Day 27 (September 27, 2019) - The Penultimate Day

Nits and Nats

Tomorrow is the day we head toward home.  We have some planned stops along the way so it isn't a direct trip, but we are started eastward.  That means today was the last chance to ensure we saw everything we wanted to see.  Within reason.  Obviously, we couldn't get to Glacier to see a fog-less Road to the Sun.  Besides, they are getting blasted with snow.  So today was about seeing the last nits and nats ... and celebrating Susan's birthday.

The morning started great with John cooking up a breakfast from eggs and leftovers.  Then Susan and I headed off for our adventures, John and Marcia went to hike to Corona Arch and Lonnie chilled until his big event in the afternoon.

Susan and I went to the Matheson Wetlands Preserve to look for birds.  We saw one bird and one unknown mammal.  It is apparently the wrong season for birding in Moab.  But it was a nice walk in a park-like setting.

We then left for Dead Horse Point State Park.  Our only prior visit was the sunset and star party.  We wanted to see it in full daylight.  It was worth the trip.  The lighting in the canyon was outstanding.

Dead Horse Point

I also caught a good view of the LaSal Mountains that make up Moab's eastern flank.

LaSal Mountains

We stopped at the visitor center and I found a couple of items of interest to me - the telescopes used for the star party.

Large telescope

Small telescope

After leaving Dead Horse Point, we made a very brief visit to the Visitor Center in Canyonlands before leaving the area for Moab.  Just north of Moab, we turned onto the Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway and took it to the end, which happened to be the potash manufacturing plant.  We did see some points of interest along the way.

The Coneheads (my term)

Jug Handle Arch

We stopped in Moab for a smoothie before heading home.  Soon after, Lonnie returned from his afternoon adventure, the rental of a touring trike-like vehicle called a Vanderhall.

Susan even got a ride.

In the late afternoon, we went to dinner at a nice Italian restaurant on Main Street and then for ice cream afterwards, all choices by Susan and in her honor.

Its been a great time in Moab and the far west.  Its now time to pack and head east.

Susan’s quote of the day:  “I don't feel any older.  I should be able to fly all over Cummings Cove now."  Another birthday is no impediment when you immerse yourself in healthy activities like hiking at altitudes.

The highlights - Dead Horse Point.
The regrets - None.

Today's total miles - 138
Today's miles from start to destination - 0
Today's miles on side trips - 138
Today's miles driven by Paul - 138
Today's miles driven by Susan - 0
Today's hours in car - 3.0
Total Miles Hiked - 0.5

Cumulative total miles - 7,039
Cumulative miles from start to destination - 3,668
Cumulative miles on side trips - 3,371
Cumulative miles driven by Paul - 6,057
Cumulative miles driven by Susan - 587
Cumulative hours in car - 145.5
Cumulative Miles Hiked - 47.8