After a late start Thursday night, we rolled into Moab at 3:30 am Friday morning. It was a beautiful night, 50 degrees and starry and we were glad to have a peaceful night to sleep. In the morning, we did some shopping while the rest of the Salt Lake convoy drove down. We met up at 1 pm at the start of Mineral Bottom Road with the Canyonlands Crew. The group is 10 strong, Tim and I, Jimmie and Keri, Charlie and Amanda, Jimmy Hauschild, Corey, Luke and Jason.
Seven of us started riding while the two Jimmys and Tim drove the rigs down. With a stiff headwind, the 20 miles in were more challenging then usual, but the warm sunshine and 80 degree temperatures kept everyone cheerful. Clear skies and beautiful views stayed with us the entire day as we pedaled the 14 miles on the plateau and then dropped down 1000 feet into the Canyon bottom.
We set up camp in Taylor Canyon, about 6 miles east of the campsite which Tim, Keri, Jimmie, Jimmy and I had spent 3 days last Thanksgiving. It was great to get new views! The valley where we stayed is wide open and guarded by two enormous rock pillars called Zeus and Moses. As we ate a fantastic meal of fajitas and the nearly full moon rose over our heads, we all knew how lucky we were to be in such a special place.
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