Mill Canyon - Moab, UT

Friday, June 3, 2011

Friday, June 3, 2011

Today was our first day out on trails since last year. We knew it would be a learning day of what we forgot to take and not to take.  I forgot my ugly- obnoxious colored- scare away the Mountain Lions - towel. I actually forgot it at home so tomorrow that will be first on my list. (to find the loudest, ugliest, biggest beach towel around.)

We started our day at the Moab Welcoming Center to purchase another yearly permit to ride the trails. Then we headed out. About 12 miles north of Moab is a trail called Mill Canyon. We have not explored that one and were very interested in it. There are alot of other trails that lead off the main loop and it became confusing at some points. We ran into other 4-wheelers and they explained the same concerns. The maps were not precise, and  very confusing to read. Knowing Tommy, we forged on. Going off trail is illegal but that doesn't apply to us, ever! LOL.We used GPS coordinates for most of it.

The rock formations are beautiful and as the sunlight changes, the rock's appearances change. The very same rock can look completely different depending on where in the sky the sun is at that moment. Its neat to watch what 10 minutes can do.

The first destination was 'Determination Towers'. They are huge and very impressive. Another point of interest we had was Tusher Canyon Tunnel. It took us most of the day to find it. Once there, we had to hike a short, but steep trail to actually get in the tunnel. It is well hidden. The GPS is the only way we could find it. Several other people along the way said they were on the same trail and yet did not find the tunnel.

Just before hiking we found a wonderful shade tree with a big rock to sit on for lunch. Finding shade on most of these trails is like panning for gold. This tree was perfect. So was lunch. And after hiking when Tommy decided to pull over and try out his new gun he purchased in KY, I pulled out 2 beers. He didn't know I had packed them so he was a happy camper.

We shot off several rounds, but Tommy brought with him the wrong bullets and we had to hand feed each round. It got old quick. I hit every object he challenged me with. So now - bring on the Bears! I'm not going to shoot them where I have to empty the entire clip on them. OH NO!!! I'm going straight for their heads!!! I got a picture of Tommy's shell casing leaving his gun, pretty cool, huh?

While we were playing around with the gun we walked along the edge of a canyon and came across this beautiful bush of purple flowers. At first I thought they were lavender, but after smelling it - it smelled more like sage. Perhaps, Master Gardener Ron can help identify it??? LOL.


Tonight at the campground they are having a pot luck dinner. We opted out. We have made a commitment to each other. Instead of being typical RV'rs as in last year, this year we will eat healthier and drink less. Last year we ate way too many Ribeyes and baked potatoes, along with consuming way too much alcohol. This year it will be alot of chicken Caesars salads and 1-2 glasses of wine a night.  We both want to lose 25 lbs, so wish us luck!

So far I am breathing well and have not used my inhaler at all. Tomorrow will be the big test, we plan on hiking all day. Tomorrow night is a Rodeo. WAHOO!!!  OK, chickens off the grill, gotta go eat.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the pictures.