Perfect Weather

Day 22 -Thurs., 5/29/08 -Moab, UT to Montrose, CO -Ted argued with the GPS (Gypsy Jill) this morning. I have my maps. We took off for the back roads of Utah. It was 72 degrees and sunny.

At the top end of Moab, UT we hung a right onto 128. A sheriff's car pulled in behind us and followed us along the roadway. We were gawking and driving slow. At the first opportunity we pulled over hoping they didn't pull over too. They didn't and passed us by. Whew! We continued along with the Colorado River on our left and red rocks towering above us on the right. Canyon after canyon we passed. Tents and campers were set up along the banks of the Colorado. We saw boats filled with tourists and boatmen working the currents of the river. We saw tourists buses and rented four-wheelers along the way. There were ranches where people could rent horses for a ride. And yet, Ted and I were among only a few on the road. Many times we had the road to ourselves! An interesting thing we saw in this desert/water area was grapevines! Winery's are beginning to be planted and processed. This is a cool area with lots of things to do. It still has a small town feel and Arches is a neat place to go. It may be my favorite place so far.

As we left Arches National Park area behind we contined along 128 into a high desert area. Nothing! Nothing was out there! Well, there were cattle grates. Ted turned right at a "T" and continued through the town of Cisco until the road ended up miraculously at I-70. Ted was still arguing with Gypsy Jill. I think he just wanted to see if she could get us back to the interstate. She did!

From Arches we wanted to go to the Colorado National Monument in Fruita, Colorado. From I-70 we grabbed Hwy. 340 south. When we arrived at the park we rode up and up and up, through two tunnels, and along the side of the mountain, with no guard rails! It was really something. We were blessed to have perfect weather! It had warmed up to the perfect temperature of 75 degrees and sunny. At the top (5,787') the view of the valley was breathtaking. After the visitor's center we opted not to ride through the parks 24 mile loop and we turned around and headed back to 340 where we continued south to Montrose for the night.

Today was a slow dance through beautiful country with perfect weather. The snow peaked Rockies are right outside our window!

Miles - 182
Cattle Grates - 8
Highest gas seen - $4.15
Highest gas paid - $4.06
Highest/lowest temperature - 75/72
Highest elevation - 5,870'