Cedar City to Moab

We took a leisurely two days to travel to Moab, stopping overnight at Walmart. Walmart is the Tesco of the USA but, unlike Tesco, is happy for motorhomers to park up overnight. It works both ways, the campers get a free night, with Walmart 24 hour security in attendance, and Walmart get in return the extra pairs of eye and ears from the campers should any thieves or vandals think of dodging around security. Also, the campers shop in the store, as we do.

There aren’t many purpose-built motorway services compared to the UK; there may be pulloff fast food places that are signposted, or you can use the rest areas and make your own food. The rest areas are spasmodic, but this road is well supplied, and for lunch we stop atanyway one with information boards. It looks down over a vast and desolate plain.

The panels tell of early Mormon settlers who saw the area as a potential cattle prairie, but were warned off by the Indians because of the dryness and lack of good water. But the Mormons went ahead anyway and eked out a living. They obviously didn’t do that well as there is no sign of cultivation, livestock or dwellings today. The mountain behind is most eye-catching, but that doesn’t put food on the table.

Shortly after leaving the rest area the road runs through a steep gorge. So much rock has been blasted away, it begs the question whether a tunnel wouldn’t have been cheaper.

 We noticed black skies in the distance over an hour go. Now it’s catching up with us. The photo is not so much for the heavy rain clouds as for the unusual flying saucer shaped cloud. Quite disappointed that we weren’t of sufficient interest to be abducted.

We pull in to another rest area to change drivers just as the storm breaks and the wind whips up. It takes everyone by surprise, including the rest area rubbish collector who is caught, literally, with his trousers down.

I’m now driving and can honestly say these are the worst conditions I’ve ever experienced: rain in buckets and fierce gusting wind. We pulled in to a layby when it got too bad. Not far to the site, fortunately, and luckily some respite in the deluge as we set up in our pitch. But not for long, the downpour and lashing wind is back again. Little rivers are running down the road and through the pitch.

 By the end of the evening the tempest has run its course, and next day dawns bright and warm. We discover we have a really pleasant pitch at the edge of the site with a fine view of the cliffs. Happy holidays again.