Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Trapped

Monticello, UT  High 75 Low 43

I feel like we are trapped because the wind just won’t give up. The last two days the gusts were 40 mph and today they are predicted to be 60 mph. There is no way we will be out on the roads in that. I know some folks who keep going but we’re not in that big a hurry. We had thought this was going to be a one night stay so we didn’t unhitch. Well, we are still here and still hitched up so no sight seeing has been done.

DSCN3546(loved this silo) We are at the Old West RV Park and it is the type of campground that I prefer. Small, no paved spots, just gravel and a touch of grass or weeds. But well maintained. The owner, Jim, is the friendliest guy ever. He bought a big new grill on Saturday and set it up so anybody can use it. He is also a fast draw sharpshooter (Bill, you would love this guy) and gave us a DVD of his shooting. So we are really happy just relaxing and rocking and rolling.

We finally got to leave Monticello on Tuesday and our next stop was in Price, UT. Driving up through the Moab area is a treat for your eyes. Such a fantastic part of the country.

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We stayed at the Price Walmart and did our share of helping out their economy. The lot is not very level but if you go back where the tire shop is, we were able to get level without having to use any boards.

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Wednesday – oh what a drive. Leaving Price we headed to Vernal and then on to Flaming Gorge. It is an incredibly beautiful drive but I didn’t take very many pictures cause I was too busy helping Jim drive from the passenger seat.

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Shortly after leaving Price, you start climbing from 5600 feet to over 9100 feet. It’s a two lane road with lots and lots and lots of curves. Most of those curves are marked at 20 or 25 mph and that’s pushing it. Not only do you have to pay really close attention to the road but you also have to watch for deer. We saw a really nice buck and a doe and I saw a female Elk.

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Then you have to come back down on 8% grade curves and switchbacks. You drop back down to about 6000 feet but after you leave Vernal you start climbing once again to over 8200 feet. Curves, switchbacks, up and down and up and down. So even though your GPS says it should only take you 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive the 153 miles, don’t believe it.

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We are at Flaming Gorge for a couple of days and are going to enjoy the peace and quiet of a National Park campground.

19 comments:

  1. That's not a route I want to take either!

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  2. Now that sounds like some fierce winds!! I would hunker down too. You sure have had some beautiful views!!

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  3. Sounds like you might be getting like we did where getting there is no longer half the fun.

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  4. Yuck! We have had our share of winds. We were attackedby a 60 mph wind that tore our awning off! The gust just came out of nowhere. I have decided to skip all planned destinations and to get job back to Indy and his doctors.

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  5. I understand about the wind. We have passed thru MT, SD.ND, ID and now OR in the last few weeks and it has been nothing but wind. We have a warning for tomorrow for gusts to 50 plus. Going back to FL is starting to sound good:)

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  6. Driving in the strong winds is not something we would do either .Up an down those mountains does not sound like much of a fun drive. Love the area around Moab, keep travelling safe.

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  7. Glad you got back on the road but that sounds like a gnarly route you took.

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  8. Flaming Gorge is one of our country's most beautiful spots. The drive looks gorgeous.
    When someone says, Walmart is free, Paul and I just look at each other and say...Not for us....hehe

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  9. Sorry about the wind but other than that you are having a lovely adventure.

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  10. Um, cough, who would voluntarily drive in wind just to get somewhere, cough?

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  11. Ok, blame the rocking and rolling of your trailer on the wind. :cD

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  12. Nice to be able to wait out the winds that is for sure. Utah is absolutely amazing. We were just in Moab and took the same photo of that arch.

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  13. Don't feel alone with the wind..Oregon.Wa. Id. Mt. the wind has been blasting..2 days ago when I was at Maryhill SP on the Columbia the wind hit 70 mph..I just parked, my arms were tired..
    Upriverdavid

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  14. Can't wait to see your pictures of flaming gorge

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  15. Don't know how I missed this post. Winds aren't much fun towing a tt and then the curvy winding mountains uck! glad you are now parked and resting up. Your pictures are wonderful

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  16. Hahaha. A new meaning to rock and roll. Sounds a little scary.

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Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.