8-22-06
Start: Moab, UT
Destination: Close to Hurrah Pass, UT
Elevation: 4700 ft.
Miles: 12.8
Weather: Hot
We got a later start this morning, but it ended up working out well. We hiked right from the hostel, so we got an extra mile in to our trail. We hiked on Kane Creek Blvd. on black top, and then we hit gravel. There were actually trucks and a grader working, and we walked right beyond them, too.
The plan was for mom and I to hike toward Hurrah Pass (need to have 4WD), and we were going to stop where we thought Grandpa wouldn't be able to get his low clearance Chevy Malibu through. Then we'd stop and wait. After 4 pm we were getting antsy to see them coming down the road. Storms were rolling in, and we were concerned about some of the washes we passed on the road. If it rains, they would be impassible with his car - so he'd end up stuck somewhere - he either wouldn't be able to get in or he wouldn't be able to get back out.
Then we heard a car horn! We turned around, and there was grandpa and Aunt Mary! Mom and I shouted and jumped up and down. Lightning was starting to flash and thunder was starting to crash, so it was perfect timing. Mary stepped out of the car and looked scared to death - it was a pretty rough road with steep drop-offs. After some hugs and chatting of each others' daily adventures, we got in and head back toward Moab.
Grandma was back in the RV resting when we got there. We're parked at the Visitor's Center by special permission - "Sir" Cooper has been The Man the last couple of days. What a GREAT guy! He helped us with our route, and helped G'pa and Mary with directions to get us. Team work! :)
So tomorrow's the big day - we are getting dropped off where we were picked up, and hiking two days until our next pick-up point at Hwy 211. We are avoiding the cost of renting a jeep to drop water for tomorrow night and Thurs. morning, so we're carrying it (cringe). Yeah, we'll each be carrying 8-9 liters. That's going to be heavy! But we're only taking other essentials - food, tent, sleeping bag... but it's still going to be heavy. Anyway, it'll be a true endurance test. Then after we have that accomplished, we'll go for the next stretch. Bring it on! :)
We met Terry from Camelot Lodge on the road today. He was helpful about road conditions, water, and the couple of "stingers" we need to watch out for. Hairy scorpions and rattlesnakes (3-4 ft. long, but docile). Both won't bother us unless we sit or lean on them, so we just need to watch for 'em. We also might see "trader rats." They will take something, like food, and leave something in place of it, or 'trade' with you. And Terry said they're cute. Rat... cute... I dunno. We'll see!
So after a good nights' rest in the RV, we'll be off to desert/canyon backpacking for a couple days. It'll be an adventure!
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