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.