Moab for Memorial....the 2016 edition

Last weekend, I made the annual trek to Moab with my friends.  This year was lots different than past. I brought Fritz with me and Philip had his own cabin with Tiffany!  This year we had about 55 people in the group there.  It has become an annual event for many.

Fritz came down  from Idaho Thursday so we were able to get on the road Friday.  It is always lots more work to pack the car and Philip wasn't here to help me so I did it mostly by myself.  But luckily, we got it done and hit the road just in time.  We got to Moab just in time to get unpacked, say hello, and start our adventure.

This trip is best shared through photos.  So here we go.

One of the traditions is you take a photo of your loaded car
and put it on the Facebook group page to let them know you
are on the road.  Here is ours this year.

We decided to drive into Arches in the evening.  We got there just after
a rainstorm and while the sun was setting.  We had stunning lighting
for photos (none of these use a filter)....and the park felt almost empty!!

Balanced Rock

Windows

It's getting dark

Beautiful sunset

The next day, we planned a "difficult" rated 4X4 Jeep tour.  Luckily, we found a tour company where they drive but they planned Hell's Revenge which is a very challenging course.  We had 12 in our group in 2 Jeeps.  I was so thankful to get the Jeep that had a top on it.  We also found out it had air conditioning which was very nice!

Our Jeep was me, Robert,Stacy, Sarah, and Fritz

Gorgeous day for a drive!

Up the ridge.  Steep on both sides.  I thought this was scary!

Fritz and me ready for adventure

The other Jeep.  Christine giving a thumbs up

Beautiful Scenery along the way

Over hill and dell

The most difficult hill.  This was insane

I put my water bottle between my legs to hold it.  About 45
minutes later, I realized my lap was completely wet and realized
I had crushed the bottle with my thighs!!  How funny is that??

Fresh strawberry snacks half way through

Strawberries and whipped cream

What goes up, must come down

Beautiful scenery from the cliff

This is us. I am in the front seat.  We went down this rock and let
 Stacy out so she could take a photo.  Then we backed up the rock
and went forward again.  I admit I screamed.

The jeep ride was intense.  Very scary parts and I did close my eyes in some places.  I never did feel like we weren't completely safe which made it nice.  I discovered I laugh when I am nervous.  So I laughed alot over the 3.5  hours.

When we got back to camp, it was my team's turn to make dinner. Luckily, we did crock pot meals so everything was cooked and we just need to chop and prep the rest the stuff.  Dinner was good and certainly easy.  I was exhausted and glad to go to bed that night.

Sunday, we were moving pretty slow.  We decided to take it easy in the morning and we ended up going for a drive up the road by the Colorado River.  We ended up at the winery and why not do a tasting?  We drove around and took lots of photos.  Then we had a chance to jump the other way and look at the petroglyphs.  I think Fritz had fun.  We met Philip and Tiffany for lunch in town and then headed back to camp for a nap.  I was exhausted.

Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs

Philip and Tiffany in town

Colorado river

Second night team dinner.  Tacos and Tequila!

Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head home.  We had so much fun and I am always sad when it is time to say goodbye.  We already have our reservations for next year. It is nice to have something to  look forward too!

Pretty blooms  on  the tree in front of our cabin.