August 30: Off the Beaten Path of Utah

Today we had a short drive, 75 miles, from Moab to Blanding, UT.  The views were ever changing.

Our first stop was at the visitor center.  We were greeted by Norma, a native from Blanding, and given valuable insights and suggestions for area.   Then off to the campground where we learned a lesson today.  Don't unhook the trailor from the Durango or unpack the inside until you know everything on the "outside" is in working order.  We had to change sites as the water pipe was leaking so we could not connect our hose.  But in the end this site is nice and shady.

Since it was already 1 pm and 95 degrees we decided to take a rest day.  We drove the 17 mile loop through The Valley Of The Gods.  It was slow driving on this gravel/clay road that felt like a washboard.  Huge sandstone geological formations were at every turn.   

Next we headed to Goosenecks State Park for a breathtaking view of the San Juan River, 1000 ft below.



Very different from anything we had ever seen



We completed our day by driving north on highway 261 on the Moki Dugway.  A "dugway" is a road or trail along a hillside which is dug out to provide a path for transport.  Built in the 1950's it is a gravel road with spectular views from the road and at the top. 

Finally at the top!



On the edge!!!!!!!!!





It was finally cool enough to eat outside and turn off the air conditioning.  We sat and talked with our neighbors, a younger retired couple.  We decided they must be multi-millionaires because they drive a 40 ft motor bus and have traveled extensively here and abroad!

We traveled off the beaten path today and saw things we would not have seen had we not stopped at the visitor center!!!!!!!