Mostly we drove today, from Torrey to Moab on route 24 with a side trip to Goblin State Park. Past Capitol Reef, the terrain became increasingly gray and lifeless. We left behind the valley oases with fruit trees and grass and discovered only desert scrub vegetation. The towns were non existent. Cell signals faded in and out. If someone had an accident, help would be far away.
Goblin State Park is thirteen miles off Rt. 24. It's a miracle anyone ever discovered it. The area is a tidal flat that lay at the edge of a vast ancient ocean. The goblin formations are the result of alternating deposits of hard sandstone and soft siltstone that eroded at different rates. The otherworldly creatures jut upwards from the floor of a wide valley of packed sandstone. Visitors are permitted to walk among them and even climb the structures. Even brushing against one makes it crumble beneath your touch.
We planned to walk only for a half hour because I was determined not to relapse. Of course, we took plenty of water, wore hats, hiking boots and slathered ourselves in sunscreen. We were horrified to see young parents take their children into the furnace at noon in sandals and no hats. A baby rode uncovered in her dad's arms. Anyway, it was delightful and fascinating.
Once in Moab, we checked in and fell asleep. At dinner at Pasta Jays, the Danish couple we met in Hurricane were seated across from us. What a small world! I wish we could have spent more time with them.
We lost another classmate yesterday, the fifth since June 30. I am so saddened by her passing because she was a good and hardworking woman who showed me great kindness years ago. It's a long story that I will save for another night.
Tomorrow, we're off on a speed boat tour of the Colorado River. It's not white water rafting like Steve wanted, but it's a decent compromise.
No comments:
Post a Comment