Western Parks Trip-- Day 11, Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Today is a travel day, moving on to Moab, which is in the northeastern part of Utah.  We decamped about 9 AM after once again having to make an adjustment to the slide.  This time we supported the motor, after getting the slide to fully retract, on blocks taped in place.  

David drove the first two hours up US 89 which is a steady uphill grade, mostly causing 3000 RPM for the truck.  It's good hiway, though, as has been most of Utah's roads.  We intersected I70 and I took over driving.  We were able to get a radio station once we were on higher ground and heard what is causing the hazy skyline which we had first noted on the drive to Bryce Canyon.  The smoke from the fires in California, Oregon and Washington is being driven by a westerly wind.  Much of northern Utah is under a "respiratory advisory" for unhealthy air.  We have noted itchy eyes from the pollution.  

Once on I70 we immediately got 80 MPH signs!!  No one really seemed to be traveling that speed, however, because there are so many curves and grades and descents.  It is a busy road, though, with lots of semis.  Scenery is spectacular, too.  

We reached Moab about 4 PM.  Our camp is called Archview and is just a few miles from the entrance to Arches NP and even less to Canyonlands NP.  It has very clean facilities and we are near the restroom/showers and laundry, a high priority when you are camping.  We are parked beside youngish cottonwood trees, but they are not big enough to provide much shade.  So we extended our awning.  We have an incredible view outside our front door, too.

It is always a tiring event to move from one camp to another, so we decided to go out for dinner to Pasta Jay's, an excellent Italian restaurant.  Delicious.