Moab, Utah, Part 2 - July 31 thru August 6, 2007 (Re-run)

 While staying in Moab, we paid a visit to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.  A new adventure for us was to see what's called the Anticline Overlook, where the earth's crust broke apart to start the creation of the numerous canyons.  Anyone can enjoy the colorful scenery, but especially those with an interest in geology.  From the overlook, one can also see the evaporation ponds used in the production of salt and potash for commercial use.

The Needles District is a more remote section of the park and therefore gets less traffic.  There are many hiking trails here, but otherwise the attraction is limited to an overlook, which we enjoyed.

On the way back to Moab, we stopped at a couple arches that are outside Arches National Park.  Once we were back in Moab, a thunderstorm rolled through, giving us some excitement and a colorful rainbow.

Moab, Utah - July 31 thru August 6, 2007 (Re-run)

 Moab is the quintessential western outdoor town.  Founded by uranium mining, which the town is still recovering from, Moab has evolved into an extremely popular and successful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, no matter what their special interest may be.  Off-roading may be the most popular activity there, due to almost countless miles of trails through the red rock country that makes up the entire region.  But hiking, mountain biking, boating, rock climbing and horseback riding are just a few of the other activities that draw people here.  There are two national parks and a great state park to add to the lure.  More than forty movies have been made in the area, and there's a movie museum to entertain visitors.  Outside the town, it's a reasonable drive to even more outdoor adventures.  After many trips to Moab, I'm still ready for more.

On our first full day in Moab, we took a drive on Highway 128 alongside the Colorado River and through the majestic sandstone buttes and towering formations.  The setting sun highlighted the magnificent scenery, and a threatening storm created even more drama.

Another day we drove through the La Sal Mountains to visit the village of Paradox, Colorado, population "about 200".  This little town was founded in the late 1800s when uranium was first discovered there (I have no idea what it was used for back then.).  The valley was virtually inaccessible, so settlers took their wagons apart and lowered the pieces to be reassembled.  The Paradox cemetery is full of men who died from overexposure to uranium in the mines.

Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons, Utah - July 27, 2007 (Re-run)

 Of all the canyons in the Wasatch Mountains, Big and Little Cottonwood are among the loveliest and most popular.  Both have spectacular wildflowers, waterfalls, hiking trails, lakes and wildlife.  No wonder that they also have ski resorts that attract millions of people during the winter.  On this trip, we experienced several moose encounters, including one walking directly toward me.  After being warned of the moose, I turned around and got a couple close up photos, then stepped behind a tree to avoid him.  He wasn't after me, he was simply heading to the meadow where another moose was grazing.  Later, we came across another moose resting among the wildflowers.  No amount of coaxing would get him to stand up and pose for a portrait.