Friday, November 22, 2013

Glade Park to Gateway, CO

By Jerry Smith

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Keri Hawthorne had announced this trip nearly a week prior to this Saturday morning. She had been told it would be a fairly mild run. Under reasonably normal circumstances, that would have been correct.

Under the conditions we encountered, Gilligan and the Skipper might have written the script for what was ahead. Read on…

Several times in the past, we (Happy Trails & I) had made this trip in as little as 3 to 4 hours. Alone, you can set your own pace, stop if and when you need to, and find little to talk about on the roadside.

Airing down on the CO/UT border.

Add another rig or two and all of that changes… we had 10 vehicles in our entourage making for several extended stops for varying reasons.

One thing is very true about the Grand Mesa Jeep Club;

“The Grand Mesa Jeep Club is the Colorado “Club of the Year” for 2013 for good reasons. This club “ROCKS”!

Our membership can relate to everyone and anywhere from very mild to extreme in relationship to vehicle capability and/or personal experience.

Not long into the trip, we had this white stuff falling.

We have club-sponsored trips any given weekend that may be from strictly scenic, easy going to more intense mid-range difficulty. Then there are some who seek the extreme “trails” that can make a lizard cringe. (Lizards have been known to hang upside down).

The really great thing is… we all find this “sport” to be as addictive and fun at all levels of difficulty. Adventure comes in all sizes, shapes, colors, and levels of experience. Yet the club membership seems to have “gelled” into a common love for the Great American BackCountry, no matter what it has to offer.

No joy could be found in this pretty face.

This trip was to be no exception. When we arrived at about 08:30, Adam was already waiting for some adventure. We found out that he was somewhat of a novice to Jeeping, but was eager to find new trails and others to experience them with.

His relatively “new to him” LJ appeared to have some “experience” on it, but he admitted to little of that being personal.

Within just a few minutes, others began arriving until we had 10-rigs fueled up and ready to go. At the assigned 09:15 time, we pulled out.

This day was one of those where shadows were non-existent. A totally gray sky lurked above with the threat of rain or snow.

The drive to the end of DS road and the CO/UT border was mostly uneventful except for the chatter on the CB radios.

For those who have not yet invested in a CB and enjoyed a trip with friends who have them… you miss so much fun and information that gets passed on by those of us who have practically lived in this American BackCountry for years.

This rock was once in the middle of the road. When I stopped to point it out, we had some difficulty getting everyone moving on the uphill slope.

Passing by arches and other scenic things can go unnoticed without communications. The friendly banter about nearly anything always adds “flavor” to the day as well.

At the border, we paused to air-down and Happy Trails was designated “Trip Leader”. We related that we would likely be leaving the trip at the top of the Sheep Cr. Road to turn back for some “assessment” of the Granite Cr. Road that has had varying reports as to its condition. We wanted some first-hand knowledge so plans to re-open the road next spring could be planned for.

With this many rigs and shorter daylight to work with, we knew this was going to be asking for a lot, but should have been doable.

At times, visibility was a little suspect.

This is a second view of Luke climbing in the snow.

Crossing Spring Cr. and climbing up to Red Gap we made good time. The stop on Red Gap was short as the stiff breeze had an uncomfortable “chill” on the exposed point. Sometimes the grand views just don’t require a lot of scrutinies.

As we were nearing Ryan Park, I remember predicting that we were on the apparent leading edge of a winter storm. I have learned to be a strict weather watcher traveling the canyon country of western Colorado and eastern Utah.

Dodging large rocks and holes in
these conditions slides you into
some interesting places.

Storms in this part of the world don’t have to be very close to interrupt your day. Many times we have altered our direction of travel because of what the skies tell us.

Not too long after, a light snow began falling. As our elevation increased, the snow got considerably more intense. By the time we came to the upper Granite Creek crossing, the snow was making the trail much more difficult than usual.

There was some talk on the CB of turning back, but we encouraged everyone to “stick with us” and that the trail would get easier soon.

Having some turn around would have meant that the entire group, or at least the majority, should follow suit. My experience is that you don’t leave the least experienced to fend for themselves… especially in these conditions.

Adam sloshing along.

Having people wandering around in a snowstorm in an unfamiliar country is a great way to lose a friendship at best or a friend at worst. I value both too much for either.

The prediction of trail conditions proved to have some “flaws” as the snow continued and the trail became more difficult from the recent rains that had left run-off damage that slowed progress even more.

By the time we had stopped for lunch, we were about 2/3rds of the way to Gateway. With the trail in its normal condition, another 1 to 2 hours should have us in Gateway with no problem.

The “normal condition” description did not apply well. Mom Nature will lure you into some “higher adventures” if given enough opportunity. This was one of those times.

Snowflakes got large for a while

Some of the long uphill grades were scouted ahead before allowing the main contingent to follow. On too many of them fairly deep channels had been carved by either water or people spinning tires deep into the muddy road surface.

Luckily, with only one real exception, we were able to keep the line moving without much difficulty on these slick grades.

At a couple of the more challenging obstacles, there were already bypasses around the obstacle and some chose to take the “less challenging” way.

This is perfectly okay with me and I often encourage the “easy way” for those who have issues with tearing up their equipment or just feeling uncomfortable about following the rest. There is nothing “chicken” about keeping within your “comfort zone”.

Tail gunner Cody had to deal with whatever we left behind.

There will be ample opportunities to “stretch your limitations” if you follow the likes of Happy Trails. We have “pushed” more than our fair share of folks to their limits many times. They have all survived and none have complained after doing the surviving.

The Sheep Creek road can be a pussy cat or a full grown lion. Today it was at least a large bobcat. Note the road below the Jeeps as it winds back and forth down the mountain. Some switchbacks come so fast, you just get straightened out only to begin the next turn.

With over 40-years of trails behind us, if there is a safe way to get a Jeep through an obstacle, we will find it. Being sympathetic to those with less experience and/or more “stock” vehicles is never taken for granted.

Encouragement to “take it to another level” will always be tempered with knowing when to say “when”. Ask club member Sandra Park.

On a trip to Coon Hollow, I was directing Tim around an obstacle that his Detroit lockers were presenting a problem with. Sandra was riding passenger.

Note how "Newbies" hug the upper side of a shelf road. This is very common. Some people just don't enjoy a good view from their windshield or out the side.

As they were exiting a severe off-camber turn, the lockers were pushing them toward the outside of the road and a long cliff-like place. With the glare of the sun off the windshield, while spotting, I could not see them inside and my total attention to their position probably wouldn’t have allowed me to look anyway.

I did not know she was panicking to the point of tears, or I would have asked her to get out and either watch from my perspective or to walk down the trail a short way.

As it turned out, they made it around the scary stuff with zero problems, and after talking; I think her confidence in my directions increased to a good level of trust.

When we showed her how much farther from the danger she really was than her mind was telling her she was in, she realized that her fear was unwarranted. Often, another perspective is all that it takes.

For a "Newbie", Adam didn't hug the uphill side quite as much.

Whenever you or your passengers are feeling “uncomfortable”, I encourage you to stop, get out, and really look at what is making you or them uncomfortable. Most of the time, it won’t look as bad as you think.

If the discomfort isn’t solved, walk ahead until you can feel comfortable. Then get back in and assess whether the discomfort was truly warranted.

If the vehicle came through with no major problems, were you really in jeopardy, or was your mind just telling you there was a danger? The more you experience these feelings and find there was no real reason for overwhelming fear, just respect for the situation, the easier you will find these situations to be worked through without the full-on panic.

We love the "Thumbs-up" and smiles from both inside and out.

This trip was a prime example of this. Yes, we all expected minor discomfort from having to drive through a snowstorm. That is always normal. Respect the obstacles presented out on the trails… but don’t fear them.

Experience will temper the level of fear you have eventually. Even the buggy drivers learn their limitations by overcoming their fears. Often they learn by turning a buggy over… sometimes multiple times.

When you build a rig to do what they do, it will normally survive such “Learning”. You, on the other hand, don’t have to go to that extreme to learn.

Driving in a winter storm deserves respect… always. But that doesn’t mean you don’t go to the grocery store all winter. Just learn when to say “enough” and turn around before you are truly in over your head on the trail. Being far off the pavement has “rules” you must learn to adhere to.

Cody shows where the more experienced drivers take a trail. Better views yet safe.

Trips like this demand you go prepared… maybe for an overnight stay. Your well-being and/or others with you might depend on that. A little extra food, water, and a heavy coat for all in your vehicle should ALWAYS be a minimum you carry.

Can YOU build a fire? That, you must be prepared to do in all conditions you may encounter. Your very survival may depend on that seemingly small task.

Seemingly silly things like this will help build your personal confidence. Learning these things while on the trail is a poor time to do so. You want to learn this under ideal conditions… not under stress of a life or death situation.

Luke comes through a deep hole we encountered.

Building a fire, changing a flat tire, using a Hi-Lift jack, or any of these skills you may be called on to perform should be learned with no time restraints and no actual “need” present.

Ask for help from someone experienced. Learn the “right” way and then practice it until you feel confident you can do it under “less than good” circumstances.

By the time we reached the top of the Sheep Creek road, it was getting late in the day as far as sunlight was concerned. The cloudy conditions only served to hasten darkness.

Because of this, Happy Trails stayed on lead. There was no time to return to Granite Cr.

This is how to wind-up a YJ.

What we did not know was that the normally moderately difficult Sheep Cr. road was suffering from late summer storm runoff in a fairly major way.

The Sheep Cr. road is one of the steepest and winding roads you will ever encounter. Lengths of this road above and below the vertical cliff area in the mid-range have switchbacks that have you barely straightening out from one before you must turn for the next. Your steering wheel will go from lock to lock as quick as you can turn the wheel.

At more than a few of the switchbacks, you will be required to back up in order to make the turn. Yes, it is everything its reputation leads you to expect. For myself, this is the ultimate Jeeping experience. For others, the fear of heights alone will scare the wits out of you.

The views down off the roadside will keep your adrenaline flowing and a nap will not be possible… unless you would rather sleep through the whole experience. Heavy drugs will be necessary, though.

In approximately 3.2 miles traveled from the top, you will have dropped 2100 ft. at the last wash crossing… that’s about 632 ft./mile.

Even Roger's LJ did the twist.

This day, we found copious numbers of loose rocks of varying sizes littering the roadbed.

At every small stream coming down off the mountain, a deeply cut channel, often located on the other side of a hump of debris left behind as the running water receded, became necessary to chart a safe way across.

Some of these channels crossed the road straight across. Other places, the deep cuts wound their way down the road before finally dumping through a “V” cut on the lower side. Either way, each presented a new and different obstacle to negotiate.

One such obstacle had me out of Happy Trails to walk it. Here again, experience will tell you when to walk an obstacle before getting into it only to push the “automatic reject feature” button.

Often, walking past an obstacle is warranted. Getting through an obstacle only to find a worse, or maybe impassible object just around the corner may require you to back through the first one. Not something you want to do!

JKUs found they could articulate

As I walked this obstacle, most of the others had gathered to “look it over”. “Seeing” the line, I asked them to watch how we were about to go for their own reference. I would be back to “spot” the others.

Happy Trails about to go down the long wash in the middle of the road.

Luke making the turn in the middle of the long washout.

Happy Trails did what she was built to do and was soon through and parked where the others could pass and park further down.

Spotting the others left me with no chances for taking pictures to share so we will need to depend on others who did take a few to “show” the difficulty.

Even the by-pass had some
off-camber moments.

This turned out to be the most difficult place, but add several small “slow downs” together and you have one big one. By the time we hit the bottom of the trail near the Delores River, we barely time had time to air-up before it was fully dark.

Keri had offered to provide dinner for the crew at their home in Clifton. It sounded VERY inviting and the majority apparently took her up on her very generous offer.

Having spent Friday taking care of my grandkids, I was already way behind on some work that absolutely needed doing, so I reluctantly begged off.

Harley's Zuk "leaned" a little.

The drive down Hwy 141 was a snowy one to somewhere past the divide.

This day had proven to be one to be remembered… especially when you consider the trip was supposed to be more of a scenic, easy drive.

I will repeat it: “The Grand Mesa Jeep Club is the Colorado “Club of the Year” for 2013 for good reasons. This club “ROCKS”!

The Sheep Creek road is full of places you can practically have a
head-on collision with yourself.

This is where you are entering a serious rockfall danger. Every year, this cliff drops tons of rocks onto the road. You don't want to participate in that operation.

Keri showing that the ladies of the Grand Mesa Jeep Club can get the job done.

If you can't do this, scratch Colorado off your list. This
is an "Easy" trail.

Happy Trails and always remember; When you come to the fork in the road, take it!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Western Colorado Trails

Crossing the Delores River and Granite Creek

By Jerry Smith

November 3, 2013

Day 2 of 2

Sunday morning began fairly early. Well before 08:00 we (Happy Trails & I) were parked across from the Glade Park store awaiting the possible arrival of Marty. When he hadn’t arrived by 08:00, we did the boogie for the lower Delores River crossing.

To be there at 09:30 to meet the club members coming from Moab would be close. I dearly wanted to be there to photograph the “Jeep crossing”. The road to the crossing is about 35 miles from the Utah/Colorado border at the end of DS Road.

DS Road was very quiet as we made headway toward the Colorado/Utah border. Approaching the nine-mile marker it becomes quite narrow with 5-6 foot sage growing right off the paved road.

With one step a mule deer doe appeared not more than 5-feet ahead of my passenger side front fender. Not even time to hit the brakes. Long before we were stopped, the doe could be seen skidding on her side before the Jeep.

I steered around her and soon came to a stop. In the mirrors, I watched her very stiffly limp across the road and just as she stepped into the brush a yearling doe followed. My view wasn’t great, but I don’t think anything was broken but her pride, but she will be terribly sore for some time.

I backed up to see how she was doing, but never saw her again. There were no tracks or a blood trail on the hard ground.

Later at the Delores River crossing, I inspected for damage. Only a very small crease in the fender could be found… very lucky considering the impact. The Fab Fours bumper had just paid for itself.

Four River Otters doing what Otters do.

We pulled into the river a little just to gauge the depth and thought the water to be quite safe to cross. Knowing (hoping) that several others were on their way, I backed out leaving just the front tires in the water and began the wait. Crossing alone was more risk than was necessary for now.

After about 10-minutes, out of the corner of my eye, something dark surfaced in the riffle to the right for just a microsecond. My first thought was “catfish”, but then a “V” in the water became two as they proceeded upstream.

These guys were a riot to observe.

Imagine my surprise when one of those “Vs” suddenly produced the head of a river otter. Then the other “V” broke the surface. Retrieving a camera from my bag didn’t take but a moment. This was something I did not want to miss.

Even with a 400mm lens, these River Otters were making the camera "reach".

After taking a few shots of the two swimming, they were getting too far off for the mounted lens to produce a very good picture. So, it was off with the small and on with the longer-range lens.

Luckily, the otters, which now had become a foursome, had found a place to rest and do what otters do. Shooting through a close bush proved to be a potential problem, but we managed to rest the long lens on the window to steady it and got some fairly good shots.

The joy of watching their show was a perfect reward for early rising on a Sunday morning. I've always been a huge fan of wildlife watching, so I was in a little corner of heaven this morning.

Not long afterward, I heard chatter over the CB “skip” that had been a nuisance all morning. I recognized the voices of Dave and Cody so knew they would be arriving soon.

The tires nearly drowned on the first crossing.

It wasn’t long that the camera was clicking off pictures as the Grand Mesa Jeep Club made their way across the lower Delores River crossing.

Some first timers had that nervous smile as they baptized their rigs following the path the others had taken. Coming up and out the other side the nerves let that smile grow into the proverbial “Cheshire Cat” as pure enjoyment took over. Most Jeepers will never have the opportunity of doing a river crossing. It can be a very special occasion, but it can also be a prime source of frayed nerves until it's over.

Today, the river was a little on the high side. This lower ford has more current than another just a couple miles up river. At times of really low flow, the Colorado River (about a half-mile downstream) will back up clear to this point. In times of high flow, a crossing is not advised.

Small variations of the line taken meant depth changes.

I’ve seen that reaction many times at this crossing and back during my life in Montana. The big difference is that you can see through the Montana water… not so in most of the Colorado red water streams.

One quick safety note; when crossing deep waters, it's a good idea to roll down your windows for the "just in case". Removing your seat belt is also a great idea. Making a fast emergency exit is much easier if you follow these rules.

Mary's line started in the deep pool.

Cody pushed water ahead like a barge.

After some time, we all fired up and headed for Granite Creek where we would have lunch and some hiking (for the hearty).

Lunch for some had that "aged taste". Actually, we found these at a nearby fire pit and couldn't resist the fun of "reusing" them.

The section of road they hiked is the fairly steep, narrow shelf road that drops into the bottom of Granite Creek Canyon. From there it turns upstream where it is grossly overgrown with thick brush. In places, even the overhead is overgrown.

A section of the shelf road is reported to have sloughed off and needs some TLC as well. It has been on my “radar” to do the required maintenance and reopen it for some time, but we haven’t made the time yet.

For those of you who have never worked on a project like the re-opening of a road or trail, I truly feel sorry for you. The pride of bringing a trail back to “life” will make your head swell.

It may not really equal the experience, but it is like when your children are born. You just can’t help but love them thereafter.

Later, when you see the smiles of others as they experience “your trail”, you’ll feel that again and again. It’s a special thing that you’ll have to do to understand, but trust me, you will be glad you did it.

After the weary hikers slowed their heart rates, we took the road North and East into Ryan Creek where the road heads North and West to Red Gap.

Heading for Red Gap

Red Gap is a high overlooking point with a tremendous view of the valley to the West. (It took a little research to find "Red Gaps" name. I was asked on the trail and didn't know).

From there we dipped down through Renegade Creek and then up and over to Spring Creek where the road jumps up on the Colorado/Utah border and brings you back to DS road where most aired up and headed home. Three elected to take the short drive up 9- 8/10s Road to Miracle Rock and “The Pot Holes”. (in case you are wondering, western Colorado has some strange addresses and road names)

Though not a particularly challenging day of Jeeping, this proved that mild trails can definitely make for an excellent experience if you love the Great American BackCountry as most of us do.

Our many thanks to Dave and Cody for leading two great days of Jeeping and providing us the opportunity to spend the time together.

Don’t ever forget —when you come to a fork in the road… take it!

Happy Trails.

Cosmo (the dog) smiled for this shot.

Fall colors helped "flavor" some pictures.

We have safely crossed here when the water was up to the hood.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Moab Trails

Four Arches & Bull Canyons + Gemini Bridges

By Jerry Smith

November 2, 2013

Day 1 of 2

At the announced time of 08:00, the Fruita McDonalds parking lot emptied as the Grand Mesa Jeep Club headed west on I-70. The right lane of I-70 looked like a long line of hungry Jeep ants marching to a picnic.

A bit over an hour later we all turned onto Hwy 313 headed for the Little Canyon turn-off. There we aired down and began a great day exploring eastern Utah’s splendor.

A few miles down the trail brought us to one of those obstacles where many 4-wheelers miss a lot of adventure… a fork in the road. This one was marked with signs adding to the dilemma. We were inclined to take the Four Arches Canyon direction as planned, though.

Grand Mesa Jeep Club members in Four Arches Cyn.

A few of us had already explored this short but interesting trail. The others were about to find this moderate-rated trail to be slight in difficulty, but have some of the Moab area qualities like beauty and charm that draw so many of the 4-wheeling community here every year.

Passing the ranch near where the canyon mouth begins narrowing, we couldn’t help but wonder how many of the 4-arches we would encounter. In previous trips, some had not found all four. A couple of them are not the typical arches one sees in this land so rich with the strange, natural structures.

One of the arches in Four Arches Canyon

Cody, our leader, was able to point out our quarry as we traveled the snaky trail that follows a dry stream bed under a power line headed up and over the high cliff at the end of the box canyon.

Arches, no matter their shape, size, or location are always great for a “Kodak Moment”, and these were no different. Only yards off of the trail, they presented their best sides for our cameras.

Another of the arches in Four Arches Canyon

Cody obviously had a schedule to keep as we barely had time to snap pictures from our vehicle seats as we briskly drove by. His mental scheduling proved to be right-on as the day progressed.

Another of the arches in Four Arches Canyon

Returning to the “fork in the road”, we continued on to the short trail to Gemini Bridges.

There we walked down the “300-yard” rock-lined path from the parking lot to the top of Gemini Bridges.

As you approach the “bridges”, your eyes generally first encounter the gaping opening of the wide, red, 160-foot deep canyon beyond the actual reason for your interest in coming here.

Your first view of massive Gemini Bridges

The next thing will be the large hole or pit in the sandstone with the “bridges” lurking between the pit and the canyon beyond. You’ll likely be walking up to the edge of the pit to see the massive hole below the bridges.

Don’t look down too much. You’re standing on a deeply undercut ledge where only air and the rock you’re standing on are between you and the bottom of the pit below. Go around to the bridges and look back to confirm this and feel your stomach tighten. (it’s good exercise)

You were likely standing on that undercut ledge moments ago.

As you approach the “bridges”, you will see why they are called “bridges”. There is a 6-foot wide slot opening between the bridges offering a new view through the opening below.

The view between the "Bridges"

If you go off the south end of the bridges (to the right) and walk around to the point above, you get a great view of the canyon beyond and up to the bridges. Look for a plaque embedded in the rock.

The "arm" off Bull Canyon

This is a short side canyon off of the main Bull Canyon below where you may walk about 3/8 of a mile from the Bull Canyon road to the base of Gemini Bridges. It’s a walk that is well worth the effort.

As you stand in the middle of the outside bridge, look down and imagine how 19-year old Beau James Daley must have felt as his Jeep drove over that edge on Oct. 9, 1999. That is why you’ll find the plaque dedicated to his life attached to the rock mentioned above.

Others have lost their lives as a result of falling here. Jumping the gap between the bridges seems too alluring for some people. Some have even made it. Others, well… they’re not jumping anymore. Please, watch your children and friends closely.

Even the younger GMJC Jeepers enjoyed Gemini Bridges

After our tour of the top of Gemini Bridges, we all met in the parking lot and had a lunch break. What is it that food always tastes better under open skies with an excellent view and great friends?

Food, Friends, Fine Views. Get that in New York City!

After lunch, we continued down toward the Bull Canyon turn-off. Taking it soon presents another “fork” dilemma. We stayed left.

This road takes you to another fork. Going left takes you to a spectacular overlook of Day Canyon and a steep blow sand hill that presented some sporting fun and good photographs as sand was flying everywhere.

As hard as we cheered, this is as far as Roger got on the hill climb.

After the fun in the sand, we returned to the fork and followed it down into the Dry Fork of Bull Canyon. This spur road took us down a dry wash for the most part.

Mary and her LS3 powered JKU made it look easy.

Some of the wash had some fun obstacles. The majority of our group circumnavigated most of the more difficult obstacles while the more adventurous of us took on the challenges. We all followed Cody until the road begins to turn rather nasty and we returned to the main Bull Canyon trail.

Plenty of sand was displaced

This road presents the opportunity to park and hike to the bottom of Gemini Bridges.

Codie moved a pile of sand but made it on her first try.

Initially, we passed by the trailhead and continued on to where the road becomes rather difficult. Being toward the rear of the line afforded me the knowledge that the main group was at or near the end of where they were about to turn around. CB radios are great.

Finding myself at another fork in the road and seeing a road across the canyon, I ventured off on my own. This road was mostly primitive and largely unused. Many fallen rocks littered the road, but that is no hill for a climber. Finally, we crossed the wash bottom and ascended to a strange mine adit.

This could be "Very Delicate Arch", but we don't know.

This mine was about 10-feet wide, but only 24 to 30” high. It did go deep into the hillside but was not “inviting” looking at all.

A mine for very short people.

Turning around, I looked up the other side of the canyon to see I was being scrutinized by several of the group high up on the rocky hillside. I wasn’t sure if my side-trip was being envied or damned, so we (Happy Trails & I) began looking for a way back.

The upper road proved to be a bust right away. Past a small rock fall, a short walk showed where the road had sloughed off completely. From there I spied another road below that looked promising.

Backing down to the lower road must have looked a little bad because the CB squawked that I was being observed.

Occasionally the La Sals showed their snowy tops.

That lower road began innocently but soon became more and more narrow as a deep wash on the upper side cut the road surface.

Just a few yards before dropping into the dry wash bottom, the road was only about 3-feet wide and had a severe crown. This was almost a deal breaker and we seriously considered backing out the nearly quarter-mile behind us.

No guts, no glory! We ventured on and “tip-toed” down the “road” into the wash and were soon on the road back to the fork where I met the others coming back.

At the trailhead to Gemini Bridges, we all hiked back into the already shadowed canyon. Most of this hike is in a loose sandy dry wash and your legs get a good workout. It’s about 3/8s of a mile to the end, but well worth it if you are able.

After several picture taking ops, we about-faced and marched out to the waiting vehicles.

Not long after, we dropped down to where the end of the Golden Spike and other trails join the road near Gooney Bird Rock. There we picked up some traffic from Golden Spike (we assumed) who joined up with no invitation.

As the shadows grew, we exited Bull Canyon

Our descent down to the trailhead south of the Hwy 191/ 313 junction was a bit dusty but concluded a wonderful day on the trails of Moab.

Most of the group had elected to spend the night in Moab hotels and have dinner together. I was suffering the ravages of an oncoming cold and elected to head back to Grand Junction to see if tomorrow's trip that would be crossing the Delores River was going to be something I could suffer through.

One last thought—when you come to a fork in the road… take it!

Happy Trails.