| Storm Rider |
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| Joined: 06 Sep 2004 |
| Posts: 18 |
| Location: Minnesota |
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Day 7 - The Dunes - Nov. 7, 2004
Friends from Wisconsin arrived yesterday, and they are really looking forward to exploring this beautiful and unique area called Canyon Country. First was a small panel of petrographs located in an unusual and lonely spot. The hike to the location was less than a mile with the last section of the hike marked by rock cairns. The information provided told of a fifth grade class from the Moab Public Schools working with the BLM and becoming aware of the need to have some maintenance at the site.
Needed were clean-up after careless visitors and campers, clearly marking the hiking route, posting some information telling about the site, monitoring and satisfying future needs, and no longer allowing camping in that area. What a great public service from the students while they are doing a truly meaningful project. The curriculum connections to their schoolwork are obvious. It is remindful of Adopt a Highway programs that many states are using to help with litter removal. Perhaps Adopt a Canyon Country Site by the public could be used for needed work and maintenance in many of these areas.
Next was hiking and picture taking at an overlook into Spring Canyon, then on to the dunes. They are called the Dubinky Dunes by some and the White Wash Dunes by others, and also the Ruby Ranch Dunes. The official name is unknown by us. But we now know it is a different kind of exploring to find our way through the dunes and to be in the pink sand with sandstone domes rising right out of the tallest sand dunes. Cameras were clicking and whirring as this new experience unfolded for us.
With the afternoon beginning to cool, White Wash was our five-mile long sand highway from the far end of the dunes to the Red Wash Trail. After a stop at Tombstone Rock for a little break, we were soon back to the Big Mesa trailhead.
Pizza Buffet in Moab was soooo good after a great day in outdoors! Tomorrow? - More adventures!
Discovery of the Day: Finding that it is possible leave the dunes on the far northeast end and use White Wash to get to Red Wash Trail without going back onto the sand dunes. |
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