Days 386 - 388
Day 386 was a blast. We went into Goblin Valley State Park. The Valley of the Goblins is a big area with no designated trails. We hiked around for a couple of hours, meandering through the Goblins (hoodoos formed by nature and time). We hiked up and over them into another portion and explored until we found a dead end. We then decided to go back to find the trail to the Goblin's Lair. Marked as a strenuous 3 mile out and back hike... it really wasn't strenuous until you get just outside the Lair where the trail goes up a steep incline to get to the cave entrance. The entrance then drops down into the cave. You must scramble down boulders to get inside. Legs and arms maneuvering you down the easily 40+ ft drop. There is another way inside. To drop from the hole in the ceiling on a rope. Guess it's popular with climbers for practicing their repelling. There was one guy inside who was coiling his rope. Too bad we didn't get to see him come down, that would've been cool. He did point out a little side cave that led under the entrance. He said he couldn't get very far in there because it gets pretty small. It was small, we had to belly crawl to get back in it a ways. We went until we didn't feel comfortable anymore. Of course, I had to get a picture of my Gollum figurine in that small dark space... and I was able to crawl in further than Jordan... but it looked questionable not far after he had to stop. After spending a bit more time in the Lair, we hiked over to Goblette's Lair. A VERY steep hike up to that entrance. Really nothing inside that cave... it wasn't even much of a cave. More of an alcove. There was one more trail near there leading to what looked like another opening, not as steep as the first two... and there was nothing to see up there. By this point, we were getting a bit worn out so we headed back (which of course entailed a climb back up to the parking lot). It was a lot of hiking our first day out... and we weren't finished because we wanted to see Goblin Valley in the dark. 9 pm...The moon was so bright it cast shadows from everything in the Valley. No one else seemed to be around even though there was one truck still in the lot when we left. It is a huge expanse to explore so it's no surprise we didn't find that truck's inhabitants. We did not camp inside the park so we only explored an hour at night (park closes at 10pm). I would love to see it when the moon isn't almost full. The stars must be amazing. It is a dark sky reserve after all. We wandered and sat in the stillness of the moon. It was a magical experience for sure. And of course, Jordan had to climb and explore. Thankfully, no more thorns in his hand though (he tried to catch a lizard on our way to the Goblin's or Gobblette's Lair... it was hiding in a bush that is full of thorns...I picked them out the best I could as quickly as possible... his whole hand throbbed for a little while after... I took a picture before getting all of them out... we both laughed). The following day we recovered. We had planned to go hike a slot canyon but we needed rest (Jordan more than me because he climbed a lot more than I did - one couple said he must be part mountain goat). Our bodies are not used to that much hiking. Plus, I had to figure out a better plan for storing the Words Matter portraits so I rearranged the studio space...twice. Taking everything out once and figuring out a different location and way to secure the Words Matter exhibit, the first one had all the weight to far in the back. It's a lot of weight back there so I tried to get it more centered in the space while still being able to move and hopefully work back there. There's a half bath back there with a swinging door instead of the typical pocket doors most RVs come with. That door makes things a little more difficult, but I THINK I found the good spot after the second time. The cats love it, anyway. There's a better play area for them. Hezzie kept sneak attacking me as I tried to finish up. 🤣 I smashed my fingers, stepped on a bungee cord which bruised the bottom of my foot, had things fall on me... it was not - by any means - an enjoyable day. I was not a happy camper, my patience worn thin by the end. Then Day 388... we wanted to go check out Temple mountain and the petroglyphs ... so we loaded up, got partially out of the lot where we were staying and the truck just turned off. Completely off. No check engine light, nothing. Thankfully, we didn't have the rv attached. It rolls easily out of the lot entrance (and out of the road). Eventually, after trying to start it a couple times, Jordan pops the hood (meanwhile I'm trying not to explode). We're both livid. We had a new filter put in from a new mechanic - we immediately noticed it was slow to start when leaving there... even taking it back to the same shop to have them check it. They said "that sounds normal" but we knew it wasn't because it had never taken that long to turn over. Obviously, it wasn't ok. We Google and find out that this can happen if there's air in the fuel line. Jordan's hands are too big to get to the fuel filter so I reach under, bleed it (which you do if you get bad gas... obviously not the problem this time). We try to start it, it cranks but won't turn over. We call the roadside assistance that this mechanic gave us to guarantee the service. After explaining everything, the guy transfers us to dispatch "who will get the rest of the info for us to get a tow." The closest town showing 50 miles away. Well, we had to explain everything again to dispatch, then... after easily 20 minutes she informs us WE have to select the shop and she can't get that info for us. Our cell and internet is limited. We are quite annoyed by this service and hang up to find the necessary info. So, I call my insurance - offering roadside assistance and towing plus other benefits - and while I'm doing that, Jordan is able to find a mechanic in Hanksville- only 18 miles away. I stop the tow request and we call Dave at Rabbitbush wreckage and storage. He tells us how to prime the pump and release air. Which there was quite a bit of in the lines. He's in Price but would be driving by us if we don't get it running. Still, no turn over after almost an hour... just diesel fuel coming out of the pump eventually. So we wait. Oh, also...an older couple pull in and come over to assist. He shows us the pump before all those calls. It doesn't work but he says he'll come back over after setting up. Good to know there's still good people on the planet. My faith in humanity has been tested lately and would continue to be as the day progressed. After trying for the hour, our "neighbor" wants to help us take one of the air houses off so we can reach the fuel filter better. We decide against that... telling him we'll wait for the mechanic because he can certify his work. Our neighbor offers a ride if we need to go get parts or food or anything. Very kind, indeed. Dave comes, still no luck and I've primed the filter and pump accurately. He sends me in to google and see if there's a Schrader valve (we only have service on the phones inside the rv) and by the time I come out... the truck is running. Hallelujah! There was air in the lines but that wasn't the only problem. The fuse for the fuel relay had gone bad. So we now know how to change out our fuses. What a day. We drive a bit to make sure all is well, then hook up and hit the road. Filling our fresh tank and emptying waste in Green River (the Sinclair/ Pilot has this btw) we pull into Moab around 6. MUCH later than we planned but it's a Wednesday so we figure we can still find a spot in one of the many campgrounds. Nope. And I have a new dislike of tent campers who take up large RV spaces. So, we will search again today. Hopefully people will leave and we'll find a spot. Otherwise, Moab may not be in this year's adventure. Today is going to be a great day. I say so. At least I'm with the man I love (even though he keeps harassing me as I try to complete this🤣).
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AuthorI had a dream that I was traveling all over the world. In less than 6 months, I sold almost everything I own...bought a Toy Hauler (the "garage" is my art studio) and am now living wherever, whenever...just me, my art, and my cats. Archives
October 2021
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