Sail EaglesWings - California Dreaming

  July 31 - We were up early to drive 292 miles to Salt Lake City stopping at the Islands in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park on the way.  We had not intended to visit this national park, but it was so close to where we were traveling that we 'had' to see it - and we were glad we did.     A short hike with some traversing of slick rock led us to Mesa Arch, one of the most scenic panoramas in the Park.  We also stopped and took in various canyons which are wider than the Grand Canyon, but not as deep.  

  Arches National Park Today we explored a red rock landscape like no other - Fabulous Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.  It lies atop an old underground salt bed that's responsible for the spires, balanced rocks, arches and surreal landscape.  We loved it! Park Avenue Window Arch This was an easy walk to Double Arches but I still took a rest on the ledge under the big arch.   Temperatures are extremely hot. Double Arch Balanced Rock Delicate Arch It was a whole lot of fun going between the large rock formations and when you did, you were surprised by how it opened up into another wonderland. Sand Dune Arch

  Following our visit to the Georgia O'Keefe  Museum in Santa Fe, we drove  to Durango   Colorado. We had tickets to ride the  Durango Silverton Railroad  the next day.  The map shows our route from Santa Fe to Durango, 212 miles, and then on to Moab with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, another 201 miles. Richard rode the train many many years ago, getting off along the tracks at the Neddleton Flag Stop to backpack up to the Chicago Basin .       The Station in Durango     We had seats in the Prospector Passenger Car. Sometimes on Cliff Edges Sometimes Close to the Rocky Mountain Sides Running Along the Amanas River  The rail line following the Anamas River  Through the Mountains to Silverton Stopping for Water Turned Around for the Trip Back to Durango Back Into the Mountains The Needleton Flag Stop Mesa Verde National Park We had an amazing look at the ancestorial homes of the Pueblo Cliff Dwellers wh...

  The road stretches from Whites City to El Paso without services (gasoline) for a hundred miles and without much to see either. We did pass by Guadalupe Mountains National Park south of Carlsbad National Park.  We skirted to the north of El Paso before joining the interstate before reaching Las Cruces where we washed our very dirty car before heading for Joe and Diana's magnificent home.         Leaving Carlsbad Caverns National Park                           Crossing the Chihuahuan Desert                             Guadalupe Mountains                             Joe and Diana's Home  Organ Mountains View from Their Home - Awe inspiring!                            In the F...