Moab, UT

Sometimes you just need adventure in your life, with some great outdoor views.  Thankfully we live within easy access to both those things, but just needed the time to go take advantage of it.  Hence, Memorial Day weekend, one of our favorite times to travel.  After debating between Zion National Park and Moab, UT, we settled on Moab (but Zion is most definitely on the list).  Since we know that a ton of people share our love of traveling over Memorial Day, and that schools get out, we decided we wanted to reserve a camp site instead of trying to seek one out in the dark.  To be 100% honest, the options weren’t abundant, but we didn't regret settling on Slick Rock Campground.  John’s dad met us there, and was able to reserve an RV site to put up his tent.  

Like most road trips, we left Thursday night after work.  After a quick (and by quick, I mean a couple hours) stop at REI in Salt Lake City, we were back on the road to Moab.  We had some new additions:  rock climbing harness for Sarah (YAY!  While she appreciated John’s mountaineering harness, it wasn’t always the most comfortable), and some rock climbing shoes.  The rest of the gear John already had.  

We arrived LATE in Moab..in the rain.  Of course.  We were so thankful we had reserved a covered campsite as it made the set up really easy.  We also used Sarah’s tent this time, which was a fast set up and a little roomier than John’s.  John also brought his “air mattress,” which Sarah finds HILARIOUS.  He blows it up with his own air.  It’s like an inch.

The next day, we set out for Arches National Park.  The line reached all the way out to the highway.  But, boy were we glad because it meant we got in for free!  They couldn’t keep up with the line of traffic.  John set off immediately for Delicate Arch to ensure we would get to see the famous landmark on Utah license plates.  We hiked to the Arch and marveled at its beauty.  Sarah felt overdressed as she noticed the number of girls without shirts (or shorts?), but managed to replicate some of their photos –with her clothes on (you’re welcome).  They decided to climb up and get a higher view of the Arch, and mess around on the rocks.  It was pretty much a dream come true for a girl who has favorite "rock spots" throughout the world!  

Next, we drove out to Devils Garden and started hiking the loop.  We had a blast seeing arch after arch, and scrambling over rocks.  After passing a snake, we finally made it to Double O Arch.  John told Sarah he and his dad had climbed into the middle arch for lunch one time they visited.  Sarah took the challenge, and climbed to the top of the higher arch.  However, since she is a loving, respectful wife, she listened when her husband told her he was uncomfortable and she climbed down (this moment is now in writing, and works two ways.  *Cough*).  They headed back and did the primitive trail back.  Along the way, John ripped his shorts (again), but was such a trooper.  When they reached the parking lot, they were starving!  12 miles of hiking will do that to a person.  They headed back to the campground to meet up with John’s dad.

"Hanging out"

Cue the campfire, marshmallows, burgers, and family conversations.  It was wonderful and very much needed!  After a good night’s sleep (John on an inch of his own air, Sarah on the ground), and a breakfast made by the men they headed to Sand Flats Recreation Area to do some canyoneering and jeeping. John and his dad did a great job remembering the way to Morning Glory Arch.  Once they reached the first rapeling point, they waited for a few groups ahead of them, and then started their journey downwards.  John Jr. led the way in magnificent form, followed by Sarah (in semi-scared-but-excited form), and in the rear was John, also in fantastic form.  Now, a little wet but in good shape, we were at the arch.  Our order went the same as it had previously.  This time, though, you are hanging in mid-air as you go down.  Your feet are touching nothing.  As in, no rock, no nothing.  This was the scariest part for Sarah as she was pretty sure she would flip over.  If she could have gone as fast as possible (think Mission Impossible style), she would have.  Unfortunatley, she was being “safe” and had a brake on her rope.  The guys handled it smashingly well, and looked like professionals.  The people watching at the bottom erupted into applause as all three hugged and rejoiced at being alive (ok, that’s a lie, but it’s how Sarah pictured it).  

The Expert & The Amateur

Then we hiked out to the other vehicle to head back into Sand Flats to do some Jeeping on Fins & Things—even Sarah got to drive!  After a couple hours of exploring the trail, we decided we were ready to head back to camp.  John made a tasty chicken dinner, and then Sarah headed to bed.  The boys stayed up and had some “father-son time.”

The next day, we were supposed to go rafting, but Sarah had gotten sick in the middle of the night.  She’s not really sure what happened that day, but her FitBit told her she slept a lot.  Around mid-day they tried to head into town to see the stores, and get some coffees.  Sarah wasn’t able to last long, though, and we had to turn back.  We tried to push the rafting to the next day, but it didn’t work out.  Everyone was so kind, though, and the guys got some quality time together (Sarah got some quality time with her sleeping bag).  

The trip went WAY too quickly, and Monday, everyone headed their separate directions.  Moab, UT is one of the most beautiful, unique places that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.  We can’t wait for our next adventure—and hope it can involve more family!  In the meantime, Sarah is working on her rock climbing skills and fear of heights with her amazing personal trainer—John!

What does your perfect camping trip look like?  Do you stay at the camp site most of the time or explore?  What’s on your packing list—do you bring an “air mattress” or an AIR MATTRESS (caps designate that it is powered by a pump and comfortable)?

Chasing Time Zones,

John & Sarah