9/12/15

Snowville, Utah

We traveled through three states yesterday, and crossed into a different time zone. It was a long day. We drove 400 miles, and having lost an hour when we crossed into Mountain Time, it made the hours we had to travel even shorter. Nevertheless, we ended up at our final destination of Snowville, Utah (pop. 163) just shortly after 5:00 p.m. 

There isn't much to say about our day's drive beyond that. The terrain was dry, brown, and gold, with occasional blackened areas, presumably from recent wildfires.


I have a vague recollection of this area of I-84 being closed last month because of this fire.


Indeed, in our previous night's stay at Eagles Hot Lake RV Resort, we saw plenty of these fly overhead.


About two hours into our drive, we came across this sign...


then crossed the Snake River...


before crossing into Idaho. (Hi, Marei!)


The scenery didn't change much, but we did pass by a few picturesque farms along the way.



We have been traveling I-84 all the way from Portland, and we would still be traveling the same road when the day ended yesterday. Just before crossing into Utah, we stopped at a rest area where we read these two signs.



We were fooled by a trail that we thought would lead to something we wanted to see. Instead, it led to the shelter where the road maintenance crews keep the gravel that is spread on icy roads. Bummer. The signs were the most interesting part of this little venture. Nevertheless, we did see these little wildflowers.


Shortly after that, we crossed into Utah.


There was only one RV park within about a 50 mile radius, and so we drove in. It was pretty low-key. There wasn't even a human manning the desk. I just put some cash into an envelope and then we selected our spot. Still, we were amused by this sign.


I'm sorry, whichever one of you is my 501st friend. You'll have to shower elsewhere.

This was clearly the land of wide open spaces.


We could hear chickens, roosters, and geese that seemed to be squawking from somewhere nearby. Our shadow selves went out to investigate, but they didn't ever find the poultry. They always get distracted taking selfies. As I've said before, they are light packers, and so we let them come along when we travel. Also...they don't eat much.


The dandelions in the setting sun always catch my attention. They seem sort of whimsical and fairy-like to me.


So, we pulled out this morning on our way to Moab. Never mind what I said yesterday about getting to Moab on Sunday. We're actually getting there today...Saturday. Somewhere along the way, I lost a day. Anyway...I saw a quilt in the image below. Any guesses about what this is?


Go ahead and guess, and I'll tell you what it is next time I post.

So we continued on down I-84. That's the beginning of the Wasatch Range in the image below. We have been traveling parallel to that all day today. 


As we approached Brigham City, more agricultural areas started popping up.


But the 2nd most exciting event of the morning happened when we finally, finally, finally got off of I-84...still on an interstate, but somehow it seemed exciting to be traveling a different road. Yeah...we're bored. We hate traveling the interstates.


I was hoping for an image of the Great Salt Lake or the Mormon Tabernacle as we passed through Salt Lake City, but the best I could do was the State Capitol. And may I just say, Salt Lake City, your air quality sucks.


So, you're probably wondering what the most exciting thing was today...it was when we left the interstate for US Hwy 6 toward Price and Moab! Yay! We're off the interstate!


And that brings me to this moment in time. We've had lunch, Mike is taking a little nap, we'll have some coffee, and we'll be on our way. Moab, we'll be seeing you in a couple of hours and a couple hundred more miles.

13 comments:

Lee said...

I'm guessing that's a reflection on a shiny metal side of a truck or tool box unit or something like that? Have a fun trip and safe travels!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I agree with Lee - a dimpled metal unit of sort (your truck bumper?) that is reflecting what looks like a gas station pump and sign.

Kate said...

I have to agree with Lee and Sharon, something shiny reflecting a gas station/truck stop.

Sylvia said...

I think it is a gas station. BTW, you just passed by the turnoff to come down to my house! I live in Ephraim, which is about 50 miles south of Highway 6 on Highway 89. Be careful on 6, it is one of the most dangerous roads in the state. Also, the air quality in Salt Lake Valley can get pretty bad, but that is mostly in the Winter. The entire state (including my little valley) has had a lot of the smoke blow in from the fires in CA, WA, ID. Right now there are 3 or 4 active wildfires in our state, which is probably contributing to the poor air quality. Have a good time in Moab! One of our favorite places in our state. There is a quilt shop, It's Sew Moab, which is down the road from the Visitor's Center (I believe to the west) and across the street is a wonderful yarn shop.

Dana Gaffney said...

A magnified reflection from a fly's eye? :)

Marei said...

Hi Barbara! I waved to you yesterday when you got into, and drove out of, Idaho.
The other ladies have already taken my guess....it's the diamond pattern metal that appears to be reflecting an umbrella. In my mind I see a Taco Truck.

Anonymous said...

LOL so hard at the "limit 500 people" sign. Sure wouldn't want to be the 500th person in the restroom!!

I'm going to guess that is a mirror-paneled building that is reflecting something.

Teresa F.

quiltzyx said...

Looks like a Traveler's Insurance sign reflected from a building.
I agree about the air quality - that's what I saw when I went by in '07. Plus Utah was the only state that did NOT have friendly folks in their Visitor's Center (I was headed west, so was on the east side of the state) & the ladies' loo was so NASTY that I decided to hold it until I got to Idaho! Sorry, rant over.
Hard to believe they only let 500 folks at a time take showers there. Sheesh!
Love all the pictures & I'm having a wonderful time riding along with you!

Lyndsey said...

Just sitting dreaming over your piccies and the little break we're on to Moab. It sure beats preparing for this years teaching round that starts next week. I can't wait for the next installment. Having gone into London earlier in the week I could really do with those wide open spaces.

SJSM said...

Yep, a gas station reflection is my guess.

If you go home via 80 you can see the Great Salt Lake. We travel 80 from San Francisco to Salt Lake City when we go east. SLC is usually our first over night stop. Actually, Sandy, Utah. It usually is a long, lonely road but the changes in scenery are dramatic; mountains with trees, without trees, rolling hills, the Great Salt Flat and of course Salt Lake. Most of the area is dry terrain and strikingly beautiful. Thanks for the pics. To really appreciate the USA and its diverse areas there is nothing like driving over the land. One gets a better feel for the open spaces, the cities, our farm lands and the natural wonders. I always marvel at the brave souls who traveled by wagon, horseback, ox and walked to settle our country. From the earliest settlers on the east coast to those who traveled over the Appalachians, the Rocky Mountains, the Sierras and all the mountains, valleys and plains between.

LethargicLass said...

I love your maintenance shed adventure :) I am guessing a large mirrored golf ball? Although why there would be one I have no clue :)

gayle said...

Are we there yet?
My guess is shiny tool box, as well.
I hope you're all settled and comfy and ready for adventures!

liniecat said...

I do hope that 501 st person isn't desperate for a tiddle!!
I will never forget the first time we flew over Salt Lake City, it was an impressive sight to see with the layout of the city and the huge central Mormon church building.
Cant recall which US air base we were aiming for, but we must have been either in a holding pattern or certainly have started our descent to see the buildings so clearly.
Have a great time both