Moab, UT
KOA campground
Last day here and we're going to a state park. The big perk? We can take Zoe. Yea!, poor pup gets to go with us. Dogs are not allowed on trails at national parks, so she stays home a lot.
I've said how hot it is here. We had to hang reflective insulators in the windows because, even with 2 air conditioners, it got so hot in the afternoon. All of us have flakey, dry skin and lips. Zoe is even getting up two times a night to drink water (and I have to get up to refill her bowl). As beautiful as it is here, I can't wait to cool off again, and have, maybe, just a smidge of humidity...
It may be that everyone in town is very "local" oriented, but everywhere we go, folks tell us to visit Dead Horse Point. A little horrified and intrigued by the name, I look up its history. Seems that long ago, when cowboys would round up wild horses, this "point" of land on a tall mesa made a perfect natural corral. Then, one time, hopefully only once, for some reason a group of horses were left locked up there. Tragically, they all died, with the Colorado River within sight thousands of feet below them. It makes me so sad to think about it, but I guess human capacity for cruelty is not new.
Now, however, it is a beautiful place to roam.
Close to the top of the Point, the ground fell away on both sides
until it was only a couple of feet wider than the road.
That is where the gate would go up to corral the horses.
Then it widened again to a large area, with a sheer drop on all sides.
That's the Colorado River down there.
Hey, there are lizards here, too.
Zoe the rock climbing dog.
Holding the leash tightly.
Building a cairn.
Amazing views.
Great shot.
Dragonfly on top.
Happy, hot dog.
Here are those "toothy" caves again (same road as the one to Canyonlands).
Just more cool formations that can be seen from the highway.
That is part of Arches National Park, as seen from the highway.
We stopped by so Alex could turn in his workbook and earn his Jr. Ranger badge.
This is badge number 5, I believe.
Ah, Moab. We'll be leaving tomorrow. What a quaint, hot little town you are.
Cool vintage hotel sign. I bet the hotel is vintage, too.
Uhm, no thanks.
Back at the campground we decide to take advantage of the funky Banana Bikes that KOA offers. Yes, it was warm out, but not as bad as it had been. This was the most awkward vehicle I've ever tried to ride. I had to guide it with my feet and through leaning. A fun, weird workout. We'll see if I can walk tomorrow.
Anna has had enough.
More views from our campground.
I guess it wouldn't feel like being in the desert without finding a skeleton.
Wild looking rain on the horizon.
Thanks, Moab, it's been fun.
Hi Nancy - Dirk here. So my question is (and I think you already alluded to it in several of your pictures) regarding the unreal drop-off from the edge of the cliff at the top of Dead Horse Point.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were there, I could not get over the fact, that in our litigious country, they let you get that close to the edge without a rope, fence, or any barrier of any kind.
Also, I could not help but wonder how many people have (either intentionally or accidentally) gone over the edge. I tried to do some research online, but could not find anything.
Anyway - I was just curious if it struck you as odd, as well.
But we LOVED Dead Horse. It was a highlight for us. We felt like we had it all to ourselves and that the views were at least as impressive as some of the National Parks in the area.
Keep on posting!!
You cant put a fence around everything. Thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteDoug S.