We are heros in Moab, Utah

We left Colorado, crossed the continental divide, and wanted to see what mountain biking there was in the desert. Located between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Moab, Utah, being renowned for desert mountain biking, was an easy choice. We arrived in the afternoon and went to the local visitors center that advertised free wifi to figure out the specifics. After a little research all signs pointed to a trail about 15 miles outside of town.

The main highway took us to a dirt road which eventually lead us to the trail and our campsite, but our sense of adventure provided excited adventures for Sven. We made it to the campsite with no problem, but it was beautiful our and we wanted to explore the roads and see what Sven can do. All went well until we came across a sign for the Canyon Jeep trail, which was accompanied by a 30% downhill grade leading and a dried riverbed with feet deep sand. We made it about 200 yards, but the momentum had been lost, and we were officially stuck.

We made the best of the situation and after a lot of digging and moving rocks under the tires, the sun started to set and we were ready to set up camp. After climbing a nearby rock structure we went to bed sandy and conceding the fact that we would have to swallow our pride and hope a Jeep came along in the morning.

However, we woke up the next morning Jesse was not ready to give up. He woke before I did and began digging. Apparently he didn't sleep well thinking about how he could still get us out. He decided that we should deflate the tires and after a couple attempts the 1992 Ford conversion van was moving in the sand and heading toward the 30% grade on which we had entered the canyon.

It was truly beautiful to see Jesse inch his way up the side of the cliff as his forward momentum carried him to the top, and knowing that did not have to hastily leave town after a local would surly come across this vehicle in a place it had no business adventuring was a victory in itself.

After a drive through Arches we dawned patriotic garb and made it to a bar to watch the USA Belgium game. PBRs were $1.50 so after one or two we decided to stack the cans into a pyramid. The people loved it and we were even photographed for the Moab newspaper. I still haven't seen anything online but if I do expect a link.

After one more night camping along the Colorado River, we made our way to the Grand Canyon. I had been there before, but on my first visit I had not hiked into the depths of the canyon. We did not make it al the way to the Colorado per a Park Rangers warnings of temperatures 25 degrees warmer, so we decided to camp in the Indian Garden campground. The temperature was great and the campground was an oasis in the middle of the desert. It sat on a stream and was teeming with lizards and mule deer.

Per the Ranger's request we made a short hike to the inner rim immediately above the river to a place called Plateau Point to watch the sunset. It was spectacular.

Since the Grand Canyon we have been doing some laundry and recuperating in Los Angeles, and as soon as we get a few parts for Sven from a junk yard we will be moving onto our next adventure.