Day 1, A long day and journey for many. Getting situated was a race with time and a race with the setting sun!

Just before dark, we received an SOS. Three of our earlier arriving campers miscalculated their location into a neighboring campsite. A well-meaning ranger got involved. Our group quickly mobilized and within minutes, three fully intact tents rolled into their designated campsite.

Thank you all for pulling together and being helpful. This set the stage for the rest of our trip :)

We then enjoyed a relaxing campfire.

The longest drive acknowledgment goes to Chris, who drove in from Maricopa, Arizona.

0600 – just before sunrise, newest member, and self-appointed camp security person (“Identify Yourselves” … umm… because I didn’t know anyone besides Kim) who is later officially appointed Trip Reporter, secures night vision monocular and bear spray.

TEN Hut! Ten Huts? No, there were 15 tents. 15 campers, Check. Check.

2 hours to departure – 0800.

Latrine visits for all.

Many camp stoves simultaneously boiling water for caffeinated beverages and such.

Arizona Trailblazers beat the crowd and found ample parking at the Delicate Arch Trailhead. A beautiful hike and many pictures were taken. This hike was about four miles with a side hike for petroglyphs viewing.

After completing the sunrise hike to Delicate Arch, nine Trailblazers set out for the Fiery Furnace Trail. Monday was the warmest day of the trip, with a cloudless sky rising temperature. Fortunately, we were in shade much of the time, with a cool breeze between the rocks.

We entered the Furnace in a counterclockwise direction. We started off with a short exploration of a small side canyon before returning to the main trail, where we met a ranger intern, who was on her second trip through the maze. She advised to watch for the dead end signs and explore beyond them, as there was usually something interesting to see.

We all agreed that trail finding was more difficult than the orientation video had indicated. The directional arrows were small and easy to miss. Following footprints was no help, as many led in the wrong directions. Many times we started down a path, only to backtrack. Without the phone map app, we would have had great difficulty.

The scenery in the furnace was even more spectacular than the video, and far exceeded our expectations. We were always surrounded by towering red rock columns, separated by sandy washes, narrow slots, boulder tangles, narrow ledges, and one patch of poison ivy. We found several interesting formations, including Skull Arch, Surprise Arch, and more.

After our first chance encounter with the ranger, we bumped into her again two more times. Other than the ranger, we saw only one more couple at a distance. After three hours, we emerged from the maze.

Lin, Gail, Nicole, Joyce, Terry, Chris, Robert, and Barbra participated in this hike.

Day 3. Departure time 0730. Platoon Leader Lin Chao kept us flying straight.

Our schedule was switched around because of rain prediction, so we all hiked the Devil’s Garden Trail together, then broke off to smaller groups according to mileage and “scary” endurance. One group hiked about six miles and the other group, about nine miles. Hiking continued later in the evening as well. People reported having “A Great Day”.

More excellent food for dinner followed by a big warm bonfire. S’Mores, anyone?

Huge lightning storm arrives in the middle of our 3rd night, as predicted.

Person in red tent reports seeing red lightning!

Person in a new tent reports tent survived and pretty sure – 34 MPH winds through the little canyon. Good thing tent warrantees for 35 MPH wind, you know, just before collapse. Whew!

Structural integrity of all tents prevailed.

Little lake forms in the middle of Juniper Basin Campsite. Where is the ferry when you need it? One muddy camper was spotted swabbing out her tent with her sweat suit bottoms. Damp clothes and compromised sleep. Everyone is fine. No reported drownings. Relocation of a few tents to higher ground.

Day 4, Road Trippin’ to Canyonlands National Park and then to Dead Horse Point State Park. We rocked out at more awesome views.

Three stayed behind to blaze more of the Arches trails. No reports of it having rained that day after all. Yay!

Dinner in Moab. Many people were schmoozed for their restaurant/food reviews and the consensus was...2 thumbs up for the chosen restaurant, Dewey’s Restaurant and Bar. The shrimp salad was loaded with Big shrimp, the steaks were quickly scarfed down/polished off, and the trout was a generous portion and looked like salmon. The local ale beer was smooth.

Day 5, people slept in if they wanted to and/or had a good breakfast, then packed up for their journey home. New friends were made. Good times had by all.