We were heading to Arches national park today, when we saw a sign turning off to Canyonlands national park. We knew the canyonlands is further on from arches, so we figured it would be a loop. So we turned off.

It was an amazing drive to canyon lands, through towering rocks, and a few rock climbers scaling them.

We stopped at newspaper rock wondering what it could be. A rock that looked like a newspaper? Turns out it was a rock covered in petroglyphs telling the news. It was pretty cool.

We arrived at canyonlands national park, feeling pleased with ourselves at deviating from our route and finding a better route through to Arches np.

But it turns out it’s an in and out route. Canyonlands is split into two parts, and the part we deviated to is the needles.

It was well worth the deviation for the drive in itself! In the national park there were needle formations, and a lot of red rocks with white tops. This effect looked neat.

We then had to backtrack about an hour and continued on to Arches national park. We arrived at Moab hoping to get some supplies, but it was very busy on a Saturday afternoon. So we filled up with both water and fuel from the service station and continued on to arches np, which is ten minutes from Moab.

As we were driving in there was a sign saying reservation was required before 4pm. Thankfully it was after 4pm as we hadn’t known this. Lucky we did that diversion earlier.

We drove around Arches but it seemed more like “where are the arches”. It was a little underwhelming after all the amazing scenery we’d been seeing, and there were so many people. Or it might be that we’re just getting sick of rocks.

It was 6pm by the time we’d finished at arches, and we had to find somewhere to camp. So we headed towards the other end of Canyonlands, but all the camps were full being a sat night.

It was starting to get dark and cows were grazing on the side of the road and we didn’t want to get stuck driving at night.

Then we saw a few campervans parked off the side of the road. It wasn’t a designated camp area and probably not allowed, but we drove in anyway. It was a rutted dirt road and most spots were taken, but we found a slight pull off on the edge of the road and took it. It was a nice spot, but a little sandy so we had to be careful not to park in loose sand.

It was 8pm by this time and we settled on a salad wrap for dinner and watched a firey sunset.

We were heading to Arches national park today, when we saw a sign turning off to Canyonlands national park. We knew the canyonlands is further on from arches, so we figured it would be a loop. So we turned off.

It was an amazing drive to canyon lands, through towering rocks, and a few rock climbers scaling them.

We stopped at newspaper rock wondering what it could be. A rock that looked like a newspaper? Turns out it was a rock covered in petroglyphs telling the news. It was pretty cool.

We arrived at canyonlands national park, feeling pleased with ourselves at deviating from our route and finding a better route through to Arches np.

But it turns out it’s an in and out route. Canyonlands is split into two parts, and the part we deviated to is the needles.

It was well worth the deviation for the drive in itself! In the national park there were needle formations, and a lot of red rocks with white tops. This effect looked neat.

We then had to backtrack about an hour and continued on to Arches national park. We arrived at Moab hoping to get some supplies, but it was very busy on a Saturday afternoon. So we filled up with both water and fuel from the service station and continued on to arches np, which is ten minutes from Moab.

As we were driving in there was a sign saying reservation was required before 4pm. Thankfully it was after 4pm as we hadn’t known this. Lucky we did that diversion earlier.

We drove around Arches but it seemed more like “where are the arches”. It was a little underwhelming after all the amazing scenery we’d been seeing, and there were so many people. Or it might be that we’re just getting sick of rocks.

It was 6pm by the time we’d finished at arches, and we had to find somewhere to camp. So we headed towards the other end of Canyonlands, but all the camps were full being a sat night.

It was starting to get dark and cows were grazing on the side of the road and we didn’t want to get stuck driving at night.

Then we saw a few campervans parked off the side of the road. It wasn’t a designated camp area and probably not allowed, but we drove in anyway. It was a rutted dirt road and most spots were taken, but we found a slight pull off on the edge of the road and took it. It was a nice spot, but a little sandy so we had to be careful not to park in loose sand.

It was 8pm by this time and we settled on a salad wrap for dinner and watched a firey sunset.

Today we sat around, overlooking the valley of gods from our prime campsite. We were the only ones there and we absolutely loved watching the sun come up, changing to colours of the rocks to a deep red.

Around lunchtime we left and drove to see the Arch canyon which reminded me of Kings canyon in Aussie. We ate our lunch looking up at the canyon. Fresh rolls with cottage cheese and coleslaw. Surprisingly delicious!

We started driving down a rutted red dirt road, but the no trespassing signs kept putting me off. But we had to drive about 2 miles before we could find a turn around point. at this point, I’m sick of dusty dirt roads and may have to rethink if we drive to the Arctic Ocean.

From arches canyon we had to backtrack to keep heading north. We found a national forest campground in devils canyon for just $10 a night. Little did I know we were at even higher altitude than when we were sick.

At 7400 feet we are both feeling breathless from exertion. Whether it’s from Covid or normal at 2200 metres, I’m not sure. But I’m keen to get to lower levels. We’re headed to arches national park tomorrow which is at about 4-5000 feet. No doubt it will be busy on a Saturday.

For dinner we had pasta and a sauce. I wanted garlic bread to go with it, but we don’t eat butter. So we improvised. Chop some fresh garlic, put in a pan with some olive oil, and fry bread in it. It was delicious!

Today we sat around, overlooking the valley of gods from our prime campsite. We were the only ones there and we absolutely loved watching the sun come up, changing to colours of the rocks to a deep red.

Around lunchtime we left and drove to see the Arch canyon which reminded me of Kings canyon in Aussie. We ate our lunch looking up at the canyon. Fresh rolls with cottage cheese and coleslaw. Surprisingly delicious!

We started driving down a rutted red dirt road, but the no trespassing signs kept putting me off. But we had to drive about 2 miles before we could find a turn around point. at this point, I’m sick of dusty dirt roads and may have to rethink if we drive to the Arctic Ocean.

From arches canyon we had to backtrack to keep heading north. We found a national forest campground in devils canyon for just $10 a night. Little did I know we were at even higher altitude than when we were sick.

At 7400 feet we are both feeling breathless from exertion. Whether it’s from Covid or normal at 2200 metres, I’m not sure. But I’m keen to get to lower levels. We’re headed to arches national park tomorrow which is at about 4-5000 feet. No doubt it will be busy on a Saturday.

For dinner we had pasta and a sauce. I wanted garlic bread to go with it, but we don’t eat butter. So we improvised. Chop some fresh garlic, put in a pan with some olive oil, and fry bread in it. It was delicious!

Today we drive through monument valley, past the bit on Forrest Gump when he turned around. Lots of people had stopped to recreate the photo. Not us though as I’ve never seen the film.

We continued to the valley of the gods which was incredible. We drove 17 miles along a dusty red track, surrounded by crazy rock formations. There were plenty of free camping places, but most of them were close to the road, and I wasn’t keen on having dust kicked up on us.

We continued the loop, then got some petrol, then found an amazing campsite at the start of the loop trail, overlooking the valley of the gods. It was incredible.

We cooked up a chicken and potato stew.

The drive today was incredible. The scenery just keeps getting better as we drive through desert landscape surrounded by towering red cliffs.

We were going to stop at horseshoe bend, but when we saw all the tourists and the $10 charge, we decided to skip it. Instead, we headed on to marble canyon which was incredible. And it was free because we have a national parks pass.

We found an amazing campground overlooking the Colorado river, surrounded by the marbled cliffs. And it was only $10 to camp!

It’s really hot today, a welcome change from the sub zero temperatures we’d been having.

What a difference a day makes!

We finally left sick camp. Neither of us could bear the thought of staying there another day, we headed off this morning. Twenty minutes up the road were some well-preserved petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the lives and stories of the tribes that once inhabited this area. A bit further up the road were dinosaur foot prints.

Next stop, Zion National Park. This was an incredible drive through towering sandstone cliffs with vibrant shades of red, orange, and pink. There was a scary historic tunnel to go through dating back to 1931! It was 1.7km long, dark and narrow. But we made it.

After Zion, we headed to the coral pink sand dunes national park, but they were fully booked. But the drive was neat to see the colourful dunes, which I thought were more orange than pink.

There were plenty of places to free camp today, but I decided I wanted power for our heater. I don’t want our covid to go backwards. It was a lovely warm day today, and we are at lower elevation and feeling much better for it.

Tonight we are staying in Kanab, a town surrounded by red mountains. A burger joint across the road summoned us. I chose the healthier grilled chicken option, while mike had a burger.

And Mike had a shower for the first time in a week!

We are both very excited about things to see around this area.

Today brought a touch of excitement as snowflakes added a sprinkle of charm to the day. I ventured out of the van briefly to experience the wintry scene, but the biting cold sent me scurrying back inside, thankful for electricity and our fan heater.

Today, I got stuck into editing our videos, determined to get at least a couple done before our departure.

All going well, we plan to move on from our sick camp tomorrow, and explore the Utah national parks!

This COVID thing is weird. We were both feeling fine today, so ventured out to the shops. Walmart to be precise. We needed food, and also invested in a gas heater, so we can be warm when off grid.

But taking the shopping back to the van and packing it away in the cupboards proved to be a harder task than it should be. I felt slightly out of breath just doing this simple task.

It might have something to do with being at altitude, but it’s only 6000 feet, it’s not that high.

It’s forecast to snow tomorrow, so we’re staying put until Tuesday.

Last night we didn’t hear any rustling, nor was there a dead mouse on our doorstep. So success! It must have been a lone mouse looking for somewhere nice and warm to establish himself in before seeking a partner to share it with.

I’m feeling much better today. I still have a nagging headache and cough but feel fine otherwise. Mike is still a bit crappy but I think he’s a few days behind me.

I felt well enough today to get a video edited, so that’s what I did, but not much else.

The weather is going to take a turn for the worse with snow scheduled for Monday. So we have to make a decision on whether we stay put or chance getting stuck in the snow somewhere without power.

We’ll see how Mike feels tomorrow.