The Money Mustache Community
Mustachian Community => Meetups and Social Events => Topic started by: NinetyFour on June 16, 2021, 05:33:52 PM
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UPDATE:
We are going to try to make this happen! We’ll be using the same campground that we did in 2018 and 2019:
https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/west/utah/canyonlands-rv-resort-campground/ (https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/west/utah/canyonlands-rv-resort-campground/)
This is purely a social meetup, though occasional impromptu mustachian discussions may occur! Hikes, bike rides, and padldle boarding embarrassments will organically happen...and might even be planned (usually the night before!). Evening campfires always happen. 😊
If staying at the campground is not your thing, there are tons of hotels in Moab. Be sure to come over to the campground for campfires, though!
Let me know if you have questions!!
Posting a couple pics to whet your appetite for some red rock hiking...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48823104416_d9639a5bd8_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48822941387_6c64173a9b_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48822939877_28aa0495ba_k.jpg)
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Moonpie and I are interested. We were planning to fly to Vegas last year, rent a camper van and drive to meetup. Unfortunately... Covid. We'd like to try again this year.
If anyone is hesitating, the food at Miguel's is worth the trip!
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Yes—I really liked Miguel’s!!
Bat signaling a few folks....
@Daisy
@Dr Kidstache
@plugging away
@YK-Phil
@maizefolk
@avrex
@shadowmoss
@WorkingToUnwind
@happy
@deborah
@gatortator
@ToTheMoon
@cangelosibrown
@dizzy
@GreenEggs
@Longwaytogo
@Le Poisson
@2Saving4Life
@CanuckExpat
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I'm planning to be there.
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Thanks for signaling me out or I may have missed this.
I'm already committed in mid October to bike across South Carolina. My sister lives there and we are planning to join the cycling/camping event.
Maybe next time!
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Sounds good to me!
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Just thought I'd throw this idea out into the atmosphere to see what happens...
Right now it's 109 degrees in Moab, but surely it won't be that scorching hot in, say, mid-to-late October. Anybody want to meet up?
Funny my brother in law and I were just talking today about road trips in the Summer and wondering if the southern routes were even feasible/fun...109 sounds rough
Bat signaling a few folks....
@Longwaytogo
Thanks for the bat signal :)
Can't believe it was way back in 2018 when we met up out there! And I was'nt even part of the "official" meetup but it was fun hanging out with you and Retire Canada. Plus meeting a couple others at dinner.
Unfortunately my 2021 travel slate is pretty jam packed (well fortunately for me...less so for the odds of me making this meetup :P). So I don't think I could swing it this year.
But I hope some of you guys can get together and make it happen. It's awesome out there!!
We did make it out to Sedona AZ to bike a few days in March, that was pretty sweet too!!
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Thanks for the bat signal! I will be fully immunised by then, but almost certainly Australia's borders will still be closed :( . I don't think we'll be re-opening until sometime in 2022.
If it goes ahead, I will need photos!
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Ooooh I love the idea of heading to Moab again. We will have to watch the travel/border situation but I will keep it in mind!
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October sounds like a good time of year. I'll mention it to DW. She's been wanting to visit Moab again.
Thanks for the heads up. :)
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Mentioned on another thread, I can bring a couple of tents and hammocks, tarps, and stands. With a decent sleeping bag and underneath insulation hammocks are warm enough for camping.
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I'd come if it was in November! ...and borders are open, of course...
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This is relevant to my interests! @NinetyFour , I assume this campground can accommodate YourRig, do you think I could get there in my Honda Fit? If yes, then I'd sleep in the car. Less gear & set up! :)
My attendance would depend on actual dates.
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This is relevant to my interests! @NinetyFour , I assume this campground can accommodate YourRig, do you think I could get there in my Honda Fit? If yes, then I'd sleep in the car. Less gear & set up! :)
My attendance would depend on actual dates.
Yes—absolutely your car would fit. Even giant rigs use this campground.
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I have camped and slept in my Mazda 3 when I've been to these get togethers there. Just get a tent site.
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This is the campground we have used in years past:
https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/west/utah/canyonlands-rv-resort-campground/?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=yext?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=yext
Those who enjoy camping “away from it all” will need to adjust their expectations. As I mentioned above, it is right in town. But it does have the advantages of bring close to stores and restaurants. Also, if travelers would prefer to stay in hotels, that is certainly an option. There are approximately a million hotels in Moab. People can meet wherever for hikes, bike rides, etc. and visit the campground for evening campfires.
As far as dates.....I think late October works well weather-wise. Early November *might* work, but I’d hate to get snowed out. And I’d like to avoid the times when a zillion Utah school kids are on Fall Break. As far as I could tell the last time I looked online, it seems that the Salt Lake schools have their break around the weekend of Oct 16 (Thurs-Mon?) but the kids in Moab are on their break around the weekend of Oct 23. So......?
Also, I haven’t even contacted the campground yet about availability, since I was initially just gauging interest. But now that Fish Dude might be coming, I better start figuring out some details! And locating lots of Jiffy Cornbread mix!!
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We are still "stuck" in Mexico but without our van, we couldn't drive across the Canada-US border so we decided to get out of Dodge while we could. Now planning to fly back to Calgary on November 1, pack up whatever we have left in our condo so my daughter can move in, then if the border opens up, drive back to Mexico and further south. Moab is on our usual itinerary so if we miss the meetup but some of you are still in the area, we would love to meet up.
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Please add @Dicey to the list. We usually head to Colorado in the shoulder seasons, so this would be a great stop on the return journey.
I'd vote for earlier in October, before the school fall breaks, but I'm sure availability will be the key.
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I just looked at a bunch of Utah school calendars and it looks like the majority of the counties will be on Fall Break October 14 - 17. But some (like Emery County, where Moab is located) will be on their break October 21 - 24.
So.....now we need to decide between the weekend of October 9 and the weekend of October 30. What say you, Moab enthusiasts???
In late October, snow flakes could be flying and nighttime temps could get into the 30s. I think I would lean toward the weekend of Oct 9. Also, we don't have to limit it to a weekend. I would probably arrive early and stay late, so that I could hang with those who might arrive early as well as those who might arrive later.
I would love some more input about dates. Thanks in advance!
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Hmm. Both those dates might pose challenges for us. October 9 I believe overlaps with a family visit to our area, so we would have to arrive late. October 30... snow?! I don't do snow. So I guess we would have to make the 9th work.
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Hmm. Both those dates might pose challenges for us. October 9 I believe overlaps with a family visit to our area, so we would have to arrive late. October 30... snow?! I don't do snow. So I guess we would have to make the 9th work.
Oof.
It's hard to know how many people who are interested in this meetup would be limited to weekends. If that's not really an issue, then we could schedule it for something like Oct 10 - 14. Would that work a bit better for you and Moonpie? Some people might choose to arrive on the 8th or 9th (I might even arrive on the 7th).
Another alternative would be something like Oct 17 - 20, sandwiched in between the two weekends that will probably be super busy. However, if people wanted to arrive early (15th or 16th), I think they'd find a jampacked Moab and a crazy busy Arches NP.
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Early October is far less risky, so that's my vote. How many times can I vote? Can I use my post count? It oughtta be good for something, lol.
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Early October is far less risky, so that's my vote. How many times can I vote? Can I use my post count? It oughtta be good for something, lol.
I agree, though the beginning of October can still be pretty hot. I’d prefer that the temps cool off enough at night that a campfire is appealing.
So something like Oct 8 through 14 (or some chunk of that) would work for you, @Dicey ?
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Early October is far less risky, so that's my vote. How many times can I vote? Can I use my post count? It oughtta be good for something, lol.
I agree, though the beginning of October can still be pretty hot. I’d prefer that the temps cool off enough at night that a campfire is appealing.
So something like Oct 8 through 14 (or some chunk of that) would work for you, @Dicey ?
We go to CO in the shoulder seasons, because we're not fond of high-life resort towns in peak seasons. We love the quiet times. Our availability in the first half of the October is pretty flexible.
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Early October is far less risky, so that's my vote. How many times can I vote? Can I use my post count? It oughtta be good for something, lol.
I agree, though the beginning of October can still be pretty hot. I’d prefer that the temps cool off enough at night that a campfire is appealing.
So something like Oct 8 through 14 (or some chunk of that) would work for you, @Dicey ?
We go to CO in the shoulder seasons, because we're not fond of high-life resort towns in peak seasons. We love the quiet times. Our availability in the first half of the October is pretty flexible.
OK—sounds good. Thanks.
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Early October is far less risky, so that's my vote. How many times can I vote? Can I use my post count? It oughtta be good for something, lol.
I agree, though the beginning of October can still be pretty hot. I’d prefer that the temps cool off enough at night that a campfire is appealing.
So something like Oct 8 through 14 (or some chunk of that) would work for you, @Dicey ?
Not Dicey, but that time frame would work better than the Oct 30 weekend. Probably wouldn't be able to stay the whole time.
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I'm scheduled to be in KY the last week of September. I may time things so I come home through Moab.
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I booked a “deluxe tent site” for Oct 6 - 14. I might not end up being there that whole time—will depend on others’ plans.
If you are interested at all in this meetup, I suggest that you make your reservation soon. The campground has a very generous cancellation policy. Better to get something now and cancel later if you need to. (Of course, don’t just take my word for it—you should totally check the policy!)
Hope we get a good turnout and fantastic weather this year!
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I booked a “deluxe tent site” for Oct 6 - 14. I might not end up being there that whole time—will depend on others’ plans.
If you are interested at all in this meetup, I suggest that you make your reservation soon. The campground has a very generous cancellation policy. Better to get something now and cancel later if you need to. (Of course, don’t just take my word for it—you should totally check the policy!)
Hope we get a good turnout and fantastic weather this year!
Sorry, are the campground details somewhere really obvious?
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I booked a “deluxe tent site” for Oct 6 - 14. I might not end up being there that whole time—will depend on others’ plans.
If you are interested at all in this meetup, I suggest that you make your reservation soon. The campground has a very generous cancellation policy. Better to get something now and cancel later if you need to. (Of course, don’t just take my word for it—you should totally check the policy!)
Hope we get a good turnout and fantastic weather this year!
Sorry, are the campground details somewhere really obvious?
@Dicey They are in reply #15 in this thread.
@NinetyFour maybe add the link to the first post so it's easy to find, as the thread grows longer?
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Just to make it easy: https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/west/utah/canyonlands-rv-resort-campground/ (https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/west/utah/canyonlands-rv-resort-campground/)
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Thank you for the link again, TTM!
Thanks updated the first post—good suggestion, oneday!
Sorry I am not very organized this time around. As I am doing the nomad thing right now, I am not always at a keyboard with internet! 😊
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I really hate to say this, but I think we're out for this year :(
I got the finalized dates for a family visit in early October and there's just too much overlap for us to make it out. Plus, I still have to w*rk.
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Oh man. There will be other awesome people there, but...I'm a bit bummed, LifeHappens.
I've booked a site. Talked to TA, he may join us. Seems a bit early to ask for days off work, but maybe better to claim the days now before someone else does.
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Oh man. There will be other awesome people there, but...I'm a bit bummed, LifeHappens.
I'm bummed too. :( I need to FIRE so I can DO ALL THE THINGS!!!
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OMG, DH said YES! I admit, I really wasn't expecting that! He's kind of an introvert. We're looking at Oct. 11-14. There's no way we can get there any earlier. Now, to book some reservations. Any tips/suggestions welcome.
@NinetyFour PM sent.
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OMG, DH said YES! I admit, I really wasn't expecting that! He's kind of an introvert. We're looking at Oct. 11-14. There's no way we can get there any earlier. Now, to book some reservations. Any tips/suggestions welcome.
@NinetyFour PM sent.
Great!!
I just responded to your PM.
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I really hate to say this, but I think we're out for this year :(
I got the finalized dates for a family visit in early October and there's just too much overlap for us to make it out. Plus, I still have to w*rk.
WAAAAAAAAH!!!
Very sad face. 😩😭
But I understand.
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Oh man. There will be other awesome people there, but...I'm a bit bummed, LifeHappens.
I've booked a site. Talked to TA, he may join us. Seems a bit early to ask for days off work, but maybe better to claim the days now before someone else does.
Glad to hear that you booked a site, @oneday !! It will be so fun to see you again! And it would be great if TA is able to join us also!
Those of you who are planning to attend, feel free to drop a link to this thread in your journals—it could be that some readers of your journals never look at the Meetup threads and might miss this opportunity. Thanks!
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OMG, DH said YES! I admit, I really wasn't expecting that! He's kind of an introvert. We're looking at Oct. 11-14. There's no way we can get there any earlier. Now, to book some reservations. Any tips/suggestions welcome.
NinetyFour PM sent.
Squee! Now I'm re-thinking what my travel plans could be like...maybe shifed back a few days so I can overlap with you!
NinetyFour, good idea. I will put something in my signature, too.
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Okay, it's done. In on the 11th, out on the 14th. Looking forward to this!
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Just saw this, and am going to see if DH and I might come.
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OMG, DH said YES! I admit, I really wasn't expecting that! He's kind of an introvert. We're looking at Oct. 11-14. There's no way we can get there any earlier. Now, to book some reservations. Any tips/suggestions welcome.
NinetyFour PM sent.
Squee! Now I'm re-thinking what my travel plans could be like...maybe shifed back a few days so I can overlap with you!
NinetyFour, good idea. I will put something in my signature, too.
Thanks for helping to advertise!
Okay, it's done. In on the 11th, out on the 14th. Looking forward to this!
Awesome!!
Just saw this, and am going to see if DH and I might come.
That would be great!!!
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Just saw this, and am going to see if DH and I might come.
Exciting!
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OK, @NinetyFour @oneday, @Dicey, just booked a cabin in the camp you folks chose, for October 8, 9 and 10. We'd fly in to Salt Lake City or Grand Junction on Oct. 7, and leave on the 11th.
Don't have DH's agreement yet, but figured I'd book it; it is refundable if we need to change plans, or he decides he needs a hotel, etc. (We are not campers! Although he used to be one.)
I'm excited! Hope this works out. It is rare for us to travel somewhere not for work and not to see family.
This will give me some incentive to really work on my feet before then, so I can do some walking. . . . The views look amazing.
Embok
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OK, @NinetyFour @oneday, @Dicey, just booked a cabin in the camp you folks chose, for October 8, 9 and 10. We'd fly in to Salt Lake City or Grand Junction on Oct. 7, and leave on the 11th.
Don't have DH's agreement yet, but figured I'd book it; it is refundable if we need to change plans, or he decides he needs a hotel, etc. (We are not campers! Although he used to be one.)
I'm excited! Hope this works out. It is rare for us to travel somewhere not for work and not to see family.
This will give me some incentive to really work on my feet before then, so I can do some walking. . . . The views look amazing.
Embok
Awesome!!! Hope it works out—it would be great to see you again!
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Guess I should book my site. Still not sure if I'll be in the motorhome or just the car. Probably the car again. That worked fine the previous time. There is also the Lazy Lizard Hostel that is a couple of miles from the campground. They have private rooms or dorm rooms. Clean, interesting people, usual hostel stuff.
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Okay, it's done. In on the 11th, out on the 14th. Looking forward to this!
Hmm, I think I'm going to have to change my dates a little bit to overlap both you and Embok. This is hard! I might miss someone.
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Okay, it's done. In on the 11th, out on the 14th. Looking forward to this!
Hmm, I think I'm going to have to change my dates a little bit to overlap both you and Embok. This is hard! I might miss someone.
:D
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Okay, it's done. In on the 11th, out on the 14th. Looking forward to this!
Hmm, I think I'm going to have to change my dates a little bit to overlap both you and Embok. This is hard! I might miss someone.
:D
New reservation is Oct 9-12 :D
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Okay, it's done. In on the 11th, out on the 14th. Looking forward to this!
Hmm, I think I'm going to have to change my dates a little bit to overlap both you and Embok. This is hard! I might miss someone.
:D
New reservation is Oct 9-12 :D
Yahoo!!! 😊
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Just reserved a tent site for 6-11 Oct.
Looking forward to meeting in person!
@NinetyFour Thanks for getting this going.
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Just reserved a tent site for 6-11 Oct.
Looking forward to meeting in person!
@NinetyFour Thanks for getting this going.
Awesome!!!! Glad you will be joining us!
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Following this thread. Our October plans aren't finalized yet, but I'm interested in another Mustachian meetup!
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Ditto. I may have a court date that same week in Durango for a speeding ticket. Moab isn't too far away.
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@Adventine, @Mr. Green, I can't get there until late-ish on the 11th, staying until the 14th. I hope we can overlap. Can't wait to meet everybody!
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@Dicey thanks for confirming your dates! We're still waiting for several things in August / Sept, including my immigration stuff and a possible work trip for @MustachioedPistachio .
@Mr. Green, I read about the hassles you're going through with that speeding ticket. Hope it gets sorted out soon.
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I still don't know if I can make it. My housing situation is a little up in the air right now & depends on if I have to move in October.
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@Adventine, @Mr. Green, I can't get there until late-ish on the 11th, staying until the 14th. I hope we can overlap. Can't wait to meet everybody!
Trying to overlap with everyone is maybe futile. But I tried! Can't wait to meet all of you, and see a familiar face or two, too? Now I feel shy!!!!
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Almost certain we'll miss this now. I have a plan in place to minimize speeding ticket damage and we have a few things going on now where it makes sense to head back to the East Coast in September. One of these times we'll catch a Moab meetup.
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Following this thread. Our October plans aren't finalized yet, but I'm interested in another Mustachian meetup!
YAY!!! It would be great to meet you and your DH!!!
I still don't know if I can make it. My housing situation is a little up in the air right now & depends on if I have to move in October.
I really really really hope you can make it!!!
Almost certain we'll miss this now. I have a plan in place to minimize speeding ticket damage and we have a few things going on now where it makes sense to head back to the East Coast in September. One of these times we'll catch a Moab meetup.
Dang--too bad. Was looking forward to seeing you and your DW again, but I know you have A LOT on your plate right now!!
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Wow, just found this meetup! I was planning to take some time off of work in October anyway, and I haven't been to Moab since 2019. I may have to toss the mountain bike on the back of my car and make the drive up from Tucson.
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My plans are in jello right now. I'm going on a trip to KY in the motorhome leaving September 18 and a lot depends on how reliable the motorhome ends up being and if my aunt comes back with Mom and I for a visit. I won't know until very close to the time. I may reserve a tent site, but really the most likely way I'd make it is to drive the car up for a few days. If I can't get a tent site when I'm making final and I'll just stay at the hostel again or tent on BLM land nearby.
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DH and I took the RV to a Custom Spring Shop today. DH thinks it's lowridin' a wee bit too much and wants the rig to be ready for the trip to Moab. Looks like we're really doing this thing, yippee!
P.S. The quote for the custom springs is $1250. Made the $90 diesel fill-up seem like peanuts, lol. The appointment isn't until the end of the month, but the dude says two days is all he needs.
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And one more thing...The kids want to meet us in Moab, so we don't have to drive all the way into Colorado. They can't come until the weekend, which means we don't have to boogie straight out on the 14th. Yay for flexible schedules! Now to dog the site to extend our reservation...something will open up, for sure. Fingers crossed.
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Can we make this annual. Not going to make it this year but this may be my wife and I's favorite city.
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Can we make this annual. Not going to make it this year but this may be my wife and I's favorite city.
It's been somwhat annual. They had it 2018 and 2019. Skipped last year due to Covid.
I attended 2018 a week late but still met a handful of MMMers, it was a lot of fun.
Hacked some 1st class flights too :)
I can't make this year either. Never know for 2022!!
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Can we make this annual. Not going to make it this year but this may be my wife and I's favorite city.
We're apparently going to be there a lot longer than originally planned. Since it's your fave, any suggestions would be appreciated. Too bad that our paths won't cross this year.
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Can we make this annual. Not going to make it this year but this may be my wife and I's favorite city.
We're apparently going to be there a lot longer than originally planned. Since it's your fave, any suggestions would be appreciated. Too bad that our paths won't cross this year.
Obviously both the national parks are a hit. I like the hike up beyond landscape arch it's a steep climb at the beginning to get up to the trails but then it's pretty easy and less crowded.
Mesa arch at sunrise.
We like to camp on the BLM land along the Colorado
Somehow it's rained both times we've been there with waterfalls coming over the cliffs.
The drive along the Colorado is awesome take it all the way to fisher towers
The Shafer trail down from canyonlands is pretty sweet. You need a small suv for this for clearance.
Delicate arch at sunset is fun. If you like walking on cliffs you can approach it from the back side instead of the front side. We did this accidentally. Stay left if you don't wanna walk on cliffs.
We haven't done the state park but it's on our list next time. It's just before canyonlands.
I'd attempt to stay in each of the parks if you can it's so great to wake up in arches.
Windows at sunrise in arches is cool.
I'm sure I'll think of some other stuff after I talk to my wife.
Pretty much everything around Moab is why we like it so much.
Theres a lot of good cafes and a brewery in Moab.
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Wow, just found this meetup! I was planning to take some time off of work in October anyway, and I haven't been to Moab since 2019. I may have to toss the mountain bike on the back of my car and make the drive up from Tucson.
Hey @EngineeringFI !! It would be awesome if you could join us!!! Please let me know if you have any questions!
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We're just a few weeks away from our Moab meetup!!!
Thus far, this seems to be who is attending and when they will arrive/depart:
@oneday Oct 9 - 12
@Embok Oct 8 - 10
@NinetyFour Oct 6 - 14
@Dicey Oct 11 - 14
@MoseyingAlong Oct 6 - 11
@ToTheMoon (I know you told me, but now I can't remember your dates!)
@Dr Kidstache ???
@YK-Phil ???
@Adventine ???
@shadowmoss ???
@Cannot Wait! (I know you said you'd attend if we met in November, but thought I'd ping you just in case you decided that October would work!)
@GreenEggs ???
If anyone has any corrections/updates about their plans, please let me know. Thanks!
I may shorten my stay a bit, but will still hopefully overlap with all of your dates. If I do change my dates, I will post an update.
I'm really looking forward to this!!!
Oh, and we'd love to have more attendees, so if you are reading this and want to join us, make a reservation at the campground if they still have room or look for other camping/hotel accommodations! The more the merrier!!
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Hey, I'm sorry but I and @MustachioedPistachio won't make it. We have some work schedule conflicts (boo!)
Hope you guys have a great time, though!
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Hey, I'm sorry but I and @MustachioedPistachio won't make it. We have some work schedule conflicts (boo!)
Hope you guys have a great time, though!
Awww--sorry to hear this! :( I hope I get to meet you both at another time--maybe our Moab meetup next year!
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We're just a few weeks away from our Moab meetup!!!
Thus far, this seems to be who is attending and when they will arrive/depart:
@oneday Oct 9 - 12
@Embok Oct 8 - 10
@NinetyFour Oct 6 - 14
@Dicey Oct 11 - 14
@MoseyingAlong Oct 6 - 11
@ToTheMoon (I know you told me, but now I can't remember your dates!)
@Dr Kidstache ???
@YK-Phil ???
@Adventine ???
@shadowmoss ???
@Cannot Wait! (I know you said you'd attend if we met in November, but thought I'd ping you just in case you decided that October would work!)
@GreenEggs ???
If anyone has any corrections/updates about their plans, please let me know. Thanks!
I may shorten my stay a bit, but will still hopefully overlap with all of your dates. If I do change my dates, I will post an update.
I'm really looking forward to this!!!
Oh, and we'd love to have more attendees, so if you are reading this and want to join us, make a reservation at the campground if they still have room or look for other camping/hotel accommodations! The more the merrier!!
We are still in Mexico and decided to stay here indefinitely since the Canada-USA border is still closed to Canadians so we never went back to Canada to get our camper. Hopefully, we can resume our road adventures before the end of 2021, but it will sadly be too late for this get-together.
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We are still in Mexico and decided to stay here indefinitely since the Canada-USA border is still closed to Canadians so we never went back to Canada to get our camper. Hopefully, we can resume our road adventures before the end of 2021, but it will sadly be too late for this get-together.
Sorry to hear this! But I totally understand. Maybe next year!
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Just reserved a tent site for 6-11 Oct.
Looking forward to meeting in person!
@NinetyFour Thanks for getting this going.
Welp, my plans have changed and I won't make this after all. One year I'll get there. Maybe 2022.
Hope y'all have a great time. It's so beautiful in that area.
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I am going to change my dates slightly......I'll be there from the 8th to the 14th. This way, I'll get to see everyone who is currently planning to attend, and I will have 5 full days to hike, bike, chat, and relax with my MMM friends!
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Just reserved a tent site for 6-11 Oct.
Looking forward to meeting in person!
@NinetyFour Thanks for getting this going.
Welp, my plans have changed and I won't make this after all. One year I'll get there. Maybe 2022.
Hope y'all have a great time. It's so beautiful in that area.
Drat. Sorry you won't be joining us this time. Maybe next year!
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We're just a few weeks away from our Moab meetup!!!
Thus far, this seems to be who is attending and when they will arrive/depart:
@oneday Oct 9 - 12
@Embok Oct 8 - 10
@NinetyFour Oct 6 - 14
@Dicey Oct 11 - 14
@MoseyingAlong Oct 6 - 11
@ToTheMoon (I know you told me, but now I can't remember your dates!)
@Dr Kidstache ???
@YK-Phil ???
@Adventine ???
@shadowmoss ???
@Cannot Wait! (I know you said you'd attend if we met in November, but thought I'd ping you just in case you decided that October would work!)
@GreenEggs ???
If anyone has any corrections/updates about their plans, please let me know. Thanks!
I may shorten my stay a bit, but will still hopefully overlap with all of your dates. If I do change my dates, I will post an update.
I'm really looking forward to this!!!
Oh, and we'd love to have more attendees, so if you are reading this and want to join us, make a reservation at the campground if they still have room or look for other camping/hotel accommodations! The more the merrier!!
Thanks for the ping but the border is still closed. :(
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Sadly, I can't make it either.
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Though I'm usually a "the more, the merrier" type, I'm kind of relieved this won't be a large gathering. Too many names to put with faces, lol. Screen names, IRL names, SO/partner/spouse names...freaking me out already. Not enough sticky brain cells left.
I really wish we could get there earlier - I hate to miss people, but it is what it is. Therefore, we'll be rolling into Moab on 10/11/21, which will be our ninth anniversary, woo-hoo!
I think I've mentioned that I'm doing a very big thing leading up to and including October 9th. What I failed to mention is that I have extended family coming to stay with us during that week. They're both retired medical professionals and Covid smart, so I'm not worried about that, it just means I'll have to pack and prep for Moab and for company this week. Oh, and squeeze in as many conditioning hikes as possible. So glad I'm FIRE, lol.
DSD and family want to meet us in Moab, so we are staying at Canyonlands through the 17th. After that I think we'll spend another week leisurely rambling a SSW, then Northerly loop back to the Bay Area. Any suggestions for week 2 are appreciated.
Looking forward to this!
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I'm still going, but TA had a gig pop up and won't be able to go.
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We have our flights booked, and looks like DH will come with me. Planning to arrive in Moab evening of 10/8 and leave morning of 10/12. So looking forward to it!
@NinetyFour @oneday
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Jealous of all who are heading out. Moab is so amazing; as is hanging out with MMMers.
Have a great time!!!
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Jealous of all who are heading out. Moab is so amazing; as is hanging out with MMMers.
Have a great time!!!
Sorry you can't be there this time!
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Thanks for the ping but the border is still closed. :(
Dang! Would have loved to see you again. Hope you are having a good time, wherever you are right now!
Sadly, I can't make it either.
Boo!!! :( Really was hoping to spend some time with you again!
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Though I'm usually a "the more, the merrier" type, I'm kind of relieved this won't be a large gathering. Too many names to put with faces, lol. Screen names, IRL names, SO/partner/spouse names...freaking me out already. Not enough sticky brain cells left.
I really wish we could get there earlier - I hate to miss people, but it is what it is. Therefore, we'll be rolling into Moab on 10/11/21, which will be our ninth anniversary, woo-hoo!
I think I've mentioned that I'm doing a very big thing leading up to and including October 9th. What I failed to mention is that I have extended family coming to stay with us during that week. They're both retired medical professionals and Covid smart, so I'm not worried about that, it just means I'll have to pack and prep for Moab and for company this week. Oh, and squeeze in as many conditioning hikes as possible. So glad I'm FIRE, lol.
DSD and family want to meet us in Moab, so we are staying at Canyonlands through the 17th. After that I think we'll spend another week leisurely rambling a SSW, then Northerly loop back to the Bay Area. Any suggestions for week 2 are appreciated.
Looking forward to this!
Hi @Dicey ! Really looking forward to meeting you!
Even though you won't arrive until the 11th, I think you will still get to meet everyone who is planning to attend (at this point), so that's good.
I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions from the group for week two of your trip!
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I'm still going, but TA had a gig pop up and won't be able to go.
Sad I won't get to meet TA, but super glad you are still joining us!!!
We have our flights booked, and looks like DH will come with me. Planning to arrive in Moab evening of 10/8 and leave morning of 10/12. So looking forward to it!
@NinetyFour @oneday
Excellent!! Really looking forward to seeing you again and meeting your DH!
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DH thought our rig was a little ass-heavy, so he decided to have custom springs installed. (After calculating that the specs were so tight he didn't want to attempt it himself.) We waited almost a month for today's appointment and I was worried it wouldn't be done in time for Moab. We got the rig to Oakland by 8:00am and they had it finished by 2:15 this afternoon, which was a welcome surprise. However, the cost of the job was $1300, which makes me croak a little. I know we're paying for their expertise, but damn, that's a great hourly rate!
Moab, here we come!
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When are you planning to have Moab 2022? I think I may be able to be there. Possibly. If it’s between 9th October and 16th October.
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DH thought our rig was a little ass-heavy, so he decided to have custom springs installed. (After calculating that the specs were so tight he didn't want to attempt it himself.) We waited almost a month for today's appointment and I was worried it wouldn't be done in time for Moab. We got the rig to Oakland by 8:00am and they had it finished by 2:15 this afternoon, which was a welcome surprise. However, the cost of the job was $1300, which makes me croak a little. I know we're paying for their expertise, but damn, that's a great hourly rate!
Moab, here we come!
Yikes--that is a hefty repair bill! But hopefully, those custom springs will last forever!
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When are you planning to have Moab 2022? I think I may be able to be there. Possibly. If it’s between 9th October and 16th October.
Hard to say, but it would be great if you are able to join the fun!
I usually like to avoid the Fall Breaks of the nearby schools, as it seems that tons of families descend on Moab during those breaks, making the hiking trails way more crowded that normal. But school schedules for next Fall won't be available for quite some time.
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DH thought our rig was a little ass-heavy, so he decided to have custom springs installed. (After calculating that the specs were so tight he didn't want to attempt it himself.) We waited almost a month for today's appointment and I was worried it wouldn't be done in time for Moab. We got the rig to Oakland by 8:00am and they had it finished by 2:15 this afternoon, which was a welcome surprise. However, the cost of the job was $1300, which makes me croak a little. I know we're paying for their expertise, but damn, that's a great hourly rate!
Moab, here we come!
Yikes--that is a hefty repair bill! But hopefully, those custom springs will last forever!
Technically, I suppose it was more of an upgrade than a repair. The original quote was for $1400, so there's that. DH is a man of so few wants and such a Craigslist Master that I don't care what he spends money on. What I thought was funny was the price per hour.
The custom spring place looks like a complete shithole and is apparently a freaking gold mine!
The owner is exactly my age and he's worked there for 45 years. He bought the business from the original owner and hasn't changed a thing. He's not married and has no kids. I strongly suspect he's a millionaire next door type, with mustachian tendencies. He can't be a true mustachian, because he's still working, right?
Moab, ho!
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@EngineeringFI , sorry I left you off of my list earlier. Are you planning to join us? Sure hope so!
Moab is expecting some rain during the next several days. Hopefully, this won't get in the way of activities we might want to do. Precipitation is so rare in canyon country--it's pretty neat to see it, I think.
Looking forward to seeing everyone very soon. Guess I better start packing!!
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Have a great time, everyone! Share updates for those of us suffering FOMO over not making it to this one.
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I'm not going to be able to run up there this year. Bee stayed on our trip back East longer and just got home Tuesday night. I need to catch up here as I move down to Phoenix metro at the end of the month. Have fun and hopefully I'll see you next year.
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I arrived in Moab at about 4:30. It’s pretty busy here—maybe the last busy weekend of the season??
It is chilly (56) and overcast, with on and off (mostly off) sprinkles. Low should be 52 tonight—nice temp for sleeping—probably won’t need the THREE down sleeping bags I brought!
Just ate dinner (leftovers I brought from home) and am finishing the hot tea I brought for the drive. Gonna hold off on the alcohol. For now. 😊
I got up at 5am today and raced around non-stop until I left home at 1:30, so I will not be up late tonight.
Thinking about getting up early and going for a mountain bike ride…..not the sort that LWTG does—something much tamer….and safer!!
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Moab, here we come! See you on Monday.
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I will make every effort to attend in 2022!
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So jealous!
Have a great time everyone - I will be back next year provided the borders are friendlier! (They had better be by then!)
TTM
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...And we're on the freeway! We may stay at the rest stop in Ely that's in oneday's journal. It's about a nine hour drive without stops. There's another reasonable looking overnight spot a couple of hours further east, but we're not college students on Spring Break, so we'll see how it goes. This baby may be sleek, but she ain't very fast.
BTW, she's a "she" because the previous owner's kids called her "Serenity". Totally uninspired, because it's the manufacturer's name for this model and therefore Not Unique and we don't use it. But we don't want to mess up her gender identity, so she's still a "her" to us. Extra S'mores to the person who comes up with a great name.
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Any photos? Updates? I guess you are all too busy having a good time.
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Update coming…….Dicey and her DH have kept me VERY busy!!!
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And.......it's a wrap.*
I drove back home today. All I have energy for right now is to share this:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51584043792_59f0fef881_4k.jpg)
* except that I left Dicey in Moab.
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Thankyou ! That photo says it all!
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What a great time we had in Moab! Will post some photos over the weekend if I can figure out how. . . .
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If this post comes off a little lack luster, it's because I'm tired and still recovering from Grand MMMoab Adventures, not because it wasn't awesome.
...And we're on the freeway! We may stay at the rest stop in Ely that's in oneday's journal. It's about a nine hour drive without stops. There's another reasonable looking overnight spot a couple of hours further east, but we're not college students on Spring Break, so we'll see how it goes. This baby may be sleek, but she ain't very fast.
BTW, she's a "she" because the previous owner's kids called her "Serenity". Totally uninspired, because it's the manufacturer's name for this model and therefore Not Unique and we don't use it. But we don't want to mess up her gender identity, so she's still a "her" to us. Extra S'mores to the person who comes up with a great name.
One word (from us sci-fi nerdlings): "Firefly". So a cargo van roaming freely around the western US named "Serenity" is perfect ;-).
Good luck and have fun everyone. Heard it's snowy and stormy there.
lol, I mentioned this to Dicey, but it was a no-go, as she's not a fan.
Moab Meetup was amazing! Wonderful to see 94 and Embok again; and meet Mr. Embok, Dicey and Mr. Dicey! All outstanding humans. We had a stellar campfire every night, magnanimously built and tended by 94 or Mr. Dicey. Around which we told stories and reflected on the day.
One day, Embok chauffeured Mr. Embok, 94 and I around Arches National Park. It holds some mind-blowing rock formation and other scenery, along with the arches. I've attached a photo I took of one formation called Three Gossips, and you can also see Sheep Tower off to the right. 94 took a photo of me with Skyline Arch. I didn't take any photos of arches!!! 🤦♀️ Some of the formations were such odd shapes, they got our imaginations going. We came up with some wild & silly stories based on speculation about what the rocks used to be or could be used for. It was a lot of fun and really enhanced the beauty of the area.
Another day, 94 and I hiked to an overlook point over the town of Moab and the surrounding area. More stunning views! And she taught me to recite the 50 US states in alphabetical order! It's still hard to do, but I did get one perfect recitation to myself in the car on the way home to cement the knowledge. She is an excellent tour guide as well, helping us through Arches and later showing us several sites with ancient rock art. (I didn't take any photos of that, either!!!) Amazing to see drawings that had survived thousands of years of sunshine, weather, rockfall, vandals and who knows what else.
But the trip was too short as, sadly, I had to return to work 😞 Embok and her DH left the same day I did, but the others got to stay and play for more days. I'm jealous!
Next year, YOU (yes, you) should go! I'm sure glad I did; not sure when I might have gotten around to seeing this corner of the world on my own. I'm grateful to @NinetyFour for organizing this meetup yet again! She's the best.
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Glad you guys had a fun time!! Hopefully we'll here some more reports :)
Your rig looks cool dicey, how long is it?
I think a smaller crowd of Forum-ers is actually more fun and conducive to deeper conversations then a larger group where folks don't know each other and it ends up being mostly small talk. Sounds like you had a few long time contributors to the Forum/Journal sections!!
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I wish Moab was'nt a ~30 hour drive from my house. I'd love to get out there with my truck/tent/bike rather then the whole fly/rent rigmarole. Maybe eventually!!
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@oneday Thanks so much for posting your summary of your Moab Meetup experience!! Especially since you are still in recovery mode!! I have been super busy (and tired) after returning home on Thursday, but I am pretty sure I will have a chance to do an extensive post this afternoon.
Right now, I want to emphasize my gratitude to all the Californians for attending this year!! I was worried that some or all of them would be disappointed in the small size of the group, but it turned out that they were all pleased that it wasn't an overwhelmingly large meetup. WHEW! I'm also really thankful that Mr. Embok and Mr. Dicey came along for the fun. I think they both enjoyed meeting some of the crazy internet MMM folk their wives had told them about!! :)
My recap:
I arrived at about 5pm on Friday, October 8th. I got settled into my campsite and texted @Embok to check on her progress as she and her DH were driving to Moab from Salt Lake City that afternoon. After eating a dinner of leftovers I brought from home and an adult beverage, I headed out for a walk around town, in the dark, which was a perfect distraction from the annoying high school football game (very bright lights and very loud sound system) happening immediately adjacent to the campground. (Note to self: try to avoid Friday nights next year.) Turned out that Embok and her DH had a long slog of a drive, and I was fading, so I turned in for the night before they arrived. I informed her that I planned to get up early(ish) and get a mountain bike ride in. I assumed that she and her DH would probably want to have a restful morning after their stressful drive.
So after some tea and brekkie Saturday morning, I headed up to the Bar M bike trails about 10 miles north of Moab. I hadn't done any mountain biking in many many moons, so starting out on the easy trails was perfect.
On the road approaching the parking lot, I saw this sign. I always get a bit of a chuckle out of it:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51599919280_7137a5677c_4k.jpg)
As the area had just gotten a significant rain, there were some puddles and mud on the trails. I wasn't excited about getting super dirty, so I went slowly so as not to splash too much red dirt/mud around! I was so so so happy to be out on the bike trails near Moab again. There's nothing quite like it (that I know of).
As soon as I gained some elevation from the parking lot, I could see Arches National Park in the distance (the bumpy stuff on the horizon). If you are able to zoom in, you might spy a very wide arch on the right. Balanced rock is also visible on the left.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51598198312_63724ffca2_4k.jpg)
Another typical Moab area scene, from an easy Bar M trail:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51599242673_0df2c5081c_4k.jpg)
When I saw this sign, I paused briefly. What could go wrong??
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585420944_ce70d9ff6e_4k.jpg)
Here's where I ended up:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51598199172_416b68a27e_4k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585396349_255718b45c_4k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51584751841_e012455061_4k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585379014_efd943dea0_4k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51598199152_538ae09299_4k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51584746656_0f56c5d2d2_4k.jpg)
After surviving the Cliff Option, I continued on another trail. From the Rusty Spur trail, I captured another sort of typical Moab area scene:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585617845_86a79e41cc_4k.jpg)
Arches National Park is again visible in these shots:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51584977563_61d031112f_4k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585635945_63a125774b_4k.jpg)
After 14 miles of biking, I needed to get back to the campground to meet up with Embok and Mr. Embok. Here is the cabin they called home. I still can't get over the number of the cabin!! It's most excellent!!! :D
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585396254_c19e13a43e_4k.jpg)
OK--I'm going to post this and return later this afternoon!
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Recap, continued:
When I got back to the campground at mid-day Saturday, I greeted Embok and met the delightful Mr. Embok. After we chatted for a bit, the three of us headed uptown to stroll through the Moab Arts Festival. It was much smaller than I had thought it would be (maybe it used to be larger pre-Covid?), but we still enjoyed perusing the art for sale.
After an hour or so, we moved on from the art fest and perused several of the shops on Moab's main drag. I bought a few cards, and I think the Emboks also did their fair share of helping Moab's tourist economy. ;-) I usually don't go any stores besides the grocery store in Moab, so it was a bit of a treat for me to see some of the wares.
If memory serves, we returned to the campground mid-afternoon. The Emboks went out to dinner and I ate in my camper (I had brought a ton of food!). Then @oneday arrived, at about 6:30 I think. Yay!!! All four of us enjoyed a campfire at my campsite that night. We ended up losing track of time, and were up chatting until almost 11pm!! Yikes.
As @oneday mentioned above, Embok very kindly chauffeured us (oneday, Mr. Embok, and me) through Arches on Sunday. This was a special treat for me, as I got to gaze around the park from the backseat instead of taking only quick glances from the driver's seat! I even got to explore parts of the park I may have never seen before (Park Avenue and The Windows (giant arches), for example).
Because of time constraints, I knew we wouldn't hike up to Delicate Arch, but fortunately, I had brought my binoculars (or "spy glasses", according to a certain toddler we met that afternoon!) along, and we were able to see it from the main road. I daresay it's pretty spectacular, even from miles away.
When we arrived at the parking lot at The Windows, the Emboks opened their car's trunk and we discovered that they had stashed a veritable feast in there, and we proceeded to have quite the tailgate picnic. Then @oneday Embok and I hiked up to the South (?) Window, and then continued to hike around both Windows. I especially enjoyed this hike. Not sure I had ever done it before. If so, it was 22 years ago!
Here is a pic of Park Avenue:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51598861962_c7702d0b47_4k.jpg)
Here is a pic I took from inside the South Window (or was it the North Window?):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585428874_dc67f5476e_4k.jpg)
This pic shows part of the Fiery Furnace and some of the far off scenery:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585445494_5d566b2bdc_4k.jpg)
I think we returned to the campground at 3 or 4pm, and we were all knackered. So we all went our separate ways for recovery time and then regrouped at the campfire at my campsite. I think this time, we didn't stay up quite as late.
On Monday, the Emboks took a boat ride down the Colorado River while oneday and I hiked the Portal Trail, which overlooks all of Moab in a spectacular fashion. I will type more details later, but for now, I will leave you with this:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51584043487_fa7817fc36_4k.jpg)
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I love this recap! There was so much more still to do that even I didn't get all the details on what you had already done.
Today, we hung out with the grandkids and their folks until around noon, when they headed back to CO. DH and I decided to rent ebikes from the Chili Pepper Bike Shop, practically across the highway from the campsite. We rode only as far as the trail @NinetyFour described above. It was 24 miles round trip, all paved. I'd like to say we'd have gone farther, but we had to return the bikes by 5:00 and only got back with six minutes to spare. I am proud that all my old cycling skills came back to me pretty readily. On the return, there was a nice, long downhill. I remembered my drag reducing skills and I left DH in the dust. Whee!
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I am enjoying all these various accounts, photos and stories. Sounds like I missed the mustachian social of the year.
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I love this recap! There was so much more still to do that even I didn't get all the details on what you had already done.
Today, we hung out with the grandkids and their folks until around noon, when they headed back to CO. DH and I decided to rent ebikes from the Chili Pepper Bike Shop, practically across the highway from the campsite. We rode only as far as the trail @NinetyFour described above. It was 24 miles round trip, all paved. I'd like to say we'd have gone farther, but we had to return the bikes by 5:00 and only got back with six minutes to spare. I am proud that all my old cycling skills came back to me pretty readily. On the return, there was a nice, long downhill. I remembered my drag reducing skills and I left DH in the dust. Whee!
Glad you are enjoying the recap!
Sounds like you had a great time on the e-bikes! I love that you used your drag reduction to blow past Mr. Dicey!!
I am enjoying all these various accounts, photos and stories. Sounds like I missed the mustachian social of the year.
Glad you are enjoying the photos and stories--which may not all be true! ;-) Yes, it was quite fun. Perhaps you and Deborah will book Cabin #NinetyFour next year???
Recap, part 3...
On Monday, October 11, the Emboks jumped on a "jet boat" and careened (is that something boats do? is that something boats should do?) down the Colorado River.
@oneday and I headed out the Potash Road to the Jaycee Park and started up the Portal Trail, which is 1.5 miles to the overlook, with about 900 feet of elevation gain. I have done this hike with @ToTheMoon and @LifeHappens and Moonpie and @Daisy (and maybe other MMMers?). As @oneday stated earlier, we did go through the US states in alpha order, which was fun. At one point, she exclaimed, "There are FIVE MORE M's?!?!?!" A bit later, she queried, "Wyoming is it?? I'm done?!?! Woo hoo!!!" I admit to leading her astray for a while, having misremembered how many "I" states there are. Facepalm!!! My apologies to oneday and to all of those in the Prairie State!
At times, oneday's progress on the trail, as well as on the list of states, was interrupted by wildlife sightings. She informed me (actually, she informed all of us the day before) that when she and TA are out on a hike, they keep track of the wildlife they see. (Apparently, they each have different rules for their lists, which is why, at one point during a Moab adventure, oneday made this clear: "This is my list, so they count!") I believe that, during the Portal Trail hike, oneday and I saw ants, lizards, and a Northern Flicker. Am I missing any, oneday??
Also, during our trek up to the overlook, we were aware of Jeeps (and other weird sorts of vehicles with special skills) across the river on the Moab Rim Trail. I smugly pointed out that we, on foot, were traveling as fast or faster than those vehicles.
When we finished our hike, we drove a bit farther out on the Portal Road (past the rock climbers) and pulled over so that we could examine the rock art. As I was gazing at the rock art that was directly across the road, I noticed a familiar looking person 6 feet in front of me. It was Embok!! She and Mr. Embok had finished their open sea excursion and were heading back to civilization and their tour guide had let them out for a brief glimpse of the impressive panel of art. We got to have a quick chat before they were rounded up and secured once again in the van. So that was a fun surprise. oneday enjoyed the rock art, which I first saw a few years ago with CherryLane, and then again later with other mustachians, I believe. oneday and I even found the elusive bear.
After the hike and this rock art foray, oneday and I were a bit knackered and more than a bit hungry. So we headed back to the campground for a bit of rest and a late lunch. Shortly thereafter, I spotted Serenity (a new name has not been agreed upon, as far as I know) pulling into spot 104, which meant that....... @Dicey and Mr. dicey had arrived!!!
Yours truly at the overlook on the Portal Trail, trying to avoid thinking about the 200+ foot drop behind me...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585022253_1ee9482f2b_4k.jpg)
In this one, Arches NP is visible on the distant horizon:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585701990_c40d8f3a13_4k.jpg)
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Awesome update, NinetyFour and oneday. I'm so sorry we couldn't be there this year, but so glad Mustachians had the chance to meet and enjoy the beautiful area.
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@NinetyFour those shots of bike-on-a-cliff are making me nervous for your bike. But I know you had it with you later, so nothing catastrophic happened. Still, my heart is racing a bit!
You've done such a good job (as always) capturing the majesty of the landscape and sharing the photos! I am glad you are able to represent the trip in pictures; it is a good way to lure MMMer's to future Meetups! And everyone ought to at least contemplate visiting that area. And if you are going to go, give serious thought to 94's meetup. She generates a very chill and fun gathering! Not to even mention her campfire skills.
I did indeed arrive around 6:30 pm on Saturday. Was very relieved to have arrived before full dark. That campfire was a lot of fun. All of them were, really. It's one of the most special parts of the meetup! But the hiking and sight seeing is also one of the most special parts, as is the time spent with very high quality people...the kind you don't just find any old where.
I'm not sure we ever did definitively figure out which was North Window and which South Window. But we did figure out about the Northern Flicker. Well, 94 figured it out by the bird call. I was impressed! Yes, on that hike we only saw ants, lizards and Flickers. The day before we saw some of those along with docile deer, combative chipmunks and CRAVENs...94's word for when you're unable to tell if it's a crow or a raven! Very clever portmanteu.
@Dicey I am a bit jealous of you, Mr. Dicey and 94 getting to ride bikes in the area! Would be such a beautiful ride.
@happy yes, you totally missed the mustachian social of the year, at least as far as I'm concerned. You should totally try to book cabin 94 next year!
@LifeHappens I am also sad you couldn't be there. But I have a feeling that One Day we will cross paths :)
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What a great write up, @NinetyFour ! With apologies to all, I haven’t written up much about how much my DH and I joyed the company and the Moab meetup because I came home to a wild combination of work deadline, aged computer that turned into a brick overnight and would not run any programs and similarly crippled phone. DH got phone to work and ran out to get a new computer so no client problems resulted, but it has been a bit crazy. I’m still catching up.
As usual, your photos are amazing, and your story telling delightful, @94.
DH and I had a wonderful time. He was pleased to meet new folks and to find everyone likeable and interesting — not a surprise to any of us, but always an issue if joining in on activities of a new group. It was great fun to see the Arches Park with NinetyFour and @oneday, and to zip down the river in a boat, floating past canyons, and stopping to check out petrified wood and fossils on an island, and to see a “granary “ - old storage canister made by indigenous people to sorebeans, corn and squash seeds.
The campfires, and campfire talks, were delightful and a bit silly -great fun.
It was terrific to meet @Dicey and her DH, though a pity we had to leave the next morning. I had my first S’more! And it was fun to roast marshmallows.
I’m ready to go back!
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Annnd, if it works, here’s the link to the “Sports go sports” video that @oneday and I were laughing about: https://youtu.be/2fraSdN-PG8
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I love this recap! There was so much more still to do that even I didn't get all the details on what you had already done.
Today, we hung out with the grandkids and their folks until around noon, when they headed back to CO. DH and I decided to rent ebikes from the Chili Pepper Bike Shop, practically across the highway from the campsite. We rode only as far as the trail @NinetyFour described above. It was 24 miles round trip, all paved. I'd like to say we'd have gone farther, but we had to return the bikes by 5:00 and only got back with six minutes to spare. I am proud that all my old cycling skills came back to me pretty readily. On the return, there was a nice, long downhill. I remembered my drag reducing skills and I left DH in the dust. Whee!
Glad you are enjoying the recap!
Sounds like you had a great time on the e-bikes! I love that you used your drag reduction to blow past Mr. Dicey!!
I am enjoying all these various accounts, photos and stories. Sounds like I missed the mustachian social of the year.
Glad you are enjoying the photos and stories--which may not all be true! ;-) Yes, it was quite fun. Perhaps you and Deborah will book Cabin #NinetyFour next year???
Recap, part 3...
On Monday, October 11, the Emboks jumped on a "jet boat" and careened (is that something boats do? is that something boats should do?) down the Colorado River.
@oneday and I headed out the Potash Road to the Jaycee Park and started up the Portal Trail, which is 1.5 miles to the overlook, with about 900 feet of elevation gain. I have done this hike with @ToTheMoon and @LifeHappens and Moonpie and @Daisy (and maybe other MMMers?). As @oneday stated earlier, we did go through the US states in alpha order, which was fun. At one point, she exclaimed, "There are FIVE MORE M's?!?!?!" A bit later, she queried, "Wyoming is it?? I'm done?!?! Woo hoo!!!" I admit to leading her astray for a while, having misremembered how many "I" states there are. Facepalm!!! My apologies to oneday and to all of those in the Prairie State!
At times, oneday's progress on the trail, as well as on the list of states, was interrupted by wildlife sightings. She informed me (actually, she informed all of us the day before) that when she and TA are out on a hike, they keep track of the wildlife they see. (Apparently, they each have different rules for their lists, which is why, at one point during a Moab adventure, oneday made this clear: "This is my list, so they count!") I believe that, during the Portal Trail hike, oneday and I saw ants, lizards, and a Northern Flicker. Am I missing any, oneday??
Also, during our trek up to the overlook, we were aware of Jeeps (and other weird sorts of vehicles with special skills) across the river on the Moab Rim Trail. I smugly pointed out that we, on foot, were traveling as fast or faster than those vehicles.
When we finished our hike, we drove a bit farther out on the Portal Road (past the rock climbers) and pulled over so that we could examine the rock art. As I was gazing at the rock art that was directly across the road, I noticed a familiar looking person 6 feet in front of me. It was Embok!! She and Mr. Embok had finished their open sea excursion and were heading back to civilization and their tour guide had let them out for a brief glimpse of the impressive panel of art. We got to have a quick chat before they were rounded up and secured once again in the van. So that was a fun surprise. oneday enjoyed the rock art, which I first saw a few years ago with CherryLane, and then again later with other mustachians, I believe. oneday and I even found the elusive bear.
After the hike and this rock art foray, oneday and I were a bit knackered and more than a bit hungry. So we headed back to the campground for a bit of rest and a late lunch. Shortly thereafter, I spotted Serenity (a new name has not been agreed upon, as far as I know) pulling into spot 104, which meant that....... @Dicey and Mr. dicey had arrived!!!
Yours truly at the overlook on the Portal Trail, trying to avoid thinking about the 200+ foot drop behind me...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585022253_1ee9482f2b_4k.jpg)
In this one, Arches NP is visible on the distant horizon:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51585701990_c40d8f3a13_4k.jpg)
I see what you did there...
I am so happy to read through these recounts of Moab adventures. I wish I could be there!
My original plan was to do a weekend bike ride in South Carolina, but unfortunately I had to back out of that too as I broke my ankle about a month ago and was in a cast for 6 weeks. :-( I had to cancel all activities. The cast is off and I have started therapy.
This has been an impetus for me to start getting back into shape again. It has been more than 5 years since that. Unfortunately an incident some years back derailed my health a bit and then life got a little complicated, but now I will focus on strength training again to get me back to my peak shape. I hope to be able to keep up with 94 on a future Moab trip!
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Still recapping.....
The Diceys arrived on the afternoon of Monday, October 11. After we all met each other and had a nice chat, we made plans to meet at site 104 (Chez Dicey) a bit later for dinner and a campfire. After a very pleasant dinner, we turned our attention to s'mores. Dicey had very kindly supplied the ingredients--thanks again!! Some of us accidentally incinerated our marshmallows, but others demonstrated exquisite patience while toasting their sugary treat to perfection!
On Tuesday, rain was in the forecast, which perhaps would mean snow in higher terrain. Thus, the Emboks left Moab at about 9:30am, so that they could get to Salt Lake City before the weather got too sketchy. The goodbyes were relatively brief, as compared to infamous "Minnesota goodbye" that Embok described to us. Still, we were sad to see the Emboks hit the road. I do think I heard them promise to return to Moab for a future meetup, though!! :)
Tuesday was also departure day for @oneday , but she said she had time for an adventure or two before she pointed her vehicle northward. So The Diceys, oneday and I squeezed in two activities: viewing the rock art at the Courthouse Wash panel, and viewing many dinosaur (and crocodile!) tracks at the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail.
It always amazes me that the Courthouse Wash panel is so close to highway 191, and that I had driven past it probably dozens of times before I even knew it was there. It's also an interesting little hike because one realizes that a hike all the way up the wash (not an insignificant hike, btw!!) would take you right into the heart of Arches National Park--an alternate route into the park if one didn't want to wait in the line with all the other vehicular traffic and pay the entry fee!
I'm never sure how much adults will enjoy seeing dinosaur tracks. But fortunately, oneday and the Diceys were all quite interested in the ones at Mill Canyon. The Diceys were especially pleased because they were pretty sure that their toddler grandbaby would love this excursion.
After we viewed the imprints left from what we imagined had been a Dino Dance Party, oneday hit the road. We were sad to see her go, and promised to check in on her later to ascertain her safety on her loooooong drive back to The Golden State.
As the skies had not yet opened up, I took the Diceys to see the impressive Rock Art panel (on Potash Road) that the rest of us had seen the day before. Our timing was almost perfect. We were able to liesurely gaze at the historic art and then jump back into My Rig just before the rain started.
It basically rained off and on (mostly on) the rest of that afternoon. Turned out that I actually needed a lazy afternoon in my camper with lots of hot tea. :) However, I was glad when Dicey texted me in the early evening, wondering if I'd like to join her for a post-dinner stroll. Yes, please!! So she and I had a lovely walk and convo on the side streets east of Main Street. Exactly what I needed to cap off another nice day in Moab.
On Wednesday, the sun came out again, and the Diceys were eager for more exploration and adventure!!
To be continued.....!
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Annnd, if it works, here’s the link to the “Sports go sports” video that @oneday and I were laughing about: https://youtu.be/2fraSdN-PG8
It never fails to amuse me!
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Don't mistake my silence for lack of interest or activity. On @NinetyFour's recommendation, we spent a couple of days in The Needles section of Canyonlands. Not nearly enough! No signal of any kind, dark night skies, full moon, a snug rig during howling winds, followed by beating rains. We felt kind of guilty being so cozy with tent campers all around us experiencing the storm. Happily, the next day was crystal clear for all.
Thought of a possible name while hiking the relatively easy Slickrock Trail. Rig-bee popped into my head, followed immediately by "Eleanor Rigby", which I now cannot get out of my head. (I'm not sure if this is an original thought, or if someone has mentioned it before. Could be either.) And then, because Google is always listening, no matter that you're so remote you have no signal, this popped up as soon as we were in range. The song's not nearly as depressing as I imagined, so maybe it's a good name after all. What say you, Moabians?
https://www.insider.com/paul-mccartney-beatles-eleanor-rigby-real-person-2021-10#:~:text=It's%20widely%20assumed%20that%20McCartney,as%20a%20teenager%20in%201957.&text=%22Growing%20up%2C%20I%20knew%20a,a%20shilling%2C%22%20McCartney%20wrote.
Off to Capitol Reef for two days of hiking fun, then a two-day mosey home. We may well stay last night at the Eureka, NV rest stop, because free is nice. Free and quiet, despite being parked by the actual side of the highway, even nicer.
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DH and I had a wonderful time. He was pleased to meet new folks and to find everyone likeable and interesting — not a surprise to any of us, but always an issue if joining in on activities of a new group. It was great fun to see the Arches Park with NinetyFour and @oneday, and to zip down the river in a boat, floating past canyons, and stopping to check out petrified wood and fossils on an island, and to see a “granary “ - old storage canister made by indigenous people to sorebeans, corn and squash seeds.
I was a bit worried about Mr. Embok at first...would he fit into the gathering, having not met half of the group before? Would it be weird and different than how we get along on the forums or at CM*TO? But turns out that was not a problem and soon we were all like old friends :)
I am so happy to read through these recounts of Moab adventures. I wish I could be there!
My original plan was to do a weekend bike ride in South Carolina, but unfortunately I had to back out of that too as I broke my ankle about a month ago and was in a cast for 6 weeks. :-( I had to cancel all activities. The cast is off and I have started therapy.
This has been an impetus for me to start getting back into shape again. It has been more than 5 years since that. Unfortunately an incident some years back derailed my health a bit and then life got a little complicated, but now I will focus on strength training again to get me back to my peak shape. I hope to be able to keep up with 94 on a future Moab trip!
It would have been fun to have you there! Sorry about the broken ankle. Hope healing and strength training go well.
The Diceys arrived on the afternoon of Monday, October 11. After we all met each other and had a nice chat, we made plans to meet at site 104 (Chez Dicey) a bit later for dinner and a campfire. After a very pleasant dinner, we turned our attention to s'mores. Dicey had very kindly supplied the ingredients--thanks again!! Some of us accidentally incinerated our marshmallows, but others demonstrated exquisite patience while toasting their sugary treat to perfection!
On Tuesday, rain was in the forecast, which perhaps would mean snow in higher terrain. Thus, the Emboks left Moab at about 9:30am, so that they could get to Salt Lake City before the weather got too sketchy. The goodbyes were relatively brief, as compared to infamous "Minnesota goodbye" that Embok described to us. Still, we were sad to see the Emboks hit the road. I do think I heard them promise to return to Moab for a future meetup, though!! :)
Tuesday was also departure day for @oneday , but she said she had time for an adventure or two before she pointed her vehicle northward. So The Diceys, oneday and I squeezed in two activities: viewing the rock art at the Courthouse Wash panel, and viewing many dinosaur (and crocodile!) tracks at the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail.
It always amazes me that the Courthouse Wash panel is so close to highway 191, and that I had driven past it probably dozens of times before I even knew it was there. It's also an interesting little hike because one realizes that a hike all the way up the wash (not an insignificant hike, btw!!) would take you right into the heart of Arches National Park--an alternate route into the park if one didn't want to wait in the line with all the other vehicular traffic and pay the entry fee!
I'm never sure how much adults will enjoy seeing dinosaur tracks. But fortunately, oneday and the Diceys were all quite interested in the ones at Mill Canyon. The Diceys were especially pleased because they were pretty sure that their toddler grandbaby would love this excursion.
After we viewed the imprints left from what we imagined had been a Dino Dance Party, oneday hit the road. We were sad to see her go, and promised to check in on her later to ascertain her safety on her loooooong drive back to The Golden State.
I always burn the marshmallows. I have no patience for cooking things! I don't know why; I have plenty of patience in other areas. Anyway, Embok made one for me and it was glorious. Thanks, Embok! Had I realized it was for eating and not smore-ing I wouldn't have set up a graham cracker and chocolate, but since I had already laid them out, I made it into a s'more. Thanks Dicey for bringing & sharing the s'mores supplies!
Departure day was sad! I didn't want to go, but there was incentive to get into my car: it was cold, breezy and rained off and on throughout the morning. At least there was time for a few last, somewhat-soggy adventures with 94 and the Diceys. I think that dino dance party must have been in celebration of the day that Mobe the giant space cow finally vacated earth. He was a cruel tyrant.
@Dicey I *love* Eleanor Rig-bee. I didn't hear anyone mention it while I was there. Hope your time in Capitol Reef is great.
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And now i want a vanity plate for her: LNR RGBY. I wonder if it's actually available?
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And now i want a vanity plate for her: LNR RGBY. I wonder if it's actually available?
Love it. You could also try LNR RIGB.
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I tried both of those, as I actually prefer RIGB to RGBY because the latter looks like "rugby". All I can find is "LNRRGBE" with no spaces. Too much of a mashup? I can check out some of the even more expensive plate options when I get home. Sometimes when a new style plate is approved it's easier to get exactly what you want. Except that it costs even more, whomp, whomp.
In other news, now that we have internet, Mr. Dicey has been checking the weather forecast and it's looking like we might have to head back a day early. We'd rather cut it short than try to navigate snow over the mountain passes. We shall see. It means we will only have one day in Capitol Reef, but it's a good start. This has been such a grand trip that we can't complain.
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Fantastic updates! Thanks so much for sharing!
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Final (?) installment of my recap...
The mighty Colorado River (6th largest in the US, so google tells me) makes its way from Grand Junction (google also tells me that a portion of the river used to be called the Grand River) and continues on a path it carved right through present day Moab. After it crosses highway 191, it goes through what is now referred to as The Portal. On the southeast side of The Portal, one can drive on Kane Creek Road, while one drives on Potash Road on the other side of the river.
On Wednesday, The Diceys and I drove to the first parking area on Kane Creek Road (only a ten minute drive from the campground!) and headed up the Moab Rim Trail (on foot!). While there is a trail for hikers, on the way up, we followed the Jeep track. After ten minutes or so of hiking, I mentioned something about the possibility of Jeeps coming up behind us, and Mr. Dicey pointed to the rock beneath his feet, and said, "They drive on THIS?" I nodded. Again, "On THIS??" I answered, "Yep!" Again, "They drive up here???" I assured him that yes, they do, as almost anything goes in Moab! I told him that we will probably see some vehicles up here soonish. (We had seen three tricked out Jeeps in the parking area, along with a film crew. With the aid of my binoculars, I could see that they were still in the parking lot, but I was pretty sure they'd be making their way up the trail before too long.) As we spotted black residue from tires and the telltale drip drip drip of engine oil or brake fluid, Mr. Dicey was beginning to believe me--that vehicles actually do crawl up on this trail. :)
When we got to the top of that section of the trail, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of Moab. We could even see our campground and the high school right behind it. Also visible was Arches NP off in the distance--including one of the very wide arches and the famous Balanced Rock. I also pointed out the Portal Overlook that oneday and I had hiked to two days prior.
When I commented that, during the First Moab Meetup, I had brought a group up to this spot on the Moab Rim Trail, Dicey perked up and said, "This is where the group stopped?" I responded that yes, we had turned around at this point and gone back down. Dicey: "Then let's go farther!!" I was finding out that Dicey had a bit of a competitive streak!! :) So we did go about 3/4 of a mile farther, and would have kept going except that the clouds were beginning to look a bit ominous and we weren't really prepared for rain, as it hadn't been in the forecast!
On our way back, we heard car engines, and sure enough, the three Jeeps were on their way up. We were a bit interested in seeing how they would navigate a few tricky spots (high ledges), so we watched for a couple of minutes. I was surprised to see that one of the drivers was of the female persuasion!
As we continued our descent, Mr. Dicey suddenly said, "There are vehicles over there!" And sure enough, we spotted a Jeep across the river, way up on top of the huge rock wall. I believe we were seeing them at a place called the Little Window viewing deck, which is accessible from the Golden Spike Jeep Trail.
A little later, Mr. Dicey (clearly the most observant of our group!) said, "There are people up there!" Sure enough, we saw two small dots way on top of the rock above the Portal Overlook (where oneday and I had been two days earlier)!! I was amazed and couldn't imagine how they hiked up there. Then, one of the people opened up some kind of parachute! With the help of the binoculars, I could now see that the people were both paragliders! WOW. We watched the first person jump off the rock and go pretty much straight down. At one point, the person seemed to lose control and was sort of tumbling. Mr. Dicey and I feared the worst, and I wasn't sure I wanted to watch anymore!! But then the person righted herself and continued a safe (we hope, as we couldn't actually see the landing from our vantage point) descent. It turned out that the person was doing mid-descent acrobatics!!! The second person did the same thing. Again--confirmation that one sees just about anything in Moab!!
A bit later on our descent, we spotted three more vehicles making the slow but sure trek up the perilous Moab Rim Jeep Trail. We also saw several people outside of the vehicles. We weren't sure if they were spotters for the rigs? Or just hikers who were observing? But then we saw that one of them seemed to be injured. His leg was all wrapped up, and he was being assisted by someone. The injured dude was leaning on the helper, and was hopping on one leg. We then saw that there was one, no--two!, more injured people! The three of us were concerned and also a bit curious about what had happened! All three people had leg injuries. Had they been in a Jeep accident? Fallen off of some ledge while hiking? And where were the emergency responders? Well, as we got closer to the scene, it finally became clear that the whole group of people was part of a Wilderness First Aid class, and they were simply learning about and practicing rescue maneuvers in the backcountry! WHEW! When we got down to the parking lot, we saw the whole group there, and told them how glad we were that they all made miraculous recoveries!! :)
When we returned to My Rig at about 1pm (if memory serves), Dicey announced that she was ready for more adventure. So I suggested that we hike to Bowtie Arch and Corona Arch. The trailhead for these was on the Potash Road, on the other side of the river. Since we weren't up for a swim, we drove back into town, drove north on 191 for just a couple of miles, and then turned left onto the Potash Road. (By the way, ever curious Dicey did end up googling "potash" later...) The hike to Bowtie and Corona was much shorter than I remembered, which was good, because we hadn't really prepared for a long day and didn't have much food with us. We opted to not do the extra 1.2 mile hike to Pinto Arch, but we sure were curious as to where it actually was hiding. When I took some MMMers to Corona Arch back in 2019, the trail was absolutely mobbed with hikers. I believe this was partly (mostly?) due to a Fall Break for schools in the local area. That is why I try to be careful when picking dates...
The Diceys and I enjoyed getting to Corona Arch, and the hike included using a "cable handrail" to climb some slickrock and also climbing a ladder that had been bolted into the rock. Fun!!
But The Diceys were up for still more adventure! So we drove farther down the Potash Road and stopped to see Jug Handle Arch and some impressive rock art. Thankfully, this rock art is pretty hard to get to, so it has not been vandalized, as far as I know.
When I said that I thought that Potash Road dead ended at the potash facility, Dicey because quite curious to see it. So on we drove. Also, we had seen the railroad tracks that exist for the sole purpose of taking the potash from the facility up to I-70. As we neared the facility that was belching fumes, the afternoon light was fading, and I thought the scene was getting a bit spooky. However, I tried to focus on the beautiful light on the walls of the canyon that had been carved by the river. Also, with the help of my "spy glasses", I spotted an overlook (with a fence, etc.) way up on the top of a canyon wall. I had thought that it was one of the overlooks in the Canyon Rims Recreation Area (south of Moab), but I was way off. It was actually an overlook accessed via the Amasa Back Trail (a black diamond 4WD road/bike trail).
Urged on by Dicey ("Let's go just a little bit further"), we continued on the paved road for a mile or so past the potash facility and ended up at the Jackson Bottom boat ramp. We also noticed that the paved road ended there and became a dirt road. According to one of my Moab maps, that road becomes the Shafer Trail, which eventually climbs up to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park.
After this afternoon full of fun exploration and discovery, we headed back to the campground. After we ate dinner, we gathered at Chez Dicey for one last campfire (including s'mores, of course).
I was scheduled to go back home the next day, but The Diceys were up for one more adventure in the morning. So we drove a couple miles up highway 128 (along the Colorado River) and hiked the Grandstaff Trail in order to reach the Morning Glory Bridge. It is called a bridge and not an arch because it was formed by water. It spans 243 feet, and is the 6th largest natural rock span in the US.
The Diceys were good sports about having to cross the stream numerous times. We also had to navigate some other rocky obstacles on the trail. But the end result was the magnificent bridge, and we when arrived, there were only a couple other hikers there, so we had it almost to ourselves. Morning Glory Bridge is truly glorious!!
Again, Mr. Dicey spotted something very interested along the hike to the bridge. He saw one person perched on slickrock way up behind the bridge. Must have been an amazing view of the bridge from up there! We were curious, of course, as to how that hiker had gotten there. Looking at my map, it appears that if one goes out on the Sand Flats Road, and then turns north onto a 4WD road (not named on my map), one might be able to access that area. I'm eager to try that sometime.
When we returned to the parking area, it was time to say our goodbyes. :( We all promised to stay in touch...on the forum and in real life!! :)
I need to post this, but I'll be back with some final pictures, videos, and thoughts!
Thanks for reading!!
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I remember watching the Jeeps navigate a sharp turn on the Moab Rim Trail, thinking they were all completely insane! One does see a little bit of everything in Moab.
The Diceys certainly kept you busy. After "knowing" her on the forum for a few years, I am not surprised she is both full of energy and competitive.
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If only I could have stayed for the further adventures of "94 and the Diceys" (band name of the day?) Sounds like a lot of fun and adventure. Plus getting a bit more time to getting to know Mr. and Mrs D. IRL, whom I'd barely met before having to take off, would have been a treat as well.
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94 and The Diceys sound like they had a great time adventuring. (just catching up on my neglected forum reading).
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OMG! These guys were filming when we were there. Watch very carefully at about 4 minutes. Batsignal going out to @NinetyFour, @oneday and @Embok. Squee! Props to sharp-eyed Mr. Dicey for catching this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHxMkGYSE3s&t=277s
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OMG! These guys were filming when we were there. Watch very carefully at about 4 minutes. Batsignal going out to @NinetyFour, @oneday and @Embok. Squee! Props to sharp-eyed Mr. Dicey for catching this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHxMkGYSE3s&t=277s
OMG. That is soooo cool! I definitely recognize that geography, having hiked very nearby.
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Love moab. We doing 2022? I bet I can convince my wife and kids to come
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Love moab. We doing 2022? I bet I can convince my wife and kids to come
I'd make the effort to get there!
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Awesome. Does a certain group typically organize these. We'll be coming with 2 small kids I'd prefer not to be the main organizer of this if we can even make it. We have a lot of trips planned right now. I may be burning my wife out.
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Awesome. Does a certain group typically organize these. We'll be coming with 2 small kids I'd prefer not to be the main organizer of this if we can even make it. We have a lot of trips planned right now. I may be burning my wife out.
The Moab Meetup is the purview of the amazing @NinetyFour. She's been on a bit of a forum break, but has just resurfaced. I can attest she is 100% amazing. She is wise and chill, which is an awesome combination.
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Awesome. Does a certain group typically organize these. We'll be coming with 2 small kids I'd prefer not to be the main organizer of this if we can even make it. We have a lot of trips planned right now. I may be burning my wife out.
The Moab Meetup is the purview of the amazing @NinetyFour. She's been on a bit of a forum break, but has just resurfaced. I can attest she is 100% amazing. She is wise and chill, which is an awesome combination.
Thanks for the kind words, @Dicey !
And here we go.....! https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/meetups-and-social-events/moab-meetup-october-2022/
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Final (?) installment of my recap...
[snip]
On Wednesday, The Diceys and I drove to the first parking area on Kane Creek Road (only a ten minute drive from the campground!) and headed up the Moab Rim Trail (on foot!). While there is a trail for hikers, on the way up, we followed the Jeep track. After ten minutes or so of hiking, I mentioned something about the possibility of Jeeps coming up behind us, and Mr. Dicey pointed to the rock beneath his feet, and said, "They drive on THIS?" I nodded. Again, "On THIS??" I answered, "Yep!" Again, "They drive up here???" I assured him that yes, they do, as almost anything goes in Moab! I told him that we will probably see some vehicles up here soonish. (We had seen three tricked out Jeeps in the parking area, along with a film crew. With the aid of my binoculars, I could see that they were still in the parking lot, but I was pretty sure they'd be making their way up the trail before too long.) As we spotted black residue from tires and the telltale drip drip drip of engine oil or brake fluid, Mr. Dicey was beginning to believe me--that vehicles actually do crawl up on this trail. :)
When we got to the top of that section of the trail, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of Moab. We could even see our campground and the high school right behind it. Also visible was Arches NP off in the distance--including one of the very wide arches and the famous Balanced Rock. I also pointed out the Portal Overlook that oneday and I had hiked to two days prior.
When I commented that, during the First Moab Meetup, I had brought a group up to this spot on the Moab Rim Trail, Dicey perked up and said, "This is where the group stopped?" I responded that yes, we had turned around at this point and gone back down. Dicey: "Then let's go farther!!" I was finding out that Dicey had a bit of a competitive streak!! :) So we did go about 3/4 of a mile farther, and would have kept going except that the clouds were beginning to look a bit ominous and we weren't really prepared for rain, as it hadn't been in the forecast!
On our way back, we heard car engines, and sure enough, the three Jeeps were on their way up. We were a bit interested in seeing how they would navigate a few tricky spots (high ledges), so we watched for a couple of minutes. I was surprised to see that one of the drivers was of the female persuasion!
[snip]
Now that the Moab Meetup 2022 is a go, I figured some folks might come back to this thread to get an idea what to expect. I have always wanted to follow up on this bit. I have to tell the rest of this story. My exclamation had absolutely nothing to do with being competitive. Getting as far as previous groups had meant that I didn't absolutely suck!!! You bet your ass I was thrilled!
Some background, which I have told elsewhere, so apologies if you've already heard this. I knew I needed new boots for Moab, as the soles had recently fallen completely off my old favorites. I My cheap-ass self was thrilled to find a new-in-box pair of Merrills for $10 at my favorite thrift shop. I've never had good luck with Merrills, because they just don't fit my feet. This pair fit me perfectly and I loved, loved, loved them. I wore them for a few weeks to break them in. Well, break them in is exactly what I did. The original box was sun faded. Now I know that meant they'd been improperly stored in the sun/heat. After a particularly long hike, all the plastic bits, including the heel support, started crumbling and falling off. Ack, now were just a few days from leaving and I have NO boots!
I have extensive backpacking experience (in my long-ago past). I know wearing new boots is the kiss of death, but what the hell to do? I went to REI and looked at the "Garage Sale" boots, figuring that somebody must have at least worn them long enough to decide to return them, giving me a head start. I found two pair that seemed promising, so I splurged on both. I found one to be comfier than the other, so they came with me to Moab, along with a full load of apprehension.
I have scaled multiple 10K+ peaks with a full backpack, and I have done some rock climbing, none of which prepared me for the unique magic that is Moab. I was nervous as a cat. Speaking of cats, @NinetyFour must have been one in a previous life. A very fast cat. I have about five inches of height on her* and am generally a fast walker. She would have easily left me/us in the dust, had she not been such a considerate person. She is lightning fast and nimble as hell!
So the fact that I made it that far (I'm saying "I" because 94's skill and gear were never in question), in new boots, scrambling "trails" that are in fact, massive rock formations, was a complete, joyous relief and proof that I didn't completely suck. Yippee!
Proof of rock formations and height difference are briefly available here:
OMG! These guys were filming when we were there. *Watch very carefully at about 4 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHxMkGYSE3s&t=277s
All of this is a preface to say there are tons of things to do in Moab. If you're not a seasoned hiker or badass biker, there are still plenty of things to do (I've already scoped out all the thrift shops and met Cosmo, the library cat.) and plenty of new friends to do them with. The more, the merrier! Mad props to @NinetyFour for making the magic happen again!