Moab...finally, we had arrived. Out of all honesty, this was the true destination for our road trip adventure. Nick and I developed such fond memories the first time around, we were anxious to get back and see what was in store for us this time. Oh if only we would have known!
Driving in late as usual, we set up camp in the dark (agian) at our favorite primitive campsite in Hunter Canyon, watching the shooting stars through our screened tent. It felt like home again. In the morning we awakened to find piles of sand and washed out ledges in our site due to flooding that happened earlier in the week...apparently it had been a wetter season than usual. And as you know from the slot canyons, flash floods can do a lot of damage, especially to a sanded river bed. After deciding that it would take more work (shoveling the sand around) to construct a flat surface for our tent for the next 3 nights, we threw it on top of Subina and found a larger, non tampered with site.
Nick and I set diligently to our task of unloading the car so we could hit the trails for the first of four bike rides planned. Little did I know, the only trip I would be taking that day was a trip to the ER. While unloading the cooler, I felt an itch on my toe to discover a little red ant on it. Just before I could flick him off, the little sucker bit me. No problem, I thought...it stings, but I can handle it. Wrong! After 10 minutes, the pain got so intense I had to sit down and hold my toe. Soon there after, tears began to stream, and the psychotic-like rocking back and forth began. Now, I am a stubborn woman..."it will get better" I say..."it's just an ant." But after about a hour of this, we decided it was time to head to the doctor. After waiting for another hour in the hospital and displaying to any passerbyer the symptoms of ant bite (Lamaze-like deep breathing, crying hysterically into a pillow while hanging over the bed, crawling and readjusting every second of every minute to distract from the pain, lots of verbal, positive self talk..."it's ok, you can do it, doctor is coming soon, hang on....OOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!), the doctor showed up, exclaiming "I thought it was just an ant bite." It was just an ant bite I say, but feeling a 9.5 out of 10 on a pain scale is not JUST a regular old ant bite! After two very welcomed shots in the butt, an ice pack wrapped in an ACE bandage that made my foot look like it had a bulging tumor and a prescription for painkillers, we were on our way. No biking today...surprise, surprise. Instead, we had lunch and watched cheerleaders drive 4x4s wildly during a parade and shopped the strip. Kinda nice actually.
A mere 14 hours later, the pain in my toe subsided and biking was back on the agenda. We hit up Poison Spider (smart move based on the name and the events that happened the day before) and discovered on this 5 miles climb to the actual trial, we spent more time hiking our bike through the sand, than riding. Needless to say, the memories being made this trip were a bit different that our first go-around in Moab. But wait, there's more!!!!
That night, it began to rain. We foolishly ignored gut feelings of moving our camp location (don't ever ignore gut feelings) and woke to a 65' raging river a mere 50' from our campsite. I have you know, this was completely dry when we drove over it the day before. Yeah, that's right, it rained...ALL NIGHT. And due to the non-porous slickrock, a raging river was formed. Nick and I were optimistic in thinking that it would only take a few hours for it to simmer down, then a few more hours for the water soaked sand to dry up, leaving just enough time to head back to town and meet Josh and Annie (dear friends residing in Salt Lake City who just so happened to be in Moab also) for a quick hello. After a walk, a few games of scrabble, cribbage, lunch and packing up camp (AKA 10 hours later), the river was still rushing. We decided to walk towards town(skipping over the river by foot was possible thanks to large boulders) until phone reception kicked in to cancel our plans with Josh and Annie. To our great joy, a 1/2 mile into our long journey, a HUGE front load tractor came chugging down the gravel road. Victory!!! Nick and I high-5ed it and joyfully rushed back to camp to watch the action. Finally, an hour later the tractor operator helped us stranded folk by regrading the river floor to be about a foot deep...totally drive-able. With a boost, we made it free and clear and got to town just in time to meet our friends...another Victory! But due to the poor weather, they left town earlier than anticipated...hoping to meet up with us on our trek back to Washington. After our rough day we decided to treat ourselves to an ice cream cone and a motel for our last night's stay.
Sorry no pictures this time...my computer seems to be having some issues. Perhaps check later.
On the last day, we arose dry and caught a shuttle up to Porcupine Rim, a nice 9 mile descend with no climb...what a treat! It only took me 4 miles to get used to the rock and not wanting to forcefully throw my bike over the ridge. Again, Nick steps up to be the awesome man he is, telling me to "relax, we are here for fun...now do the funky chicken dance" right in the middle of the trail to boost my mood a little bit. IT worked and we hauled it down, even catching a little air when I could. Good times! We petaled 6 miles back to town, threw the bikes on top, got an oil change and headed to Salt Lake, then onward to Washington.
We had a brief, yet wonderful visit with the Pfriems. We thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse of their life in Salt Lake (home brew tour, checkin' out the garden, chatting with their friends), highlight including holding their adorable 10 month old baby girl, Sahale; living so contently in her bath robe, checking out the new visitors. Dang that baby is cute! We were also blessed to pick up a friend of the Pfriems who was Seattle-bound himself. Nick and I welcomed a third person for our 14.5 hour trip back up to Washington. Ryan diversified the conversation with stories of his travels in Spain to his aspirations of Mission work in Central America. It was sad to part ways in Seattle, but were refreshed by his passion for the Lord and the gifts he brings to those whom he encounters.
All in all, we had a great trip...many adventures and memories were made, but mostly, we were happy to be home again. We feel fortunate for that...we really do love our home and our life in Bellingham.
