Moab, UT

No one woke up with a mustache this morning and we didn't meet any friendly locals to show us a good time. 

The drive into Utah was spectacular...leaving the Rockies and heading into the massive red rock cliffs was nothing like I have ever seen. The roads were windy for a bit and not many other cars. Of course Mac took advantage of that and drove as fast as our packed car could take. Averaging 61mph and 14.7mpg. The drive took us less than 2.5 hours. 

We  drove straight up to Arches NP for a sight you can only see yourself www.nps.gov/arch

The drive is only 5m from downtown Moab and our first stop was Balanced Rock a spire-upon-spire balancing act rising 128 feet from the desert. We were determined to make it up to Delicate Arch by sunset so we then raced to get ready for the estimated 2 hour hike. 

Well, I raced to keep up with Ironman as he booked it up the slickrock taking him about 40mins? I finally found my way after huffing and puffing and realizing if I got lost in the desert I was pretty much left for dead. I didn't see a person in sight and surely we didn't remember water as we were in too much of a hurry to get Kaya settled and get all of the camera equipment. I finally made it up about 10 mins after Mac to find an amazing sight. The arch rises out of a rock face and frames the La Sal Mountains in a distance standing 12,oooft. We were able to snap many good shots and enjoy the sunset from the top. 

The sun was going down and the air got very cool and we headed down mostly in the dark with headlamps and flashlights in hand. 

We were starving and ready for a good local beer and headed to Eddie McStiff's for a bite of local grub. Don't bother hitting up that joint if ever find yourself in Moab. My chicken sandwich was more spam-like and I nearly spit out the brownie sundae. Who could mess up hot fudge? Even McD's gets it right! We headed to the Redstone Inn for a cheap stay and something close in town and we lucky to have internet that is all I will say. I am not too impressed with Moab just yet but maybe the Pancake Haus will give this place points. I was thinking Love Muffin Cafe or Wake & Bake might be even better. 

After breakfast we are off to Slickrock Bike Trail. I may or may not take my bike on the "practice loop" as it looks pretty challenging but Kaya and I might hike the 2.5m trail. Mac will surely get out there and get "narly" as they say and tell some tales later. Pictures to follow...stay tuned.