Of Moths and Mice

We weren't warned about giant moths or mice on Antelope Island, but for several days after we left that beautiful island we were plagued with large moths inside the motorhome.  Jim also found a mouse in one of the basement storage bays.  We placed some mouse bait packs around, but one night shortly thereafter, after Sherry had gone to bed, Jim actually saw a mouse in the living area!  The next day we purchased mouse traps and Jim used peanut butter to bait them.  Jim spent a lot of time moving mousetraps and killing moths, but after a few days there didn't seem to be a sign of either. 

 One day, several days after leaving Antelope Island, we were sitting outside enjoying the pleasant 70ish temperature when Jim heard water dripping.  Turning around we noticed a large wet spot underneath the coach.  Emptying out the small storage bay we noticed water several inches deep, and on the other side of the coach, in the wet bay (where the fresh water comes in), there was a lot more water.  Knowing that after mice ingest the bait poison they seek water, we were concerned that a mouse might have chewed his way into a hose, or worse yet, our water tank.  We spent the next hour or so mopping up water and drying things out, but thankfully saw no signs of mice.  Jim thought perhaps the hose fitting hadn't been tight enough and that the campground's strong water pressure was causing the fitting to leak.  He resolved the problem by putting a regulator on the hose connector and since then there have been no signs of water leaks.  It's a good thing the weather was nice that day and we were sitting outside.  And it wasn't too hot or too cold to be mopping up water!

 

Antelope Island

Who knew there was an island in the Great Salt Lake that was a state park with RV sites?  We stumbled upon this information while researching where to stop between Moab, UT and Pocatello, ID  (more on that later).  Despite warnings that biting gnats were fierce on the island, we decided to take our chances. 

Antelope Island is connected to the mainland by a 8 mile long causeway.  Our first views, as we approached the island, were of small mountains peeking through fog.

 

The campground is on terraced sloping terrain and the campsites are far apart, all with great views of the hills and the lake, which has other island mountains in it.  

Here's a picture of our campsite and our view.

Below is a view from the visitor center.

 

 

Antelopes and bison roam freely over the island, and there are lots of birds, as well. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The island is 18 miles by about 2 miles, all owned by the state park.  At the southern end is the Fielding Garr ranch, now owned by the state and operated as a free museum. Previously it was owned by a succession of private owners, as well as the Mormon Church and several large companies.

We enjoyed an afternoon wandering through the old buildings at the ranch, and Jim practiced roping skills.

We also enjoyed some spectacular sunsets over the lake

 

as well as some interesting storm clouds.

 

We had prepared for the gnats with face masks and head nets,  but after 2 days of gnats, mosquitoes and giant moths, we gave in and left. 


For more pictures of the views and fabulous sunsets, click Antelope Island

 

Moab = More Of Astounding Beauty



View from our campsite near Moab

Moab is a resort town with beautiful mountains, canyons, and two rivers (the Colorado and the Green Rivers) to attract people.  There's lots to do and see, but during our stay we encountered a heat wave and the temperature rose above 100 degrees.  We thought the price for the campground was high until we realized we'd be running our two air conditioners constantly during our stay.  No wonder the price was a bit higher than everywhere else!   Anyway, we spent two full days in the sun and heat oohing and ahhing and doing a little hiking as well.  We also ate well as there are many good restaurants in Moab.   

 

Arches National Park is the smaller of the two parks, but there's plenty to see, just from hiking small distances from the main road.  Not only are there large natural stone arches, but there towering spires and plenty of other interesting rock formations.  And, like so many places in Colorado, the rocks are a rich reddish orange. 

 

 

 

 

 

Canyonlands National Park is Utah's largest national park, but only a small part of it can be seen by car.  The park has countless mesas, buttes and canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.  Of the three districts, only the Island in the Sky is accessible by auto.  From observation points on the huge island mesa, you can look down 1000 feet below on a sandstone bench and below that 100 miles of canyons through which the rivers flow.  It's breathtaking. 

 

Check out more pictures here: Arches and Canyonlands

 

 

Goodbye Colorado, Hello Utah

To continue our journey west, we left Ridgeway State Park and headed north on 550 to connect with US 50, and then west on I70.  As we headed west the scenery changed.  We finally left Colorado and arrived in Utah.  

Travelling 30 miles south on the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway (US 191) towards Moab, Utah, we were treated to spectacular views of red bluffs rising on each side.  This was the beginning of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.   

More on Moab, Canyonlands and Arches in the next post.  In the meantime, here are some pictures of the drive from Ridgeway to Moab.  (34 pictures)

Dennis Weaver City Park

 

The actor, Dennis Weaver owned acres of beautiful land outside of the town of Ridgeway, and much of that land has been donated as a City Park.  The symbol of the park is a flying bald eagle -- a tribute to a poem about an eagle, written by Weaver.  At the entrance to the park is an bronze bald eagle atop a tower of boulders. The sculpture weighs 2,800 pounds and has a wingspan of over 20 feet.

 

Adjacent to the park are large housing lots, some of which are on sale.  The homes are far apart, in the rolling hills, with fantastic views all around.    A retirement location for us?  Probably not -- it's pretty far from most things, although there's a great Thai restaurant in Ridgeway.  And it probably gets mighty cold there in the winter!

For a few more pictures of the Dennis Weaver Park, click here: Ridgeway  (9 pictures)

Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway through the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado is well named -- georgous scenery at every turn.    We spent a day driving along the Million Dollar Highway, and visiting the towns of Silverton and Ouray.  Silverton and Ouray (pronounced "Your Ray") are old mining towns that are now tourist towns.  We lunched in Silverton and had dinner in Ouray, and enjoyed the breathtaking drive in between. 

In Silverton we found Notorious  Blair Street, once the red light district, now an interesting collection of shops and restaurants.  Most of the shops are only open during midday for the tourists that arrive by the scenic railway from Durango. The last train back to Durango leaves at 3 PM, then everything closes.

Ouray, a busy tourist town, surrounded by mountains, was a fun place to eat and people-watch. 

For more pictures of the Million Dollar Highway, Silverton and Ouray, click here: Million Dollar Hwy, Ouray And Silverton  (34 photos)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was something I've wanted to see for years.  After our first attempt was interrupted by the deer encounter, we realized that the National Park visitor center was actually closer to Ridgeway than to Gunnison, so we revised our plans and after our first night at Ridgeway State Park we headed for the National Park. 

 

 

See more pictures of The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park here:  Black Canyon (24 pictures)