Moab Cabin

2011-11-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite photos from the last week of September. Keith Ricatelli has just finished filling up the gas tanks in the bikes at the sun rises over the Moab rim. His Dad Paul, was cooking dinner inside the cabin and the photos plainly states, "Fun Ahead"

2011-11-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Fall colors on the road up to the Blue mountains. This area of the country, near Monticello Utah is not as well known as the Moab area, but the locals are well aware of the riding trails in the Blue mountains. The community of local riders have groomed the trails, and the attitude of the town bespeaks a welcome mat out to all off roaders.

2011-11-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is an iconic scene from the "Behind the Rocks" trail west of Moab. While this trail is rated difficult due to a few gnarly spots most of the trail is moderate and sandy. A couple of us did not have working headlights when the sunset and with the aide of a couple others riding close by we went all the way up to the cabin.

2011-11-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

2011-11-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

The beginning of "Behind the Rocks" trail at the southern end. This photo is a bit blurry but captures the vertical nature of this trail and spotters help the inexperienced make it up.

2011-11-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

Looking North from the top of "Hazard Trail" out across the castle valley. Beauty is consistent but never common.

2011-11-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

The view looking North from miners basin out over castle valley. Fall colors of yellow, Green and red against a blue sky make for a memory to last a lifetime. I always consider it a blessing to live in a day and age where we recreate in areas the pioneers struggled to survive. This scene is just one of many on this trail.

2011-11-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Miners basin lake in the fall. The water is clear and you can see to the bottom of the lake. The road to this lake is steep, loose rock, tight switchbacks and narrow, however it is beautiful all the way and worth the effort. The aspens turning yellow amongst the pines and image reflected off the water makes for special experience.

2011-11-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

Terry Eagar Pinhook trail with Castle valley in the background. A forest fire 5 years ago cleared the way for new growth which is in great abundance.

2011-11-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

At Pinhook battle ground. Ken Wong, Terry Eagar, Keith Ricatelli, Owen Wilson, Dane Lundberg & Paul Ricatelli.

2011-11-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Looking East into the Pinhook battle ground cemetery at the upper end of Castle valley. Just beyond the ride in the middle of the valley is a cemetery, remnant of the last battle between whites and native Americans in the US.

2011-11-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

Owen Wilson, Ken Wong and Terry Eagar atop the white rock at the castle valley overlook.

2011-11-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

One of the entrances to the porcupine trail off the sand flats road. This is a popular trail for a variety of off road vehicles and should be traveled by guests on foot if they do not have an appropriate vehicle. The views are spectacular.

2011-11-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Dane Lundberg & Ken Wong at the castle valley overlook. Weather was perfect for riding and we traveled up and down the rim along the edge of castle valley.

2011-11-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Terry Eagar at age "Over 70" still rides slick rock on his KTM. While he isn't as fast as he used to be he is still plenty fast and is my inspiration to keep riding into my old age. We started riding together over 20 years ago when I was young and thought he was old. I am now older than he was then and laugh when I consider the places he and I have been on a dirtbike. Most will never see the views we have from a single track trail somewhere in the back country, but for those that ride you know what I am talking about.

2011-11-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

We didn't catch name of this gentleman, but we noticed he was older than the average rider and in talking with him, we found out the following. He is from Texas, 83, Eighty Three , rides a trials bike, doesn't have any friends that can go with him, (they have all died) and enjoys riding the slick rock trails. Says he can tell the end of his riding days are not too far distant as his balance is starting to wane a bit and doesn't want to go down where no one will find him. I am sick that we didn't get his name as I believe he is worthy of an ESPN feature story, doing what he is doing at that age. As referenced above, good friend Terry Eagar is over 70 and was beginning to whine a bit that he might be giving it up, but after talking to this tough Texan, we chided Terry into continuing on for at least another decade.

2011-11-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Some of my friends riding their dirtbikes through the Devils hot tub on top of Slick Rock.

2011-11-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is part of the jeep trail on slick rock park. The vertical nature of the trail makes for a lot of excitement and fun for both first time guests and experienced ones. Slick Rock is a must see and do while visiting the canyon. You can drive your own SUV, rent one, be a guest on a jeep/hummer tour, dirt bike, mountain bike or hike it. However you experience it, will be a memory for life. It just doesn't get any better than this. Beautiful views, well marked, close to town, exhilarating and just plain fun.

2011-11-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

This is the love shack sitting on the edge of cougar canyon. The previous owners named it this name and despite our best efforts to change it and refer to it as something else, it always comes back to the "Love Shack" At this point it does not have plumbing or power but we are considering options on how to add both. No promises on when but we have looked at a couple different ways to make it more convenient to a guest. At present we just use it as a spare bedroom.

2011-11-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Looking at the sun filter through a tree at the bottom of cougar canyon in late September. Taken from the love shack.

2011-11-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

This is the view down into cougar canyon from the Love Shack, a secondary out cabin on the property. This is looking South just after sunup. The main cabin sits 600 feet to the East of this spot.

2011-11-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

We have positioned a number of silk ropes down different walls of cougar canyon in order to go down and back up with ease. I am always surprised at how quickly I run out of breath at this elevation. At 7200 feet hiking the canyon is a challenge from someone coming from only 1500 feet.

2011-11-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is the view from the bottom of cougar canyon directly beneath our little out cabin that sits on the rim. We use this cabin, referred to as the "Love Shack" by the previous owner as an extra bedroom. It is very comfortable with double and twin mattress bunk beds. It is due West of the main cabin by 600 feet and is one of our favorite spots. When friends, family, especially grandkids are still going strong late at night playing games, watching movies or in conversation and it is time to go to bed, the love shack is perfect.

2011-11-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

A stream runs through the bottom of cougar canyon in Spring but only pools are left by Summer. A marshy area has prospered at the natural dam at this spot. We have seen cougar scat, and bear tracks at this spot.

2011-11-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

This small pool at the bottom of Cougar canyon has an entire eco-system of creatures living out their lives. The top predator is a salamander that hides in the shadows beneath the surface.

2011-11-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Sand Flats road passes by this hoodoo we affectionaly call "Monte's Hoodoo". Monte Stiles of Monte Stiles photography climbed up on this hoodoo with my help. He stood on my shoulders in order make a hand grab somewhere high up. All went well, with him shooting pics of the vistas from this vantage point, until it was time to come down. Lets just say he made it but not without some luck. I believe he had to change his underwear shortly after coming down. The cabin sits on the back side of this hoodoo and both can be seen from the meadow across cougar canyon.

2011-10-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

The view across Cougar Canyon from the love shack. Looking South.

2011-10-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

At the bottom of cougar canyon just below the love shack, this view reflects the sheer walls of the canyon, some rock formations, and a couple different type of pine trees. this is looking West slightly Northwest from the canyon floor.

2011-10-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

A small pool forms in the carved out bedrock at the bottom of cougar canyon. The cabin sits 600 feet off the ledge to this canyon. In Spring and early Summer a small stream runs thought the canyon. This late in the Fall I was surprised to see this much water in the rock holes. Entire ecosystems complete their life cycle in these small pools. Some years back we were educated by a park ranger in the Fiery Furnace of Arches National Park about the life sustained in these little rock pools. Our pool shown here sports a salamander at the top of the food chain with a number of water skippers, water beetles and other little creatures. Hiking down into this canyon is made easier with some silk ropes we have anchored along the top edges. Sitting at 7200 feet elevation I run out of breath pretty quick.

2011-10-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

We call this Monte's hoodoo and I am not sure of its official name but will go with naming it after a friend that climbed nearly to the top and bacame stuck. This blue sky against the red rock and scrub oak and cedar trees is on the sand flats road near the cabin. Visitors enjoy the views of hoodoos as they travel up the sand flats road. The cabin sits just to the right and behind this formation on top of the Wilson Mesa. Because the cabin is on a downhill slope this formation is not visible from the cabin but both are visible in the same frame when taking a photo from across the meadow up on the sand flats road on the other side of cougar canyon.

Blue mountain trail

2011-10-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Owen Wilson while turning left on a tight single track trail went off the right side and fell to the bottom of this fairly deep gorge. Amazingly he was not hurt, thank heavens for his safety equipment, but did require a number of the riders in our group to help get him out.

Owen Wilson by-passes a fallen tree on trail

2011-10-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

On a particularly narrow single track trail in the Blue Mountains, Dane Lundberg clears the fallen tree and Owen gets around it with help from Paul Ricatelli.

Behind the rocks trail Moab Utah

2011-10-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Behind the rocks trail near Moab Utah offers a change of pace from the mountain trails filled with forest growth. With sparse vegetation, this trail features red rock. Here Ken Wong fails on his first attempt up the steep grade, but made it his second effort. Helping out are Keith Ricatelli, Dane Lundberg and Owen Wilson. Ken Wong just recently bought himself a used Honda XR400 kickstart bike and impressed everyone with his ability to do these type trails so soon after taking up the sport. Ken progressed faster than anyone I have ever witnessed on a dirt bike. He grew better by the hour and completed trails that are generally approached by advanced riders only.

Fall colors in the Blue Mountains

2011-10-01T14:25:00.001-07:00

Led by Dan Sheran from Monticello Utah a group of us rode the Blue moutain range and experienced one of Natures divine miracles. The Fall change of colors amongst the forests.
While I have always been disappointed that this change lasts for such a short time, it serves to appreciate it all the more. Photos do not do it justice, but serve as reminders of how beautiful the Blue Mountains are.

Fall colors in the Blue Mountains

2011-10-01T14:10:00.001-07:00

In this photo Paul Ricatelli pauses beside a maple tree amongst the scrub oak, pine trees and aspen. This single track trail is difficult but beautiful beyond compare. The trail winds along the mountain sides, dips into the canyons, crosses mountain streams and through open mountain meadows. One advantage of riding directly in front or behind me is the opportunity to be photographed as I generally take the time to snap photos where others simply enjoy the scenery without photographing. This trail is about 55 miles of the cabin and near Monticello.

2011-08-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Sunset from the cabin deck looking South southwest onto the Moab rim and canyon lands. The views from the cabin allow you to see sunrise cast shadows in the canyons as the western canyon faces glow in the new day's light while sunset offers the opposite. Seen here are the Eastern canyon sides draped in shadow as the evening sun causes the red rock to glow. I have yet to do a time lapse of these two events but will get to it someday. We keep the pic nic table on the deck in order to enjoy these scenes over dinner.

2011-08-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

One foot away from a thousand feet down. Castle valley overlook on the western ledge looking down into the valley.

2011-08-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Looking East along the rim of Porcupine trail at the castle valley overlook. Aspens in the distance have not yet dressed for summer and the LaSal mountains still have some heavy snow. Warm days and cool nights in Moab is as close to paradise I have ever been.

2011-08-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Looking North from the rim of Castle Valley Overlook near the cabin. This is one of my favorite spots on earth. I have visited it more times that I can count but never tire of the view. We try to arrive an hour before sunset in order to watch the different hues come forth in their brief moments in the setting sun. Breathtaking each and every time I go. The biggest thrill of my experience in Moab is showing friends the views available near the cabin. This one is at the top of my list. My good friend Scott Hatch years ago was tired and trying to pack up in order to go home the next morning. I had tried getting him to this view point each of the preceding days but could never get him to do so. Finally at my insistence, and his Resistance that he had seen enough, hiked enough, etc. and did not need another view we went over at sunset. Complaining the whole way that he should have been left alone to pack I thought that perhaps he would be the curmudgeon just grumpy enough to downplay the beauty of the overlook. As he approached the cliff's edge and Castle valley came into view, he took in a deep breath, looked at me and said, "...Wow! we should have come here every evening. This was worth the whole trip." My satisfaction was complete as on the ride back to the cabin, Scott repeatedly thanked me for insisting he make the effort to see it. Two miles from the cabin, my wife and kids hike to the overlook while I come along in the truck. Sometimes we take dinner over with a fold-a-way table and enjoy the scene over viddles.

2011-08-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Looking northwest at castel valley overlook.

2011-08-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Looking up through ponderosa pine from the bottom of Cougar Canyon, part of the cabin property.

2011-08-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

gooney bird rock near Moab on state highway 191 to Gemini briges.

2011-08-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

A world famous photo opportunity of the Colorado river meandering through a horseshoe bend taken from Deadhorse state park. This view is one of the most oft photographed spots in our nation's federal and state parks. Every visitor should avail themselves the opportunity to see this view in person. The depth and elevation are never quite captured in film.

2011-08-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

This view is from one of the Gemini Bridges. Looking South over the canyon walls. Moab's view points are not only unique amongst National parks but can be very dangerous. With rare exceptions, visitors are not held back by saftey fence or railing. This of course makes for a more personal and upclose experience with nature but great care should be taken when visiting the cliffs, ledges and trails winding through them. Too often we read of someone that dares jump from one ledge to another or to bike a trail that is not safe and fall to their deaths. Gemini bridges is one such place. Machismo and bravado are a foolish if not ignorant combination when visiting these locales.

2011-08-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

2011-08-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Far from the gray drizzly world of the Northwest where green rules the day, Moab offers the perfect opportunity to dry out and see 50 miles away. Red rock country is sparse on water and this tree is testament to that fact. Taken from a vista point at Dead horse state park looking East to the LaSal Mountains.

2011-07-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Mog fun in Pritchets canyon with Dan Sheran driving. Amazing to see the places this vehicle can go. While it was hot we all enjoyed the outing. Pritchets canyon is the highest rating of difficulty and is not taken lightly. I have done it many times on my dirtbike but wanted my family to experience the canyon as well. The could not do it on dirtbikes so we arranged for Dan to take them in his Mercees Benz Uni-Mog. I recommend everyone with a sense of adventure to take a mog tour some day. The video shows how much fun everybody had.

2011-07-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Patrick Ruestchman and his family came from Austria to enjoy time at the cabin. The following photos are just some of those chronicling their stay at the cabin. We really enjoy a family coming to stay. Memories are made when visiting the cabin and help bind the legacy any family creates in their journey on earth. Thanks for coming and supplying the photos for all to enjoy. Hope to see you in the future.

2011-07-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Sky on fire captured by Patrick Ruestchman at sunset at the cabin.

2011-07-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sunsets at the cabin are second to none. Patrick Ruestchman caught this setting sun during the month of June.

2011-07-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

A lizard visitor. Captured in this photo by young Patrick Ruestchman, colored lizards abound in the red rock country around Moab. On warm days they are speedy and fun to watch.

2011-07-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

looking straight down into the strange and wonderful landscape of deadhorse pont. The spires below are almost a 1000 feet below.

2011-07-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

A view into the canyons at deadhorse point.

2011-07-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

mother and son Ruestchman enjoy
time together at the ledge.

2011-07-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mother and daughter have a quiet moment of reflection on the ledge of castle valley.

2011-07-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

. Wildflowers in bloom clinging precariously to the ledge of the Castle Valley Overlook highlight the beauty of this vista. Everywhere you look from this vantage point provides a unique view

2011-07-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Young Ruestchman has climbed down cougar canyon but now ponders how he will get out. The cabin sits 600 feet from this ledge.

2011-07-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Most people visit cougar canyon on the property and never see this relic from the past. Not sure what make and model it is but it has been there a long time. Often times during earlier years our ancestors just pushed unused items over the nearest ledge and forgot about them. I don't know the history behind this car but can imagine some rancher just pushing it over the edge and thinking nothing of it.

2011-07-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

young guest Ruestchman on the trail to delicate arch

2011-07-13T23:34:00.000-07:00

Dan Sheran and his daughter Aapree from Monticello Utah served as guides on a MOG tour of Pritchetts canyon. While smiling in this photo, Aapree maintained a stone face for almost the entire tour in the MOG, regardless of the situation. Going over or coming down huge ledges, inching past sheer cliffs, sliding off the trail...no matter, she was a girl without emotion, until this photo. We were all glad she smiled, although she never squeeled or screamed as some of the others did while in the MOG tour.

2011-07-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

Family and friends in Pritchetts canyon practicing their Troll faces. Not sure why but they insisted on doing so when I would take a photo.
Aapree Sheran, Susie Lundberg, Dane & Katy Lundberg, Brady, Bjorn, Alley Lundberg, Ashley Shumway, Taylor Lansford, Torrin Lundberg.

2011-07-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

Alexandra Lundberg and friend Ashley trying to remain glamorous in Pritchetts canyon despite the heat, sweat and dust.

2011-07-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Dan Sheran serving as guide in his UniMog up Pritchetts canyon.

2011-07-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

A contrast in style, yet both comfortable. Friends Terry and Lorene Eagar, now retired, came and parked their RV in the cabin meadow. They reminded us on numerous occasions that being retired meant they could go where they wanted, when they wanted and most importantly nap when they wanted. I admit to being a bit jealous on all accounts but mostly the napping. They drove in with no problem and with auto levelers had an instant home. They have been best friends for our many Arizona years and provide an example of who we want to be whenever we reach their age.

2011-07-13T23:20:00.000-07:00

Close up of the cabin's mountain blue bird feeding his chicks. The female while blue is not as colorful.

2011-07-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row, this mountain blue bird and his mate have raised a brood of chicks in the birdhouse. The amount of energy the parents expend bringing insects to the chicks is incredible. We never hear the chicks until a parent lands on the doorstep and then they all scream for the bug being delivered. In years past the male would spend time each day pecking at his own image on the pickup mirror. He either learned better or grew tired of it as he did not do that this year.

2011-07-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Taylor Lansford, Katy Lundberg and Briana Castle on the deck. Just returned from a hike.

2011-07-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

Good friends Terry and Lorene came in their motor home, parked in the meadow and enjoyed some porch time. Ashley Shumway from Phoenix also came for a few days and enjoyed some hiking and off roading. Of real note was the visit by Grandpa and Grandma Fletcher. The first time they have been to the cabin, and only for a night. None the less we were excited that now they have personally visited the cabin and can now talk about it with us via first hand knowledge. Sam isn't getting any younger and made the decision he was coming. Barb, accomodated and they drove up, stayed a night then went back home to Springville.

2011-07-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sons Torrin, Dane, Bjorn, son in law Brett, and friend Brady put forth a herculean effort to terrace a portion of the back yard. They leveled, then collected huge flat rocks from the property, (denting the bed of my pickup) and put them into position. Son in law Brett was advised to take some breaks as he spent a lot of time and effort making the new patio of sorts. He responded that preferred working over changing his child's poopy diapers...So he got an awful lot accomplished.

2011-07-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

We replaced the old mattress in the Love Shack, down on the rim of Cougar Canyon with a new one and here son Dane is using it to haul some grandkids around the dirt road in style. Well at least a minimal level of comfort as they sat in the back on the mattress.

2011-07-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

Vander as part of his routine, sitting on his bench on the cabin deck.

2011-07-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Grandson Vander Castle, had a routine while at the cabin over the week of the fourth of July. He would come out of the cabin, wander around the deck, come over and sit in his little bench, grunt a few cheerful little chirps to signify he was happy, then repeat the whole process.

2011-06-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

This is a view of the cabin up on the Lasal mountains in the background, as seen from arches national park. My reckoning puts the cabin the lower left of the snow capped peak in the distance.

2011-06-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Moon, sky, earth, water. A view from dead horse point southwest of the cabin. One of the more photographed spots in all the west this vista should be on every bucket list.

2011-06-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

A view into canyon lands from Dead horse point.

2011-06-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

This may look like an easy climb to the top but I can attest first hand it is not at all and Monte reports it was one of the scarier climbs he has made to take a photo. He had to stand on my shoulders to both acsend and descend but made it down with no injury. This hoodoo is on the sandflats road on the way to the cabin.

2011-06-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

Old pioneer barn across cougar canyon in early morning sunrise. Country road, mountains, clear crisp sky and history make this a beautiful photo. Dreams and hard work to survive are now equal to dreams and hard work to recreate and relax without the worry of survival. The pioneers no doubt saw the beauty of the surroundings but no matter how picturesque it was, a hovering cloud of concern over making it, hung about their efforts.

2011-06-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Fisher tower, is a must see and close to the cabin. Deep blue sky with red rock cliff towers contrast to a scene of beauty.

2011-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sunset at cougar canyon. In the distance - canyon lands and slick rock as seen from the cabin's rim on cougar canyon.

Sand Flats road to cabin

2011-06-03T14:05:00.001-07:00

Sand Flats road on the way to the cabin. This cloud was nearly the only cloud in the sky that day and is settled in right over top of the Wilson Mesa. It never did rain while I was traveling the road but certainly looked as if it was going to. Storms create some of the most beautiful scenes in and around Moab. This small cloud was no different. It served to ad perspective and depth to the terrain and cooled the heat of the day. The cabin sits behind the big center hoodoo up on the mesa.

2011-05-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

This mountain blue bird raised a family at the bird house attached to the cabin last year. The whole family was still there earlier this spring. You can always tell the male because he sits on the truck side mirror and fights with his reflection nearly all day. Was fun to watch but we realized the mirror gets covered in bird droppings, so we have to cover the mirrors to keep him away.

2011-05-21T20:35:00.001-07:00

Within Arches national Park are the 3 gossips. With binaculars this rock formation can be seen from a high point near the cabin.

2011-05-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Professional photographer Monte Stiles stepping to the edge. He is chases the light and will someday be found stranded on a ledge or at the bottom of a canyon overlook like this one. Takes beautiful photos.

2011-05-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

While visiting the Castle Valley overlook with Monte Stiles,a professional photographer he took this one of me sitting on the perch. Over a 1000 feet to the bottom, so that last step is a very important to avoid.

2011-05-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

The cabin at sunset. Light plays it's best show at sunrise and sunset. We never tire of the views provided by the warmth of the cabin and surrounding views.

2011-05-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Castle Valley overlook. This view is one of the primary reasons we bought the cabin. As many times as I have seen it I still thrill at each approach. The only thing more beautiful than this vista is sharing it with someone else. Of all the guests that come to the cabin, nearly all say it is one of their favorites. It is only two miles from the cabin which makes it possible to go over every evening and watch the sunset. Leave something in the crockpot cooking, watch the sunset, return for a hot meal with family friends. It does not get any better than this.

2011-05-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

I love this photo because it speaks to me on a number of levels.
•Dressed and ready to go, the spirit is willing but the flesh is "tired"
•Typical woman, keeping her feet with shoes on, off the sofa. (Thanks Cathi)
•Either before sunup or after sundown, adventure just passed or adventure upcoming...don't know which but do sense adventure.

2011-05-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Photo by Andrew Clark - Mesa Arch. Visiting from England Andrew and Cathi Clark may have set a record for most places hiked to, scaled up or visited. This is a world famous view and Andrew captured it during a somewhat hazy day.

2011-05-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

My son Dane and I in the midst of assembling the playground. We will sand it and repaint it this summer.

2011-05-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

A favortie spot by most guests is the mighty Fisher towers. See below for more photos and adventures climbing this formation. Photo by Kathy Hadley

2011-05-10T22:09:00.001-07:00

Photo by kathy hadley: climbers on fisher towers

2011-05-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

A climbing spot at Fisher towers. photo by Kathy Hadley. See posts below for later guest Andrew Clark climbing to the top of this formation.

2011-05-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful photo of a beautiful arch in Arches National Park. Taken by guest Kathy Hadley this photo offers a typical contrast of puffy white cloud in deep blue sky and the multi colored red rock.

2011-05-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Photo by Kathy Hadley of Devils Gardens.

2011-05-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

One thing our many guests have in common when they send us photos of their stay at the cabin is a photo of the cabin. Kathy Hadley took this photo and I really like it. Blue skies, golden hue of the cabin and some native green in the meadow. The elk have pushed down the protective fences around the fruit trees and we have made the decision to abandon them. As with most garden/fruit projects we have experienced a piece of fruit can be bought at the grocery store for a fraction of the cost to grow one.

2011-05-06T09:44:00.001-07:00

Andrew Clark of the UK came with his wife and reported: "I don't own any sort of car, let alone a 2 ton, 8 seat, 6 liter, 4wd, SUV. The Schaefer trail off Island in the Sky is about 10 ft wide, rough, hair pinned and very steep. The drive down was way more scary than any of the climbing stuff." Some adventure weather meant for some muddy experiences navigating the dirt roads to their different destinations.

2011-05-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

Cathi going through Hidden Splendor Canyon. Couple of big rappels and chest deep wading through "refreshingly" cool water.

2011-05-06T09:39:00.002-07:00

Ok, this appears crazy even on my meter.

"On top of Ancient Art, one of the Fischer towers, about 300 ft of fresh air underneath me."

Andrew Clark made it to the top and appears to have no fear of heights. I am often reminded of what my father (now passed away) said to me as he watched my buddies and I descend off a ledge on our dirt-bikes, "You are all fools and crazy. I wish I was with you!" He was in his 80s when he said it and as I look at this photo I think to myself I wish I could do it too but I'm afraid the time has passed for me to actually get it done.

2011-05-06T09:35:00.002-07:00

Andrew Clark from the UK proved to not be the typical guest. I tip my hat to him for the amount of activity he and Catherine packed into their trip. This is obviously not for the faint of heart but intriguing to see others do it.

"Starting the climb to the craziest pinnacle in the world in a rather undignified manner, doing the jump and hump start to the "diving board" start. Jump too far and it's straight down to the bottom on the other side."
Did both of these trips with Moab Desert Adventures - who deserve a plug.

2011-05-06T09:18:00.001-07:00

Cathi on the rim of Island in the Sky.