Dear Maia, Isaac and Virtual Wanderers,

All good things must come to an end and 9.20.25 was the last day of our amazing camping road trip across the Four-Corners and SE Utah. We woke up at Dead Horse Point State Park and I found myself full of ambivalence. I want to keep traveling. I want to go home. I’m tired. I’m inspired. I find meaning in my travels. I need to get home to my responsibilities. Have you ever felt that way at the end of a trip?

My immediate responsibilities were to feed the dogs, administer their medication, roll up everything in the tent, roll up the tent, pack the car, and eat my own breakfast. Morning chores are my least favorite part of a camping road trip. And the list is long. It is probably why I eventually decided to go home.

Once all that was completed, I wanted to take one more short hike before hitting the road. We hike the Desert View Overlook and Pyramid Canyon trails until Kokopelli got too hot, which was probably a mile or so round trip. It was our first time on this trail and it had some nice views. Definitely an easy trail.

I was kind of missing our February hikes where the sun is less intense. Those hikes at Dead Horse are our first official hiking road trip for the year. The sun feels so good then, but today it was a bit too intense. Still, what a great last long-distance trip of fall!

It was early afternoon when we got to Moab for Wendy’s before heading home. Now, GPS would have had us go back to I-70, but there was no reason to avoid our favorite way home from Moab: Utah 128. I wanted one more breath of Utah Frisson before heading home, and this route is perfect. I have written many February blogs about this route, but this is our first summer/fall trip. Here is our route for today.

It was beautiful, as always. I tried to focus my brain on staying in the moment. I’m thinking about the cat and plants back home. I’m thinking about the handyman/plumber I need to hire. I am thinking about open enrollment. I am thinking about my business, Art from the Hartt. But, then I look up and see the stunning red canyon walls that surround the Colorado River. I’m good with staying in the moment for a bit longer.

It has been an amazing trip, once in a lifetime. I am going to write a synopsis post this time. I am grateful for a few days to process it all. I hope to read these posts when I am 90+ and no longer able to travel. I hope someday Maia and Isaac get a chance to read them, too. They are my inspiration.

Keep on truckin, Grandma Cathy