RED ROCK COUNTRY…MOAB, UTAH

Friday, September 6 – Due to the blowout, we arrived at the O.K. RV Park and Canyonland Stables a little later than planned. We are all setup in Site #50, a 50 amp full-hookup site. We need it too, with temperatures in the high 90's.

Looking left.

Looking right.

We have a beautiful view of the red rock mountains in every direction. We planned on doing a little sightseeing this afternoon but with our late arrival we're going to just chill.

The view out front.


View out the back. La Sal Mountains. That is not snow, just the beauty of the mountains.

Many have commented about the Pressure Pro Monitor System during our blowout experience. It never gave us any indication of trouble…not before, during, or after the tire disintegrated. Great huh!

 

Saturday, September 7 - Paul did some repairs on the 5^th wheel today. Repaired the ground wire damaged in the wheel well and purchased a new tire. We dropped off the rim. The shop will mount the tire, and we will then stop on our way out of town and have them install it on the 5^th wheel.

We took it easy today after our sprint across the country. Walked around Moab and did a little window shopping. No purchases, but it was fun strolling around town.

Pretty amazing view in the middle of town.

We did return to downtown later in the evening to enjoy a couple beverages to celebrate our safe arrival to Utah. We discussed hiking plans and gave some thought of renting a Razor for a morning ride in the back country.

So check back and enjoy Arches and Canyonland, as we hike in red rock country.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!

THE CLIMB IS OVER…WE DID IT…ALMOST

Friday, September 6 – Paul thought about those mountains most of the night. They had him worried about the truck's ability to make the climb. He sure will be happy to see Utah and have today behind him!

It was a gorgeous day.


We headed out early with frightening expectations! The anticipated climbs never happened! All the steep grades were downhill.....YEAH! Paul shifted into 2^nd gear on those steep down hills and took it slow and easy. No problem......YET. (That should keep your interested).

Glad we didn't have to use this.


We did make a short climb to the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel – elevation 11,158, highest point along the interstate highway system in the USA. Again, for us it was a mostly a downhill experience.





Downhill again.


So, if you plan on driving I-70 across Colorado travel from the East to West. I don't think I want to go the opposite direction......ALL BIG CLIMBS!

A little highway humor.


Once we reached Vail, CO, we were out of the worst of the mountains and were cruising right along. Bella just loved the ride through the White River National Forest. She really stretched her neck looking at the canyon walls. Neat!



We crossed into Utah via I-70 having less than 90 miles to reach our destination (Moab, UT) suddenly Paul says....”Oh no....we got a problem!” A FLAT TIRE on the 5trh wheel. He quickly pulled over and hesitantly walked back to inspect the damage. The tire was destroyed and some of the tread was wrapped around the axle. Paul was disappointed that our Pressure Pro Tire Monitor did not give us any warning of the blowout.  The only indication of a flat was seeing the rubber flying all over the highway.





The only other damage was a broken ground wire and a missing docking light lens. Man, it could have been a HECK of a lot worse!

We called our Coach Net roadside assistance, and they dispatched a truck that arrived 90 minutes later as promised. The repair guy, Sheldon, was wonderful and had us on the road in no time. Luckily, we had a spare tire under the 5^th wheel.









So our time in Moab will have to be shared with shopping for a new tire and fixing those few items in the wheel well. All-in-all it was a scary experience, but we came through in pretty good shape. We know the good Lord was looking over us!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!

ANOTHER DAY OF NOTHING BUT DRIVING

Thursday, September 5 – Fifty miles east of Denver we spotted the Rocky Mountains.

We decided to stay on I-70 and go straight through the city. Not too bad. Lots of traffic but we kept in our lane and cruised along without any trouble. Once west of the city we began our climb (6% grade for 10 miles) up our first mountain pass. The truck hauled the 5^th wheel up but the turbo was screaming. We were down to 35-40 MPH. I don't even want to speculate fuel mileage....YIKES!

We stopped just west of Denver in Evergreen, CO, for the night. Walmart docking again tonight. We have a great spot out back all by ourselves.

Tomorrow should be an interesting day climbing over the Rockies. We're praying for no mechanical problems and a safe trip through Colorado.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!