Grandkids Backpacking

 My oldest granddaughter, age 8, asked her parents for an overnight backpack trip this year. Her mom made it happen! Wilma and I raised the granddaughter's mom and uncle in a camping family, which included a backpack trip when they were teenagers. I'm very pleased that it's trickling down to their kids. Her mom explored the Internet and found a respectable youth backpack. Little sis said "Me Too" but, for her, a day pack was big enough. In a millisecond I decided it was worth the drive to be there, too. I scheduled my visit with Liz so I could swing by Colorado on my way home. 

We found a mile+ trail up to a small lake at 10, 480' not far from their northern Colorado home. The trail was an old National Forest Service access road, so navigation was easy. Uphill all the way but it was worth it.

With kids, everything is a crap shoot. However, the odds were with us. The youngest had a melt down on the way up but recovered. From then on they had a blast! Their mom and dad were basically the outfitters that made sure tents were put up and everyone was fed and watered. We introduced them to backcountry camp protocol. After supper we hung a our bear bag with their help. Clean camp. Leave No Trace. Etc.  

I was first up. After a while I hear some giggling, followed by to cheery granddaughters running out to see me. Mom and dad took a while longer, lingering in a short reprieve. The girls and I sat by the lake and watched the sun rise higher in the sky behind the mountain ridge. Then they helped me retrieve the bear bag and start hot water for breakfast. They are completely at home in the woods. Makes a grandpa proud!

To Moab!

 Time to visit Liz in Moab for the first time. I decide to drive (I like to drive) the 900+ miles.

She runs a ceramics studio there and teaches the artform. She has plenty of workspace and equipment but my eyes are drawn to the water dispenser, plants and window. Those with a membership have access to Open Studio time, so I get to meet some of her 'people'. They've created a neat little community there of similar souls that I like.

After seeing some of the sights we go to Back and Beyond bookstore. This is a neat independent bookstore that even delves into collectible books and maps, etc.  They have one of Edward Abbey's working desk with a working draft of Desert Solitaire.

In some spare time (Liz needs to be at her shop) I find a small climbing gym. It's mostly for bouldering but they do have a top-rope wall. Since I have nobody to belay me, I use their vertical treadmill (there's a real word for it but I don't know what that is). Ground floor has a couple tables to sit and chill. Vending machines with cool drinks, or they have coffee. 

So many coffee shops! (See later post for a list) I really like Sweet Cravings Bakery & Bistro. Plenty of room for indoor seating and a view to the east with large windows. A mom and pop shop that's personable.

Here's my list of coffee shops (yes, I'm addicted!). The Gonzo Inn has a small café with outdoor seating. I loved the gecko in their sign, so I had to sketch it, until I ran out of fountain pen ink. Switched to fiberpoint pen. The Moab Garage Company is laid out nicely. They even have an espresso drink that uses some ice cream. I try later to return and try it but failed to hit their open hours. Some coffee shops close too early for my yearnings.

Ahhh, on to Arches National Park! We did a driving tour, but when I had some spare time, I came back to sketch. The iconic Balanced Rock. Then on the the Window Arches. I started to sketch the La Sal Mountain profile. It's distinctive and to the southeast of Moab, Arches NP and Canyonland NP. It's functional to get your bearings. However, my sketching of it had spacing problems. The next sketch finally comes close.

On the fourth try I'm happy with my mountain range profile. The scree fall-off is unique on the south end of the range.

The Moab Music Festival happened to be going on for my visit! For over a week, every night is a musical event or music-related event. This particular night would be at this building.

We got up early to hike out to Delicate Arch. This is the iconic arch used in most publicity material. The raven was there, too. They know more than what they speak. I also listed all the activities the Liz put together for me. She would tell me the options to choose from and we kept it flexible. I was here for just over two weeks. I'll be back.

This is my favorite sketch of this trip! We were driving through Canyondland N.P. and I loved this overview of the Green River. All the white land is the same geological layer. Then erosion happens. I fell in love with the sketch potential! So, again, when I had some free time I drove out to be absorbed by it. I caught it just before sundown. These places are always vast and quiet so I have a fond memory of my time there. 

The crack down the middle of my sketchbook is what happens when a 7000 lb SUV drives over my sketchbook. My fault. Could be worse. The artwork is fine, not like it got wet or I lost it. My granddaughters were concerned but I told them it was fine (damage was done on a later visit to see family). Lesson learned: When getting ready for a hike, do NOT put your water bottle and sketchbook on top of the vehicle's tire. 

I was lucky on this trip to have a nice amount of sketch time. Liz is understanding, since she is a creative, too. Some trips just don't allow the time. This trip was top shelf!