The Rain Came and the Wind Blew
Unlike our trip to Moab last year, this year proved to be somewhat challenging with thunderstorms, flash-floods that washed away peoples gear, and even a microburst, that did its best to flatten our tent. Fortunately I was standing inside (big two room tent, kinda like a condo in the woods). It’s quite humorous looking back. The microburst blew a few tents and gear hundreds of feet and flipped some over. The campsite was a wreck. Fortunately no one was hurt, that know of.

At first, I didn’t think much of the wind as I stepped inside the tent. I heard some whipping sounds and the walls caved down on me, I tossed everything—camera included—and scrambled for the nearest pole. Standing on our blowup mattress and holding on with every bit I could muster, as the tent slid sideways. As Carrie and Zoe walked balk to the tent, Zoe was almost swept away with the first burst. When they regained there footing they came running up to help with the tent. Zoe jumped inside on the mattress—safest place from the flying debris—and I exited to hold on from outside. As I stepped outside I saw that our makeshift canopy tarp was acting as a sail, in perfect form looking like a spinnaker sail on its side (silly me, I attached it to our tent during a thunderstorm two days prior). Carrie and I struggled to hold onto the tent and release the ties—not a brilliant idea, I admit. Then again, who thinks their wilderness home will be taken away by a microburst… Makes for better planning next time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos. A tad bit preoccupied I suppose.

There were however some very nice weather moments that I captured, shown in my photostream. Even though I didn’t get all of the shots I was looking for, going to Moab always seems worth it.

Painted Lady Butterflies
My girlfriend, Carrie, ordered five butterflies for us to raise and release. Pretty cool to watch the caterpillars make the chrysalis. You can order a really cool house for them to keep before the release date, as portrayed in my photostream. You can find butterflies and many other bugs to raise at Insect Lore.

People We Met
Steve (tax consultant) and his friend Billie both played guitar and sang for us in our group camp. Billie, offered to cook for us many times. As good as the food was, we eventually had to eat our own food.

John and Elena, own a furniture shop ecomod, in CO, where they custom build it. I spoke with John, who had many things to say on many subjects. We got along well.

Kevin and Marcy were very nice (no photo) and had two children that played with Zoe a lot. They own a business selling a health drink, XanGo. Tastes pretty good.

We Finally Made It To Arches National Park
We arrived at 4pm on Monday, just before we left for home. Due to the rain we decided not to hike and just drive. The landscape is very pretty when wet. On the positive side, we took the opportunity to check out the Camp ground. Pretty cool, we’ll stay there next time. I was only able to take a few shots which can be viewed here. Portrays a nice brooding feeling.

Notable mention: the rock shop on the way into town, coming from the north side, is a must visit.

And then the drive, tired and ready to get home… However, I did put a request in for just one more day. Another time I guess.

(Via JosephTravels, JosephDC)