Moab to Colorado NM to Vernal, UT

Today we said a fond farewell to Moab. We had a great time, enjoyed two national parks, rafted the Colorado, and discovered our kids were tough little hikers.

The route up to Dinosaur NM took us toward Fruita, CO (near Grand Junction), where we had been recommended a pizza shop by somebody we met the first night in Moab. It was fantastic.

After lunch, we were close enough to another stamp...err...Colorado NM, that we had to stop in. Glad we did!

Great views of the canyon from a short half mile r/t hike near the visitor center.

The kids enjoyed it (and new stuffies)...

I was a fan of the views, if not the ledges....

But we all had fun with it:

(Sydney has apparently learned the term "photobomb" on this trip)

And then the hike ended with some AWESOME RAILINGS!

Overlooking a window arch.

From there, we headed down the mountain (back through a couple of low-clearance tunnels that we lucikily managed to fit through both times)

And north through the mountains of Western Colorado to Vernal, UT. Territory that reminded us a lot of Northern California.

I've been paranoid about overheating the car while towing in the mountains, but we've been up and down 10k feet and the temp gauge needle never moved.

Until today.

Turns out that towing a trailer, while following a semi truck, up a mountain, at 50 mph, in 100 degree heat (even up there) will finally move the needle.

But luckily we pulled over, cranked the heat, popped the hood and it came right back down. I guess airflow is important. 💨🚗🚙

Adventure for the day completed, we proceeded on to our home for the next two nights - Outlaw Trails RV park.

Which had zero expectations, but is turning out great. 

Sudney and Caitlin got to talk with friends on the phone (which helped a lot with some homesickness, thanks Charlotte and Phoebe!)

Then got to play on the sprinkler...

And met a family from Wyoming with 3 boys...and 3 guinea pigs (in their trailer with the dog)

And celebrated their dad's birthday with them!

Tomorrow is Dinosaur NM, probably a few short hikes nearby (we'll skip the hour long drive to the other one), and check out downtown Vernal. 😁