We followed the Mormon Trail (jk) from Omaha to Moab with a stopover in Denver to see Emily. The drive through Nebraska was exactly as C remembered it from years past. I was in love with the amount of space – and steaks. Er….cattle.

We stayed at a super luxury, 5 star La Quinta Inn between the interstate and the train tracks… But Emily came and whisked us away to an amazing meal at Root Down. We made it for happy hour and stayed for last call. We even saw the Van Ackerens!

Then on to Utah! It was a really great drive and we knew we’d be setting up camp on arrival (thanks for letting us borrow the tent, Dave and Lynn) so we scoped out campgrounds on the way. A lot along the muddy (freezing) Colorado River, but we finally decided on Slickrock Recreation Area. It was hot putting up the tent, but we got it all situated and then headed back into town for supplies – ice and cheese, really. The wind died down at sunset, so we had a great campfire – and a bottle of MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir – and waited for stars. We headed to bed just in time for a huge windstorm to rock the tent – and dust the inside with fine sand. Tonight we’ll zip the shades at the first sound of wind…

Now we’re enjoying a beer at the Moab Brewery after a full day of hikes in Arches National Park (and showers at a local “fancy” campground). There’s some live music at the local BBQ place tonight. We’re loving Utah!