Messed up day!

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon

After the lights were out and the big storm had rolled through I woke up (just in case) and the sky was clear so I took Jenny up to Bryce Point to watch the sun come up. It was nice but I like that canyon in the full sun I think. But at least I was there to offer it. 

I got back and got packed up and hooked the trailer up and got on the road. What a day it ended up being! I wanted to get an early start so we'd have time for a hike in Capitol Reef before the long drive to Moab. Ugh. I suck at time management for some reason. I guess its because I have an unrealistic idea of how long it takes to drive a windy hilly road in a van with a trailer. Sheesh. I grossly underestimated the first part of the day and so was way behind by "lunch time" (at 3:30pm). We had some photo stops and a coffee stop and I kept us moving right along and still ended up being late. These guys are such funny eaters though so its hard to judge if they are ready to eat or not. So I kept going. Then I chose to eat at Hanksville instead of Torrey and there is only one choice there...yikes. Luckily the food was good. Next time I'll know but good grief. We did manage to hike to Hickman's Bridge without rain. We had just driven through a big storm and there was one on the horizon but it never came our way. 

I'm the only one who really noticed the day was funny (strange not ha ha) It just was frustrating to have gotten an early start and fit in things as I'd planned them and then still eat at almost 4pm?! 

I sped on to Moab at that point. I didn't want to get in too late so I made good time. We arrived and put our bags away and then the rains came! I mean downpour! So much water everywhere and thunder and lightning it was crazy! 

I was going to walk across the street to the Moab Brewery and a couple of my group members were doing the same so we ran through the rain together and had a pint and a good chat. The Brewery is the "local" so its a fun atmosphere. Good food too it seemed like. We only had a pint. The one gal had a desert that looked (and smelled) amazing! Apple dumplings with cinnamon and ice cream. Wow!

Tomorrow will be a big day for sure. I drop the rafters off and then take it easy before we have a mad dash to get Canyonlands and Arches seen in an afternoon. Its such big country its a shame to rush it! we are supposed to have a sunset hike but its supposed to be really raining again tomorrow afternoon so we'll probably do some short hikes instead. I want them to see the arches at least. They didn't seem too impressed with the Natural Bridge at Capitol Reef. Its hard to say because they are so even keeled about everything. 

Thank goodness for my group. 

One funny thing this afternoon when I unhooked the trailer I wasn't paying attention to the fact that it was sitting on a hill and I couldn't stop it from rolling away from me. It was really funny. I had to let it hit the pavement on its bum basically. Then I had to pick it up and try again. I'm sure people were laughing at me because I was really panicking! 

I'm getting tired and this is going on and on. I can't believe how hard this is and today I finally said to myself (after everyone has kept telling me) that the next time I do this day it will be much better. I've kept good notes and my driving log will be invaluable too. Its got my actual driving time for each day on it so I'll know whats coming up. 

Fingers crossed the rain lets up for the morning rafters (and shoppers). 

I'll keep you posted.