SLC to Moab

Today I traveled from Salt Lake City to Moab . When I left SLC the temperature was well below freezing and a light snow was falling. Fortunately I had figured out that covered parking was available and had taken advantage of it the evening prior. So that was helpful in that the car was at least frost and snow free. However, the frozen windshield wiper fluid became a real problem as the other cars on the road kicked up a nasty mix of slush, salt and mud. I kept having to stop to pour water on the windshield to clear it.

For whatever reason, I exhaled as I drove into Moab. Maybe because the temperature hovered just above freezing and the sky was blue with white puffy clouds, maybe because I arrived midday instead of at dusk or after dark, maybe because I was staying three nights, which is a more comfortable schedule, maybe the wide open spaces. Who knows, but I let out a breath I did not know I was holding.

First order of business, give Lucy II her second bath in as many days. Second, find some windshield wiper fluid that was rated below freezing. The Chevron station in town provided both, as well as a nice woman behind the counter who gave me some tips on thawing the plugged emitters. While I once had a pretty good understanding of basic car maintenance (thanks Dad), that was in the pre-computer days. I’m pretty sure I have never opened the hood of this vehicle, except accidentally while looking for the gas cap cover. That it stayed up on its own without a metal prop was a nice surprise. Now, where to put the windshield wiper fluid? Not the reservoir for the brake fluid, nor the one for the coolant. Ah, the one with a nice icon of windshield wipers. I filled it up, but no immediate results. The Chevron lady advised finding as much sun as possible as that was really the only way to thaw the emitters. Fortunately, sun was in plentiful supply. It took about an hour, but I finally have working windshield wiper fluid again! The small things in life.

In the meantime I stopped at the local outfitter, Gearheads , to rent some crampons for the trails at Arches National Park . I was told all of the trails were open, but that does not preclude icy patches. Worst case I would not need them, which was well worth the 15 bucks. I still had a few hours of daylight, so I decided to drive Arches to familiarize myself with the park. I have visited Moab previously, but in the Spring. It was so crazy that we (another Art Wolf workshop) did not even attempt to photograph in Arches, instead sticking to Canyonlands and other outlying areas. So I was still unfamiliar with Arches. The park is large and has many attractions. I only got about halfway up the road through the park, so I will have to explore the far half tomorrow. The beautiful skies lasted until - you guessed it - time for sunset. By then the sky had clouded over and there was only a tepid sunset. I think we should start a pool on when I will actually get a sunset worth photographing.

The big question for tomorrow - will I attempt the trail to Delicate Arch?  Stay tuned.

Additional images in the Gallery