THURSDAY, SEPT 17

THURSDAY, SEPT 17:

      HOME!! About 7:30. Our final day – long and hot and not without incident. It was a very tight squeeze to back out of our site this morning. The owner/manager put someone new in across from us last night, and as I was returning from the bathroom near the office this morning and saw it, I thought, “We'll never get out of here; we'll need to ask them to move.” Unbeknownst to me, Bill had already attempted to back out, and bumped into their vehicle, knocking out a taillight. They were very calm about it, especially the man, who stated, “I'm not angry with you. I'm a Christian, and I know these accidents sometimes just happen.” His wife was not quite so unruffled at first, but after Bill contacted our insurance agent and put her on the line, she also was gracious and forgiving about it.

      The second interruption occurred just outside of Lawrence, KS, where we stopped to get gas and something to eat. Bill checked the tires, and saw that one of them was nearly bald. Again! Once more, provision was made in that we were only 5-10 minutes from a tire store. They told Bill that it looked from the wear on the front 2 tires that they were badly out of alignment. These were the 2 tires we had replaced in Oceanside! Either they were extremely cheap tires, or they must not have aligned them correctly. We'll look at the work order and see what we paid for, and try to get some compensation.

      But those frustrating moments were all forgotten when we rounded the curve of Spruce Forest Drive, drove up to 1112, and saw Landon in the hearth room window turn and run to open the garage door. Beth and Jason immediately followed. What joy to see them all! And what joy to be SAFELY home. On this trip, as never before, we were very aware of how easily and quickly a safe journey can turn into something else. I repeat – how grateful we are for God's protection each step of the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 16

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 16:

      What a beautiful Rocky Mountain early fall morning. Just cool enough to wear a light jacket. Bright and crisp all around. Oh, how we hate to leave this . . . “this” meaning everything we've experienced durng the past 14 weeks - gorgeous scenery, nearly perfect weather, a new adventure awaiting each day. Even the not-so-fun episodes were adventures in furthering our trust in God's all-knowing Provision, care, and protection for us. We will need to keep all of this in mind and heart and spirit as we head into new “adventures” now, of a completely different kind : organizing next steps for Jason, managing his short-term care, long-term recovery, finances, etc.

We need to remember not only all of the times when we saw the Lord pave the way before us, preparing paths which we had no idea that we'd be walking down (that's one of the reasons I keep this journal, as a tangible reminder of those times), but also the sheer beauty and wonder of our trip. When things become difficult and challenging, or even tedious, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to bring to the forefront of our memories the marvelous and majestic things we were witness to, not only in these past 14 weeks, but in our other trips as well. We need to ask His Spirit to refresh our hearts' memory of moments and hours of indescribable beauty and overwhelming peace. One of the great gifts given to us on this trip was the gift of being able to be in the moment. Even though there was often a background hum of the cares we knew were back home, and occasionally that subtle hum would swell into a crescendo, nearly all the time we were able to truly keep it in the background and truly relish what we were seeing or doing or sharing right then. Or if there were immediate issues to be addresssed at home, we tackled the issues at hand and then were able to not dwell on all of the attendant “what if's”. As I said, that was a true gift to us . . . one that we hope to take home with us . No matter the burdens of a particular day, if there's time in it to enjoy a fresh morning walk with neighbors or a couple of hours on a sunny fall afternoon on the deck with a book, or a leisurely lunch with a good friend(s), or having fun looking for earth worms with Landon, we trust that God's grace will enable us to be fully there enjoying and appreciating and being grateful for that moment, just as He did these past 3 ½ months.        

      On to the more mundane: I treated myself to a loooong shower in their luxurious, roomy showers. Then we availed ourselves of their all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for a total of less than $10 total for both of us. As I mentioned, once you make it up here, this is a wonderful campground. The next time we're in Colorado (which we hope isn't too far down the road – yesterday's mountains awoke a yearning for more!), this would make a delightful stop for several days to just chill and enjoy the 9,000 feet mountain air.

      Too soon, we were out of the mountains and in the plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas. Made it to Russell KS tonite – about 400 miles. Very hot and uncomfortable – mid 90's and NOT A DRY HEAT any more!

      Very anxious to get home now – tomorrow late afternoon/early evening we anticipate.

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TUESDAY, SEPT 15

TUESDAY, SEPT 15:

      Got a fairly early start from Moab. Stopped at Grand Junction for a late breakfast/early lunch, but primarily to use their WiFi since the one at the last campground was almost useless. Amazing – and a a little embarrassing – how dependent you become on it. So we spent a couple of hours there.

      It had rained nearly all night long last night, and still rained off and on all morning and into the afternoon. I think they finally had rain throughout a lot of California today as well, breaking the drought . . . they must feel very grateful. I know they're hoping for much more.

      Called ahead to a KOA campground in Central City, off of I-70 west of Denver to reserve a spot for tonight. We didn't know how many mountain passes we'd need to negotiate this afternoon and how they'd slow us down, so we felt better knowing that we had a definite place to stay before we had to get through Denver.

      Made good time until shortly after we stopped for gas at Eagle. That's when the Rockies began in earnest. What absolutely gorgeous scenery! The aspens are turning at this elevation, and were lavishly sprinkled throughout the mountainsides. Made for a spectacular drive. 

 

                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

      But along with the magnificent scenery of course came challenging mountain driving. The first challenging pass was just past Vail, at over 10,600 feet. The next one was just before the Eisenhower tunnel, at over 11,100 feet. That's the one where we had to pull over – when we saw and smelled smoke from the engine. An angel in the form of a truck driver saw what was happening and stopped 100 yards or so ahead of us. Bill saw him walking toward us; Bill approached him. He was carying a container of engine coolant, said, “I saw your engine smoking, thought you might need this.” Wouldn't take any $$. Bill had used the last of our own coolant on the road to Moab, and hadn't thought to replace it. Another few minutes, and we were on our way again, me drinking in the wonderful scenery, Bill concentrating on all the gauges

 

                                                                 

                                                                     

 

 

     Our last challenge was when we took the turnoff to Central City. That was 8 miles of windy, curvy road with lots of uphill grades. Just when we thought we'd reach a crest after this next curve, there'd loom more uphill ahead of us! It became almost comical. Thankfully, they weren't too long nor too steep. And then the last 1.5 miles into the campground – Wow! Another mini adventure! The directions weren't totally clear, so just as we were turning into town, we noticed a police car turning behind us. Bill jumped out and asked if they knew where the KOA was. They said, “Follow us; we'll take you there.” First time we've ever had a police escort! And a good thing - it made us feel comfortable knowing that if the truck sputtered going up, up, up one narrow hill (some gravel) after another, there'd be someone to help! We just couldn't believe the location of this campground and the torturous road to get there. More suited for a sports car than a truck pulling a 36-ft 5^th wheel!

      But once we arrived, it was totally worth it. On a bluff, at 9,000 feet, overlooking the town and the valley.

                                                                              

                                   There we are, right next to the WiFi antenna by the KOA sign!

 

 

Very helpful staff – guided us to our site and helped us back in. Exceptionally clean and attractive amenities, especially the tiled showers. And terrific WiFi – one of the best we've ever had!

      It would be nice to stay here for more than overnight. The town looked absolutely charming – an old west feel, but clean and inviting. But time and our checkbook say that it's time to get home. But next time we're travelling in Colorado, it would be worth it to make a special effort to come here and relax for a few days.   So one more night (after tonight) til home.  Lord willing.

MONDAY, SEPT 14

MONDAY, SEPT 14:

      A marvelous day! In so many ways! It rained fairly hard the night before . . . this is their “monsoon” season, we learned – when they get nearly all of the 7-9 inches of annual rainfall during late summer. In fact, there were still rain clouds on our early morning drive up to the Devil's Garden area once again. Gave the landscape a dramatic look.

 

                                                                     

But the clouds very soon gave way to beautiful blue sky. Maybe it was our imagination, but it surely seemed that things looked greener and fresher this morning after the rain.

 

                                                                                 

 

     We knew that we wanted to hike to Landscape Arch this morning. Because of its length, it's one of the most well-known arches in the Park. And easy to get to . . . a totally lovely, absorbing walk alongside monoliths and fins (the slender protrusions of eroded sandstone which, when chunks of rock give way to the elements and tumble out, will be the genesis of a new arch).

 

                                                                

                                                                         

 

 

 

      As we made a turn in the trail, there was the spectacular ribbon of rock, longer than a football field. We just lingered a long time and gazed and wondered and admired, from different angles and perspectives. 

 

                                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

Bill hiked a little bit up the slip rock which continues the much more strenuous section of this trail, wanting to capture a second arch hidden from view by Landscape Arch. 

 

                                                                 

  

      On our way back, we took a couple of small detours which led to Tunnel Arch

and Pine Tree Arch.

                                                                

                                            Inside the arch, getting to see the texture up close:

       

It's always surprising how, when you get off the beaten path (literally!) just a little ways, you often have the entire scene all to yourselves.

 

 

 

 

      Enjoyed another picnic at the exact same spot as yesterday. Not nearly as many picnicers today – past the weekend.

      And then traveled on back to the very southern end of the Park – actually, barely inside its southern border – where there is a wall panel of ancient Native American artwork. In 1980, after centuries of giving silent testimony to the lives and culture of an ancient culture, in one night it was vandalized and nearly destroyed. The NPS did an outstanding job of restoring it as best they could, but that single act of desecration stole the vibrant colors forever. Bill had to zig-zag his way up the rocks to get to the wall to see the artwork.

 

                                                                

 

 

                                                             

 

       

     Back up the short drive to the Visitors Center, where we viewed the excellent film on the geology and ecology of this Park and picked up a DVD.   While we were there, a tremendous thunderstorm broke loose, and it poured outside. It would stop, and then pour again; it repeated this cycle about 3 times until it looked like enough blue sky overhead to assure that we wouldn't get caught in a deluge on our way to the truck. This pattern of rain is very typical here – a huge downpour, and then sunshine a few minutes later! 

 

 

 

 

 

     On our final drive north on the Park road, we encountered a magnificent rainbow. Would we be out of line to interpret it as a blessed benediction on our visit here to this marvelous place of awe and wonder?

 

                                                                 

 

 

 

 

     And our final hike – not even a hike, really, just an easy walk around the base of Balanced Rock. Besides marvellng at this impossible-appearing fragility of this formation, it was fascinating to observe the changing sky above our very eyes.

 

                                                                     

 

 

 

 

On our drive out of the Park, a last stop at the overlook of Park Avenue, where we began our scenic adventure here.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                

And what should we spot but several mule deer leisurely walking down below us! Not surprising – it was nearing dusk, their habitual time to come out, and tonight there were lots of “potholes” filled with drinking water for all the creatures – seen and unseen – which inhabit the Park

                                                                            

 

     How glad we are that we decided to make Arches our last stop on this memorable trip! If a visit here doesn't inspire you to echo the words of the hymn, “. . . when I, in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made . . .” you need to have your pulse checked! And really, that sentiment applies to so much that we've been able to see and experience and participate in these last 3 months . . . from the desert to the ocean to towering Redwoods to sublime sun-baked rock. We are beyond blessed. 

 

       

      Tomorrow we leave here and travel as far as we can through Colorado.