Saturday 9 June

Slept well after some noise from the upstairs room which started again around 7am and woke us up. Breakfast is very simple with not much choice - basically cereal, yoghurt and toast.

Set off for Canyonlands quite early and were dismayed to see a long queue at the entrance to Arches NP. Drive to Canyonlands was fine but again there was a long queue at the entrance. It seems a bit silly to only have one entry window at such a busy place. It only needs one person to have a problem paying and everybody gets held up. Pass holders like us were going through in about 15 seconds. Once inside the park we went to the Visitor Centre where we looked at a few things including a short film. We then set off and did the various attractions, starting at Schafer Trail, then Mesa Arch, etc.

When we got to the very furthest point at Grand View we went into the campground a little way from the viewpoint and sat at a nice shaded picnic table and had our lunch. Anne had made this before we set off - smoked salmon and cream cheese in a small baguette and some nice apple juice.

We needed the shade as once again it was cloudless skies and 30C+. It seemed strange because there was a strong wind blowing which didn’t seem to lower the temperature much, even though it was strong enough for us to have to hold everything down

It was around 2.00 by now so having seen everything on offer we made our way back out of the park and into Dead Horse Point State Park. Again we went to the visitor centre and then to main look out point and took photos. After that it was simply the drive back to Moab.

We had a quick cup of tea in our room and then went to City Market, filling the car on the way. We bought some cold stuff for dinner and sandwiches tomorrow.

Back in the motel we both had a quick shower before eating. We enjoyed the stuff so much we’ve decided to eat in again tomorrow.

One thing we’ve learnt today. We’ve been trying to find something to put ice into to help keep our coolbox cool. Yesterday in one of the stores we found a bag of 24 large ziploc bags. One worked perfectly with ice in it today and we can use others for storing salad etc. as we move around.

Sunday 10 June

Breakfast was very busy and we struggled to find a table. Got going a little after 9.30am and went straight to Arches NP - only 10 minutes north on the 191. There was a long queue to get in through two booths but both queues moved reasonably quickly. Having got in we stopped at the Visitor Centre for a quick look and bought a map.

We then set off and spent the day working our way round the Park. Took the first side road to the Windows Section and then the second side road to Wolfe Ranch and Delicate Arch viewpoint. Did a fairly minimal amount of walking as it was extremely hot.

Finally made it to the campground at Devil’s Garden Trailhead where we had our lunch at a picnic table. Very odd as it was extremely hot and very windy at the same time - even more windy than yesterday lunchtime. Everything needed to be held down.

Did a short walk from the trailhead to see Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch but couldn’t face the much longer trails. Drove slowly back through the whole Park and then back out to the motel. Got back around 3.30pm and had a much needed rest.

Eventually decided to do some more washing so that we’re up to date with everything. When this was done we drove down to the supermarket and bought a few more bits for this evening’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch.

We decided  that we’d do the Lower Colorado River Potash Scenic Drive before dinner. It didn’t seem very far - just a short way up the 191 and then onto the 279 which is a long cul-de-sac alongside the river, 15 miles ending at the Potash Plant. It took quite a long time however, stopping for photos etc. At one point you go alongside some almost vertical smooth cliffs known locally as ‘Wall Street’. This is a recognised place for rock climbing and there were several groups climbing as we went by.

Back in the motel we had another nice salad dinner with a beer and listened to the latest episode of Dead Ringers while we ate.