It was about a 4 hour drive to Salt Lake City and by the time I got there, I was so tired, I called my son Cameron and asked if he could book me a hotel for the night. Driving in Salt Lake is very stressful - the traffic is CRAZY, their street names do NOT make sense, and I needed some rest.
Annie's Van-Ventures
... following my heart and the road
Arches to Salt Lake City
It was about a 4 hour drive to Salt Lake City and by the time I got there, I was so tired, I called my son Cameron and asked if he could book me a hotel for the night. Driving in Salt Lake is very stressful - the traffic is CRAZY, their street names do NOT make sense, and I needed some rest.
Arches Was Awesome!
Two visitors walking up to the arch with flashlights. |
My GPS told me I could arrive at a campground, see the vistor's center, and THEN go into the park. Upon arrival, I learned that was not true. The campground was INSIDE the park and it was full. So I opted to get an inexpensive hotel room. After learning that I could go into the park before 7 am and not have to pay or have a timed entry ticket, I decided to wake up early, enter the park, and watch the sunrise. I had gotten some advice from some gals in one of my Facebook travel groups, so instead of going to "the Delicate Arch" I headed for a spot called "Windows." It was perfect! No cars, just me. Lots of parking. Bathrooms. And a short trail leading to a giant windowed arch where I sat with others who finally arrived, and watched the sun come up.
Arches is an incredible park! I hope to go back someday. Here are some photos from my day (sorry, they are not in order.)
Balancing Rock |
I made some new friends from China |
So many people showed up to watch the sunrise |
A beautiful sunrise! |
Looking up at the top of the arch at Windows |
The stars were incredible - See the Big Dipper? |
Sept 29 MOAB
Tijeres Elks Campground
GPS took me over the river and through the woods, but I finally arrived at Tejeris at the Elks campground. It’s a really sweet place with plenty of shade and bathrooms. No showers, but there is water and electric hook up, although I don’t really need that today.
I hope to see lots of stars tonight as I’ve been informed there are absolutely no lights here at night. It should be spectacular!
Tomorrow, I’ve decided to start by visiting El Morro National Monument. Is a short 2 1/2 hour drive and if I can get a camping space, I will spend the night there.
I learned today that if I arrive at Arches National Park before 7 AM I can go in and that’s just perfect for me because I’m usually awake by 4 or 5 am in the morning these days. I’m hoping to get a campground very close and just get there at dawn.
Tonight for dinner I’m enjoying my cold steak and baked potato from last night because I could only eat half last night. It’s actually really good.
I took some time to put all my new stickers up on the back of my kitchen wall. It’s starting to look pretty cool!
On to Tijeres, New Mexico
I had a great time in Roswell.
I spent a couple of hours at the UFO Museum. It was kooky but interesting. They really did a great job of pulling all the information on UFO's and abductions together. They had tons of photos and videos, as well as a very interesting lecture by a gentleman who lived here during the Roswell event and knew many of the players. I'm glad I came.
I did some shopping, then found my little motel. I am staying at the Roswell Motel. It was less expensive and less fancy but VERY clean. I love that my car is parked right outside my room.
For dinner, I REALLY was craving a steak. I asked the receptionist and she directed me to a "local" place called Cattle Baron Steak and Seafood. I drove there and walked in. It was nice, but more like a sports bar and the music was SO LOUD! I really needed more peace and quiet.
I drove back toward the entrance of the town and found the Texas Roudhouse. It was a good decision. Still noisy, but not AS noisy, the place was packed (good sign!) and the food was delicious! I ended up carrying more than half of it out with me!
I slept good. Now it's time for a shower, then I'm driving to Tijeres, New Mexico, where the Elks has a campground for $20. The elevation is high, nearly 8000 ft, so it should be a lot cooler.
From there I plan on camping at El Morro National Monument, then heading up to see Arches National Park. Arches has begun a thing where you have to pay for a "timed entrance" and sadly, they are all sold out - but I learned this morning that you CAN enter after 4 pm. So that will be my plan.
I probably won't have internet until I get up toward Moab. After Arches I'm thinking my stops will be Salt Lake City, Boise, Bend, then home.
Tomorrow - Roswell
From that point forward, the visit spiraled downward - this night finished at 2 am with 3 FBI agents in our room.
Today I heard from ANOTHER cousin
"Carolyn, she is safe! The Mexican government just called the FBI, and she escaped and they have her!!!! Praise God!!!"
So I didn't get a lot of sleep.
September 17 - Martins Cove
I had a restful night at Martin’s Cove. Next morning, I went to see the exhibits. There weren’t very many people there. The missionaries, who serve as guides, were very good. They had all the information memorized. However, I have found I do better just to read the exhibits and go slow by myself. I felt rushed, as though too much was being given to me at once. Maybe because I’m tired, but it was just overwhelming. I saw the visitor center. It was very well done and they had a nice movie that made you sad when you realize all the struggles that those emigrants endured.
Then, there was a small museum. It was locked and one of the guides had a key. She opened the door and led me through the museum, talking constantly, and again it felt rushed, like too much information all at once. I would really have enjoyed to just look at the exhibits and take my time reading the information on each one.
At that point, my head was too full to take anymore and so I decided to leave. I only had a little over a quarter of a tank of gas so I made it for Rawlins. I filled my tank and started driving. The wind was so strong, it constantly buffeted the car and made it very difficult for driving. And then, just as I cross the border into Nebraska, a big dust storm came up. I found a Denny’s at town, called Sydney and treated myself to a steak. After that, I went to the gas station and hunkered down in the van
I woke up this morning about 3 AM and couldn’t go back to sleep. That’s my usual get up time so I went in and got a shower. Usually showers cost around $12-$17 but the lady was so nice and gave it to me for free! I drove for about an hour, then pulled over and slept for two more hours. That seems to be my mode of operation these days
I just stopped for a Cinnabon and I’ll drive as far as I can today. It’s about 6 1/2 hours to Vonda’s house and I’m not sure I can go that far but it’s still early so who knows
By far the way, the moon was gorgeous last night.
The Moon |
Cozy in my van |
The Sun in Duststorm |
Arches to Salt Lake City
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