Rocks Above and Below

Day 25 - May 30th

We started our morning by getting breakfast at Jailhouse Cafe in Moab. The historical building housed the first County Courthouse of Grand County, UT. It was built in 1885 as a private residence, but became the County Courthouse in 1892. Over the years, it served as a house, a U.S post office, a store, offices, and finally, the Jailhouse Gallery. The building was taken over in 1992 and renovated to this restaurant. We sat outside and listened to the birds (and traffic) as we ate our breakfast. It was quite delightful.

After breakfast, we drove the River Scenic Byway which follows the Colorado River. Paul and Cindy had told us about it at dinner and said we should drive it for at least 20 miles and then drive back. They said we wouldn't regret taking the time because it was so beautiful. They were right! The rock formations were awesome and following the river with all of the people boating was fun. We spent about 30 minutes driving east and then turned around and returned. Sights we missed on the way we were able to catch coming back.

National Historic Site #22 - Canyonlands National Park
Next, we drove to Canyonlands National Park. There are four districts of the park...the Needles, Island in the Sky, the Maze, and a separate area called Horseshoe Canyon Unit. The Colorado River and the Green River both run inside the park, creating the canyons. You can not cross over into a different district without going outside of the park. 



We chose to go to the Island in the Sky district. We went to the Visitor Center and do our usual, movie, exhibits, and shop.




The rock formations here were mostly deep in the canyons. There were still formations above ground, but the canyon areas were beautiful.

These pictures were from the Green River Overlook. It was beautiful!

We left Canyonlands and drove to Green River, UT. Paul had given us a hard time about choosing to stay in Green River because there is NOTHING there. He did tell us to eat a hamburger at Ray's Tavern. So we went once we checked into the hotel. From the outside, it probably wouldn't have been our choice, but since Paul had highly recommended it and Green River doesn't have many options, we went. The inside of the restaurant was interesting. It reminded us of Coney Island restaurant in St. Pete except a little bit more upscale.The booths were all made out of very thick ponderosa pine. They were beautiful and all unique to the grain of the wood! Our food was excellent! The hamburgers/cheeseburgers were cooked just right and very juicy. We really enjoyed the meal! Thanks, Paul!

We headed back to the hotel.   Upon arrival, we realized the hotel was under renovations. Imagine that! Dean quickly noted the Fitness Center sign. Oh shoot! 

Robin had been nursing a sore throat all day and was wiping out. We got some salt from the hotel clerk so she could gargle before bed. Time for sleep!