This morning we started our journey back to Georgia. We rode north on 191 to 70 East towards Denver.  As we rode out it was under big blue skies with pillows of white.  Going through the Rocky Mountains with the Colorado and Eagle rivers  snaking it’s way along 70.We also passed through the White River and Arapaho National Forest. Later we took CO. 470 to I – 25 South spending the night in Castle Rock.  I turned 116,00 miles on 191 North. At the end of the day we had  rode 385 miles for a total of 3433. We are thankful for God’s traveling mercies and protection has we ride across this great country He has created for us to see.

 Today we visited Arches National Park which was established in 1971. The park covers 76,679 acres of high desert and it’s located on the Colorado Plateau. The park plays host to over 2000 natural arches of sandstone, which range from 3 foot openings to 306 ft. from base to base. As the old arches are being destroy, new ones are being formed by erosion and weathering. This process works slowly through time but sometimes it may happen more dramatically when a piece breaks away. Arches also has the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. To have the pleasure to see these incredible wonders that have been created by the hand of God is truly a privileged and a blessing. Tomorrow we start our travels home. May the Lord be the light which guides your life.

Our adventure for today was Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands consist of 3 section; 1. Island In The Sky to the north, 2 The Maze on the east, 3. Needles on the west. The park covers 527 square miles and was established in 1964. The park is located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau near Moab, Utah. Today we travel through Island In The Sky. It is a mesa that lies between the Green and Colorado Rivers. It’s cliffs are 1000 ft. above the surrounding terrain and highest elevation is at 6240 ft.. The area plays host to the Pinyon Pine, Single Ash, Prickly Pear Cactus, Utah Juniper, Yucca plants and Mountain Phlox. The other two areas of the park you would need to pack back  in or go by four wheel drive. To behold the beauty of this magnificent creation and feel powerful presence of God remains me how small we really are in the scheme of things. Like I may said before take the time in life to soak in the beauty of God’s creation.

To start the day we had the opportunity to pray with Carmen (our waitress). Before leaving Kathy took the time to pray with me. God continue to amazing me. We left late morning riding North on 89  under an umbrella of rain and gray clouds. Then we got on 70 East riding through  mountains, canyons of Fish Lake and Manti La Sal National Forest.The mountains and canyons had colors of gray, red,tans and browns covered with a blanket of sage brush. The day continued under the occasional shower and gray skies with a hint of purple. But once we exited south on 191 towards Moab the sun came out and the temps began to rise to a hot 97. Even when the times look gray there are always blessings to be found if we only look for them. Total mileage to date is 3048.

Pictures from July 30, 2019

We started this morning off with riding up 89 North to 12 East through The Red Canyon then South on 63 to Bryce Canyon National Park. The park was founded by Ebenezer and Mary Bryce in 1870’s. Bryce Canyon became a national park in 1924. The park covers 56 square miles and one of it’s  major formations  is Hoodoos. Hoodoos are form by weathering frost and erosion stream. Bryce has the highest concentration of Hoodoos in the world. Sun Set Point was the favorite due the colors and formations. Leaving the park we rode out 22 North, East on 62 then 24 East to Capitol Reef National Park. The park covers 254,000 acres consisting of narrow canyons and sand dunes. It was established as a park in 1971. Both parks offer their special history and rock formations which are unique to their areas. These are some of God’s greatest gifts of beauty that would could see. We rode 405 miles bring our total to 2741.

Today we visited Zion National Park in Utah. It was established as a national park in 1919. The park was first called Mutuntuweap (straight canyon) by the Southern Paiute Indians. In 1860 Mormon settlers renamed it Zion. The word Zion is a Hebrew synonym for Jerusalem and meaning The Promise Land To Come. For the earlier pioneers it was a place of refuge. The highest summit is at Horse Ranch Mountain (8726 Ft.). The river that runs through the canyon floor is The Virgin River a tributary of The Colorado River. The River runs 162 miles covering the states of Utah, Arizona and Nevada. In 2009 The Virgin River was designated Utah’s first wild and scenic river. Another area of interest is The Towers of The Virgin which peaks over the river below. Main formations are The West Temple which rises majestically above the canyon floor at 7810 Ft., then Sundial 7590 Ft..Thirdly The Alter 7505 Ft., it is call this because of the blood red stains from the iron ore which streaks down the face of this formation. Then there is the natural bridge named The Crawford Arch after its founder located where else on Bridge Mountain. The awesomeness of these powerful  creations just reminds how great our God truly is. Made a new friend today a Harley rider from South Korea and his first time in American. It was a great day with Michele and friends. Rick and Rose got to pray with Kathy for her and her husband (a heart patient) who works at the hotel. God continues to direct people in our path’s.

Today was a simple ride of 95 miles to Mount Carmel Junction, Utah. Checked into The Thunderbird Hotel around 3 afterwards it was a day of relaxing. 2336 miles to date. There is not much to write about for today so here  are a few more pictures from the ride.

The day started early riding South on 89 to 89A North , then onto 67 South to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  The ride on 89A North took us along The Paria and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.  The area was established as a national monument in 1984. The Cliff’s elevation runs from 3100 – 6500 ft. and the park covers 294,000 acres. At Jacob Lake, AZ. we turn South on 67 riding through the mountains of The Kaibab National Forest. The walls of  the forest consisted of Aspen, Douglas Firs and Ponderous Pines. On the south side of the summit there were rolling fields of green dotted with flowers of yellow, purple, white and pink. The forest covers  1.6 million acres and boarders from the South Rim to the North Rim. Arriving at The North Rim of The Grand Canyon we walk the trail of Bright Angel Point. The words and pictures can not it justice, it is truly an awesome and amazing creation that our Lord has given us. Before heading back we had lunch at the lodge. The trip backed tract until we got to 89A at that point we turn north to Kanab, Utah. In Kanab we got on 89 South back to Page. Riding these roads back  today gave us the understanding of the term High Desert with the temp of 103. This was a very dry heat making for a hot return back. You what to know about landscape? Take the time to look around to see what God as created for us to enjoy. Today we rode 281 miles giving us a total of 2241. We can now add AZ. and Utah to our list of states. On a personal note I turned 114,000 on Route 66 in TX. and today 115,000 on AZ. 67 South. Tomorrow we are riding to Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah. May the joy of God surround your life.

The Day started off with our nephew Ron coming to breakfast. He currently lives in Prescott, AZ. and work for Bonnie Plants. Our travels today was up 89 North. The first stop was at Wupatiki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Sunset Crater is a dormant volcano. It’s last eruption has been more than 900 years ago. During that time it cover 64,000 acres with it’s ashes. It became a national monument 1930. Wupatiki was designated as a national monument in 1966. Prior to the eruption the Puebloan people occupied the area has farmers but by 1250 they had moved on to establish a new life. There were a few who remained and learned to adapt to the new environment. Their descendants still live near by today. They include the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo people. Upon leaving the park we rode through a rain and hail storm. With guiding grace all is well. Continuing on 89 North we stopped at Cameron Trading Post for lunch. If you leave hungry it’s your own fault. Afterwards we rode through the northern mountains of Arizona passing by Marble Canyon, Echo Cliffs and the Navajo Nation. God’s traveling mercies guided us through the storms of today. Just remember in every storm that comes along in life God is always with you to help and guide you through it. Today was short ride 156 miles bringing our total 1960. 

This morning we left riding to Flagstaff, AZ. through the Zuni Mountains of western New Mexico. The ride required a light jacket due to the cooler temps and the blue and gray skies. Final note on New Mexico is that we rode through the Navajo and Hopi Nations. But afterward crossing into Arizona it felt like a oven because of the open prairies and the sun beating down on you like a blow torch. We made a stop at Indian City for a short break. Upon our arrival a lady saw Rose’s cut and said “Servants of The Cross that’s what I need”. We were given another opportunity to pray for her and her husband. God continues to work through us on our journey. On our travels today we took the time to visit the Petrified Forest National Park. The park was established in 1962 as a National park. The park is a 28 mile ride through a painted desert with a age of 10,000 years. It is also one of world best places for fossils and archeological sites. Afterwards we stopped in Holbrook, AZ. for lunch at the oldest restaurant in town, Joe & Aggies Cafe and yes another mom and pop type. I wasn’t disappoint another good eat. Next stop was Winslow, AZ. to Stand On The Corner. This was made famous by the song ” Take It Easy” written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey and recorded by the Eagles in 1972. They deemed it a state park and opened in 1999. The park consist of two bronze statues one represents Glenn Frey and other has two possibilities, first a man who used hang on the corner with a guitar by his side. The second is some believe it is Jackson Browne. Final you to have old Flatbed Ford. Here is some final facts about this leg of our trip. First I-40 is also know as The Purple Heart Trail, Second we rode Route 66 in OK., TX., NM., and AZ.. Route 66 is know as the Mother Road running from Chicago, IL. to Los Angeles, CA. established 1926. God as truly showed us is mercy and grace through this leg of the trip. We rode 356 miles today bring total to 1801.