of a spot they found on my lungs. Thankfully, it turned out to be a shadow. But for about 45-50 minutes while waiting on radiology we became extremely quiet and both were silently freaking out.

I cannot tell you how very fortunate and appreciative we are of our lives and the opportunities that we have. We have some of the best friends and family in the world and we miss all you terribly. I miss my children in the worst way! Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

I have not posted anything in the past several days because we have not been hiking.

Yesterday we spent most of the day in the hospital. Since we have arrived in Moab I have had difficultly breathing. The first four days here there were 40-50 mile per hour winds 24 hrs a day, steady. The sand was in the air and I blamed that on my breathing.

After a week passed, I went to the local clinic and was was told I have allergies to the Cotton Wood Trees here that are in bloom. I got some meds and it seemed to be better. Several days after the meds were gone, I became sick again.

I am not asthmatic and never have been. I smoked for several years, but have quit almost 6yrs ago. I would sneak one here and there but not enough to concern myself with.

Yesterday, they took and xray of my lungs and the conclusion is that because I DID smoke all those years (LIKE AN ASS)...my lung capacity cannot handle the altitude.

We are set to go to Colorado in August and that is approximately 5000 feet higher than here. I am taking steroids and now have and inhaler but the doctor said I still not be able to handle Colorado. Which makes me really angry at myself.

I hate that I was so completely ignorant to smoking and now that I am living the dream life I might now be able to enjoy it....what an idiot!!! And on top of that I am holding Tommy back.

I'll right more in a couple of days after these meds kick in....thanks for reading. AND DON'T SMOKE!!!!

Sunday, June 12, 2010

Yesterday Jim, Cathy, Tommy and I set out for a day of observing jeeps climb ridiculous trails where they would be so contorted it was unbelievable. We ascended about 350 feet up along the trail, found a shade tree and set up camp, so to speak.

We waited, and waited, and waited...and not one jeep showed up. This trail is called Moab Rim and every single time we pass it there are at least 10-15 jeeps going up or coming down. (Last week Tommy saw a Toyota truck flip over 2X's). We had the video ready, the cameras ready, lots of water, and were so excited to just relax and be entertained. NOTHING but a rattle snake got our attention. And of course, the boys, just had to play with it.

After finally figuring there was a public announcement made by the Mayor that this trail was closed today (not really, but it was the only excuse we could think of), we headed down. Just as we we half way there we saw two jeeps coming up the trail. YEAH!!!! We retreat! We set up shop again and are anticipating a great view of totally crazy people doing to their very expensive machines something that should never even be considered. And what do they do? About 200 yards from us, they totally chicken out and turn back. MAN!!! We were SO disappointed.

We ended up going to Milts, the local grease pit, for great cheeseburgers and then heading back to the RV.

Cathy and Jim left last night for home. We had a wonderful visit with them and wish them a safe ride home.

The weather is sometimes extreme here, for instance, yesterday, it stormed with very loud thunder and a huge downpour here in town. In the mountains behind us, it snowed liked crazy. 125 miles north of us, it hailed, and there were flash floods everywhere. (There are 24 people missing, from an RV park that were swept away in the middle of the night).Scary stuff.

Today, Tommy and I are being extremely lazy, probably eating leftovers, and just hanging around camp. We hope everyone is having a good day, and thanks for reading.

Chicken Corners

June 11, 2010

Yesterday was a total 'girlie' day. Cathy and I had manicures and pedicures and then went shopping. We both bought books and came back to our temporary housing unit, and Cathy proceeded to make me drunk. She makes a mean Bloody Mary. We sat outside for a couple of hours drinking and reading. It was awesome. (I'm reading 'the girl with the dragon tattoo").

The boys went on trail in the Polaris and ended up in Colorado...HAHAHAHAHA!!!! It was a great day for all of us. We had many laughs!

Today, we took Cathy and Jim to 'Chicken Corners Trail", this was the first trail Tommy and I did when we first got here. Its spectacular. We again, met for breakfast and hit the trail around 9:30am. We arrived back home about 7:30. We are meeting up with them for dinner at the Branding Iron Restaurant. This is the first time since we have arrived that we are actually eating out. Its ironic, at home we eat out 3 1/2 weeks out of the month (probably more) and here, we are grilling every night. I like eating at home....

Today on the trail we were being followed by nasty storm. The canyon is open in some areas for miles and when its not, you are in so close to the rocks that either way, you do not want lighting to strike anywhere near you....

We raced for the last 2 miles (which took almost an hour) to get to the end where we knew there was a ledge we could hide under until the passed. We made it, and the pictures will show you how very scary it is when you at 5000 feet elevation, in the middle of absolutely nothing, and a storm blows through with 40 mph winds....

Overall, it was a great trail and a great time. Tomorrow is our last day with Jim and Cathy and they head home to their beautiful grand daughter,(that I never met because my husband wont take me to Kentucky)! We had such a great time with them and we will miss them.

Thanks to everyone who reads this, Tommy and I really do appreciate it. We miss everyone so much!