BBQ/NATIONAL PARK TOUR DAYS #9/5 “On the Road Again”

by reissmd, posted in Uncategorized

Today was a travel day.  We left Monument Valley early this morning and headed north for Moab, Utah.  We were told that about 13 miles north of Monument Valley was something known as Forrest Gump Point.  You might remember in the film, Forrest starts running from coast to coast and after 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours he finally decides to stop.  If you want to see that scene you can click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKKmzmeU5-0 and you will see Monument Valley in the background.

Apparently tourists stop at this spot and take pictures of themselves with Monument Valley in the background at the same place you see Tom Hanks in the film.  The motion picture was filmed with the highway closed and Hanks was not in any danger.  What kind of fool would stand on the highway with cars traveling in both directions?  Only an idiot of course.

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Yours truly at Forrest Gump Point.  “What an idiot!”

We next stopped at Mexican Hat to eat breakfast.  This is a very small town that is named after a local phenomena of the same name.  They have a hotel and a couple of restaurants.  I asked the waitress why do people come to Mexican Hat?  “They don’t” she replied.   Is there fishing nearby and people come for that?  “No”.  How about hunting?  “No”.  No one comes here?  “No”.  Okay, I will accept that.

One thing for sure we are in a Red state.  Trump should do well here.  The place is so Red they even think oranges are red.

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In Red states the oranges are apparently called apples.
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Mexican Hat
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It seems if you know how to take a picture it really looks like a Mexican Hat (aka Sombrero).

We also stopped at Gooseneck State Park in order to see the San Juan River curving through the canyons.  There was a $5 entry fee to the park but Patrice saw a display of Navajo-made jewelry so the exit fee was much higher.

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San Juan River at Gooseneck State Park
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Patrice wearing the Gooseneck State Park exit fee.

Well, we finally made it to Moab.  They put us in room #100.

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We are in room #100. It was a long drive, am I missing something?

We arrived in Moab early so we had time to visit Arches National Park.  The visitor center sells a CD that essentially gives you a tour of the park.  Fifteen thousand and one steps later we were on our way back to the hotel and ready for a good night sleep.

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“Delicate” Arch
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“Sand Dune” Arch

I took many more photos but I won’t bore you anymore than I have already.

Tomorrow we visit Canyonlands.

14 thoughts on “BBQ/NATIONAL PARK TOUR DAYS #9/5 “On the Road Again””

  4. I love how you write! Waking up to your blog is a great way to start my Friday!!! You are funny and I feel as if I’m on your trip! Great photos – NO they are not boring!!! Until your next entry – have fun!!!😄

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    1. Thanks so much for the recommendation to buy the narrative CDs at the parks. The ranger at the entrance didn’t mention it but they were so very helpful. More helpful at Arches than Canyonlands but both very good.

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