April 8, 2005 –

The wind continued through the night and it was still gusty this morning. As you looked off in the horizon you could see the haze from the dust storms – and everywhere tumbleweeds were blowing. At one point tumbleweed past us – and we were traveling at 40 MPH – so it gives you an idea how windy it was.

Made the decision to stay an extra couple of days (paid for the third and got the 4th free) so hopefully we are not making a wrong decision and getting caught in another storm system. After paying, for the extra nights, reserving the next stop, checking into Cliff Palace tours, booking a private museum tour and showering the boys – we headed out. First stop was an RV shop where we were successful in picking up a replacement for the broken latch on the fridge (no more holding it closed when we are travelling by wedging a walking stick between the fridge and cupboard). From there we continued on to Wal Mart to pick up a number of things – a small camel pack for the boys so they can carry their own water on hikes (they have one but it has worked out so well that we wanted another); and margarita mix for the adults (after weeks of taken frozen water bottles to keep out lunch cold when hiking we finally figured out that we should take frozen margarita – … not the brightest bunnies in the hutch were we). However while we were there we stumbled into them having some frozen crawfish at the deli – so Dad bought their last four pounds in order to augment the catfish that we were having for supper.

From there we headed north a few miles to the town of Aztec – and another Pueblo ruins. These ruins have a re-constructed Giant Kiva – that was truly a marvel to see. Not only is it amazing with its massive size but also the sure feeling of power and reverence that the room elicits. Unfortunately they were re-doing the roof of the Kiva – so we were not able to get access to all of the building – but were glad at what we were able to see. The other thing that was unique about the ruins at Aztec was a triple walled circular structure that stood off from the main group of buildings. The space between the three concentric circulars walls is partitioned into smaller rooms (8 in the inner and 14 in the outer ring). These compartments were only accessible by a series of roof hatchways. It is generally agreed that the use of this building was ceremonial but beyond that the exact use is uncertain. Within the span of two centuries the community of Aztec grew to become one of the largest Pueblo towns; then declined and perhaps became deserted for a period of time; the was revived with many of the original rooms being remodelled and then finally burned and abandoned.

Despite the wind and the number of ruins that we have seen – we were still able to see and learn new things – and so were glad that we had come. In addition they had a collection of youth mystery adventure books that take place in the National Parks – that we picked up for the kids – and have started reading the first – centered on Yellowstone.

From Aztec, we travelled north through the winds and drove into Durango Colorado. We arrived just in time to see the arrival of the narrow gauge steam train that travels between Durango and Silverton – a mining town 45 miles away and 3000 ft higher in elevation. The train leaves first thing in the morning on a five-hour trip. Although we do not have time to take the train trip – we did enjoy their museum. The town of Durango was also setting up for their annual Blue Grass festival and there were many venues throughout the town – including the main area of the museum. Therefore we had to walk around the chairs and stage to see the exhibits.

Sent a couple of hours walking around downtown Durango – and seeing the shops. Most were having sales trying to lure in people with the festival being in town. Although there is a ski hill close by (Purgatory), this is the first season in a couple of years where they have had decent snow. However, in the last several years the Durango area has become a popular place to live – and property values and exclusive shops and restaurants reflect this.

Headed back to Farmington for a feed of catfish and crawfish. The crawfish were from China and pre-cooked – and although nowhere near as good as what Dad had in Louisiana – did satisfy some of his craving – and only made him more determined to see if he could find a way to import some of these swamp bugs from Cajun country next year.

The winds today helped fuel a number of wildfires – one of which closed the Interstate West of Albuquerque in the afternoon and the closure continued through the evening. Although being many miles away – the winds brought the smell of smoke.

April 9, 2005 –

Up this morning and off to the Bolack Museum of Fish and Wildlife. This is a private museum that requires that you phone and make reservations. The museum is located on the B-Square Ranch (12,000 acres) just at the edge of Farmington. The ranch itself is a private wildlife refuge, a working farm and ranch and is home to two Museums. There are over 15,000 year round waterfowl, plus 100,000 wintering birds that call the ranch home. There are seven man made lakes – one of which is over two miles long and 10 feet deep.

The Bolack Wildlife Museum is the largest private collection of taxidermy mammals in the world – having over 2,500 species. In addition there are many fishes, insects, a few reptiles, etc. Tom Bolack an avid hunter and outdoorsman started the Museum. Mr. Bolack became a major player in the San Juan Basin Oil and Gas Industry – at which time he entered both political and public service. He served a term as state representative, lieutenant governor and a short period of time as governor. He started the B-Square Ranch and Experimental Farm in the late 1950’s – and built his collections over a period of 60 years. In addition in later years realizing that he could not take his money with him – he set up a foundation that will provide on-going funding to the museum – and so that it never charges an admission fee.

The tours of the museum are an hour long – and are limited to small groups – 8 – 10 people. The sign for the museum is not well advertised – however once you turn into the ranch – you drive down a long tree covered lane – with peacocks, pheasants and turkeys running around. You park your vehicle and come to a large wooden doorway engraved with an elephant – instructed to ring the bell and wait for the attendant to come and great you. Stepping into the museum – you are greeted with a huge room displaying many animals in their natural habitats. Then you realize that this is one of just many rooms that are part of the museum. The museum is over 30,000 sq feet in size and has displays from Africa; South Pacific; India; Europe and Eurasia; Russia; and the Americas. There is also a bird room and an aquatic center that has over 700 species of fish life – including 1,000 lb Great White Shark. The Shark is housed in a natural looking environment with over 5000 lbs of broken coral from the Great Barrier Reef being shipped in and an artificial reef being built. In addition there is also a large personal trophy room – with animals mounted over a great rock fireplace – some being or having been world records.

In addition, to the birds, animals and fishes – there are collections of over 800 different types of grain and grain seeds, that fit with the Ranch’s conservation and innovation philosophy. During the early years of the ranch’s operation their fruits and vegetable displays won many Ribbons at the New Mexico State fair. When Tom Jr. finally took over managing the farm full time – one of his roles was to personally assemble Fair exhibits. In later years the Bolack’s withdrew their displays from competition and matched the first place prize premiums the fair offered – in order to encourage others to compete and pursue excellence in agriculture.

As far as the diversity of wildlife available – this museum out does any of the museums we have seen to date – including the displays in the Smithson and National Museums. Tom Bolack was so well known for his interest in collecting a displaying wildlife – that places like Sea World, and the Australian and Indian governments would contact him if there was an animal that had died in captivity or in the wild – that was unusual – for which he would pay dearly for it – and have it mounted. Keelan especially liked the bug displays and the ring-tailed cat while Mickey cannot decide what he liked best. Mom was fascinated by the large Nile Crocodile, one of the largest on record that Mr. Bolack had killed at the request of the local villagers as it was a menace…. something about the dozens of human bones and 8 marriage necklaces that they found in it belly that hadn’t digested along with the villagers it had eaten. It is displayed with one of the necklaces in its mouth and the rest in a bowl nearby. Dad liked the tiny deer with four small horns.

There is also another museum on the B-Square Ranch – Tommy, Jr. Electromechanical Museum. This museum has artefacts representing electric power, broadcasting technology, agriculture and the oil and gas industry. It opened to the public in 1990 and has 15,000 sq feet of indoor exhibits and another 2 acres of outdoor displays. Everything from massive electric generators; to steam tractors; and numerous computers are on display. This museum was not open today (as they only had one attendant and he was doing wildlife tours today) but would be willing to open it up to us on another day (unfortunately we will not be able to stay around another day).

After leaving the Museum went to Sonja’s Diner – USA – that was also recommended by the campground host. The place was packed – and served really good wholesome food, lots of choices including breakfast all day, Belgian waffles, Navaho Tacos, Corned beef hash, steaks, giant burgers etc. – with wonderful fresh salsa we all indulged in. Enjoyed our meals – stuffing ourselves silly – before waddling out and heading back to the campground.

The remainder of the day was used to get caught up on school projects and do a “spring-cleaning” day in the Motor Home. Both the kids pitched in to clean up their space and the toad – with Keelan picking up the dirt on the floors with a whiskbroom and dustpan. Dark storm clouds rolled in as night approached and hopefully it will not bring snow with it or we may have a hard time getting out of this valley.

April 10, 2005 –

Up early and on the road. It got cold overnight – and there was fresh snow on the mountains. Weather reports also showed that Denver and surrounding area was being hit with a severe blizzard – with power outages and many of the roads and malls being closed.

Backtracked our way to Shiprock and then turned north into Colorado. Passed by “Four Corners” (the one point in the US where 4 states meet – Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado) – although the wind was blowing so hard and the temperature cold enough that we decided not to take the short side trip to see the marker.

After a whopping 72 miles, pulled into a RV park at the edge of Cortez, and set up camp. We settled in, set up and had finished a chicken soup and grilled cheese lunch by 1:00 – talk about a stressful day. Snow is clearly evident on the hills and mountains around Cortez and there were spots where fresh snow still lay in the ditches. The man at the campground stated that yesterday at one point it was snowing so hard in the campground that you could not see to the far end of the sites. Thankfully it has not remained – however there continues to be a strong and cold wind.

Took the Suzuki up to the Anasazi Heritage Center – about 10 miles from Cortez. This Centre was built by the Bureau of Land Management to house the artefacts when the Dolores River was dammed to create a ten-mile reservoir. The museum acts as an interpretative centre for the history and culture of the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, and the Four Corners Region. Although the Pueblo archaeological site at the museum is small – it has a hands-on approach to its displays – with many computer simulations, microscope exhibits, and pull out touch drawers of various materials and artefacts. The also had a partially reconstructed Pit house that gave a clearer picture as to what life would have been like in those structures. The boys got a chance to do some traditional weaving as well as grinding corn using a Mano and Metate in the process of completing their Junior Explorer Archaeology Certificate.

The Canyon of the Ancients National Monument – which is west of here – has over 6000 archaeological sites recorded so far within the 164,000 acres boundary (up to 100 per square mile). Most of the sites represent Ancestral Puebloans who lived here between 500 and 1300 AD however there are also some pioneer Ute and Navajo homesteads protected within the area. Much of the area is very remote – with limited entry to the public – in order to preserve the sites. Although maps and permits are available from the Heritage Centre – access is carefully controlled. The sheer number of sites – gives you an idea as to how populated this area once was. The more modern Puebloan people called these Ancestral Puebloans different things. The Navajos called them Anasazi (ancient others), the Hopi called them Hisatsinom (people of long ago) and the Zuni called them Enote:que (our Ancestors).

The Heritage Centre also had a special exhibit – showing the excavation work and finds that have been and are being conducted along the road right of ways around the area. Some of the sites and finds along these highways have been significant. In fact, one of the speakers makes it clear that archaeology is now not a search for meaning but rather a rush to uncover and preserve things before progress destroys them forever.

Returned to the campground for supper and a game of cards – before retiring earlier for bed – as we have to get up early tomorrow to go to Mesa Verde – if we want to get tour tickets for the Cliff Palace (which Mickey really wants to see).

April 11, 2005 –

As we were under the belief that we had to be at Mesa Verda, when it opened in order to get tickets for the Cliff Palace – we wanted to get up early. This was not a problem – as Mickey was up and bouncing by 6:00 AM. Mom says that he has never even been this anxious for Christmas. Mickey states that he had been awake for a while – and watched it get light through his window before waking everyone else up.

It got very cold overnight – and although no new snow in the area – the windows were all frosted up. Quickly made up a pot of coffee and got dressed – pulling out our winter jackets for the day. Headed off to Mesa Verde (Green Table Top) by 7:30 – with breakfast from McDonalds drive through. After about 8 miles – we turned off to the entrance of the park. Passed through the park gate only to discover that the tickets were purchased at a visitor center some 15 miles away. The road was windy and climbed quickly to the top of the Mesa. We passed through some fairly substantial snow accumulations in the ditches along the way – and you really had to appreciate the work of the snowploughs keeping this road open in the winter.

Reached the Far View Visitor Centre (8040 ft) – and Mickey literally ran through the tunnel to get to the front door to book our tickets. Despite Mickey’s fear of not getting tickets when we talked to the Ranger there was a possibility of getting on the first tour and being the only ones on it. We had half an hour to drive to the Cliff Place Parking Lot 8 miles away and a walk down to meeting area. (One other person who had driven up just after us – was also able to get on the first tour – but it turned out to be an almost private tour).

The access to the Cliff Palace was through a secure area, down a narrow gap in the rocks – and then down a ladder. Mickey and Keelan bounded along behind the ranger – taking in all the information that he could give them. One of the things that puzzled us was how these dwellings built into the cliffs got their water. The creek at the bottom of the canyon was dry – even through it was spring and the snow had just melted. However the ranger explained that the mesa canyons are made out of very porous sandstone and then encounters thin layers of slate. Apparently the water from the top of the mesa takes about 3 months to percolate through the sandstone – and when it encounters the angled slate – it runs down and out where the slate meets the canyon edge. It is also at this location that the sandstone usually erodes – creating the indentations where the cliff dwellings are built. The sites therefore had there own water sources (or at least did when they were first built) – however some of these have long since dried up.

The Ranger also said that they have come to accept that counting the number of rooms in the cliff dwellings was not as accurate a way to determine the population of the community – as the rooms were built at various times – and had different uses. He states that they now count the Kiva’s and then multiply by the number an average family size of 6 to get an approximate population size. They have also come to understand that the role of the Kiva may have evolved from its original ceremonial house to winter living quarters – as they were easier to heat than the above ground buildings. This seemed to have occurred during the later part of the occupation of the Cliff Palace.

The structures in the Palace also show different cultures with Chaco masonry on in the original parts and then Anazasi in the later structures. The Chacoan masonry was also far more intricate and stable than the Anasazi – and in fact there was a later built Anazasi tower that was a poor imitation (kept leaning and that the Park Service had to shored up) of the earlier Chacoan one on the same site. There was also a loosely built rock room on the higher terrace – that was used for drying – with two rooms beside it used as storage (that would be almost impossible for forest animals to access). Interestingly there does not seem to be evidence of later groups or clans using rooms built by the original owners although they did seem to take some of the stones.

There was a fire back a number of years ago – that caused some significant damage within the Park. Some of the petroglyphs were literally baked off the sandstone – and lost forever. At Cliff Place they were worried about the damage the fire would cause and as a result – cut down many of the big trees below the site in order to build a fire break to try and protect it. Although this was successful in the short term – the subsequent erosion increased the speed of which the dwellings are slipping down the slope. The ranger predicted that within a few years they might have to close the site to public access – due to fear of people getting hurt.

After completing the hour tour of Cliff Palace – we went on a driving tour around the Mesa – stopping to see many other cliff dwellings and Pueblos. For most of the morning we had the roads to ourselves – and could walk or drive anywhere without seeing anyone. It was like we were discovering these things all on our own. The temperature slowly warmed up and the wind calmed down – making it a nice day.

Ended up taking the hike down to the Spruce Tree House – another cliff dwelling. This one had a restored Kiva that you could climb down into – which was a highlight for the boys. Also inside one of the rooms – was an interesting set of pictographs – showing a handprint, bird tracks and then a figure of a man with wings. There are several other types of this “morph” pictographs around the region – with the most unique being some human footprints in an ancient clay bed that evolve into bear tracks. The ranger who was located at the site was also a wealth of information about the local area. He was able to talk about how the different local native groups both viewed and treated the ruins. Some groups will not enter the ruins – due to the dead being buried here (traditional Navajo) – and often looked for either the t-shaped opening or markings. Other groups looked for markings of their clan before knowing how to proceed (Hopi). He also indicated that some groups are starting to become more forthcoming about their religious practices and stories – whereas others continue to be very secretive.

We went through the Park’s Museum at Chapin Mesa – and the boys completed their Junior Ranger program – using the resources within the museum. They had a number of really unique and well preserved pots, weavings and tools – that we had not been able to see elsewhere – possibly because the area was made a park almost 100 years ago – and that there were many difficulty to access sites in the high Mesa land (that tended to discourage the theft of these treasures). In fact there are still some structures that they have not been able to figure out how to get into (or so they say). The only lingering resentment seems to be towards the Swedish archaeologist who came over in the early 1900’s and although adding to the science of the archaeology – took a phenomenal amount of pristine items back to Sweden with him. Although they arrested him when he was leaving the country they discovered that there was no law against what he had done – and as a result the government had to let him go. The result was the creation of the Antiquities Act – so there would “be a law” and making Mesa Verde a National Park. However – many archaeologists trying to understand the purposes of the various dwellings – still have to go to Sweden and get special permission to examine original contents of these rooms.

After seeing a couple of pictures of the local petroglyphs – we decided to forgo the hike to see them – and settled instead to stop in the cafeteria for a lunch of homemade mushroom soup and Navajo Fry Bread. Both were wonderful – and hit the spot after a cool day.

On an interesting note – we discovered that when we set up the RV last night – we were able to get CBC television out of Vancouver on a local antenna. We are not sure if this re-transmission is an anomaly or standard policy in Colorado – but it was a welcome surprise. In addition to getting some home news – we also got to see some of the mini-series – H2O. Given the story line of this show – and seeing it in a fairly conservative area of the US puts an interesting twist on things. We also ran into a lady in the gift shop at the park who says she listens to the Canadian news all the time – as it provides her a clearer and more concise picture of world events. They also broadcast NTV out of Newfoundland, here – go figure.

April 12, 2005 –

It was clear and cool overnight – and we awoke to frozen water lines and crisp air. However it did not take long for the sun to warm everything up. As we were packing up the motor home, the boys worked busily on their “Forest Watcher” booklets put out by the San Juan Forest District. The idea was that we were going to take a slight detour to Delores Forest District Office so that the boys could hand in their books and get their pin.

We travelled north out of the valley and into the small town of Delores. The boys went into the Forest Ranger Station with mom – and came out with quite a haul. In addition to a very nice looking pin – they also received a lot of great Smokey the Bear paraphernalia. This was especially neat as the boys had been through Capitan where the real Smokey the Bear was rescued from a fire.

We then drove over the plateau into Utah. The farms in the area were busy tilling and planting their fields – even though the snow was still on the mountains in the distance. The area is well known for the beans that it grows – and there are elevators dotting the landscape. There are also some quaint looking small stands advertising Navajo Beans.

As we headed north we started to come into the Canyon Lands area. Took a short side trip into Newspaper Rock State Park. This is a large rock area that numerous First Nations people left their mark or message for others. There are petroglyphs here from many different cultural groups – Hopi, Anasazi, Chacoan and Fremont. The sheer number of petroglyphs is overwhelming – and the longer you look at the rock – the more you see. The older faded drawings, slowly appear through the newer drawings, as the sun moves across the sky and the light changes. Although, there is some graffiti on the rocks here – it could not take away from the number and detail of the ancient carvings.

Back to the main highway and continued on our trek. Stopped at Wilson’s Arch – the first large stone arch structure that you see on the route north. Took a few minutes to climb to the top – and survey the surroundings. We quickly learned that the arch was further away than it looked – and the climb steeper than we thought. We have a great picture of mom and the boys sliding down the sandstone slope on their rear-ends.

Continued our way into Moab and found our campground. This one proved to be interesting – it was located beside a horse racetrack. The campground also has a horse boarding facility. Half the park was filled with RV’s pulling off-road jeeps (for touring the surrounding area) and the other half seemed to be horse enthusiasts. Interesting mix of people. There were also a number of people here who were taking part in the GPS scavenger hunter and were seeking out items stashed in the hills close by. On the up side they have free cable and Internet – however we will probably not have much time for those things.

The boys stayed around the campground getting caught up on their schoolwork – and then watching the large number of lizards that they found. Dad went out and did a grocery shop – and tried to find a camera shop to pick up another lens filter (the previous one got bumped off the canyon wall coming up from the Cliff Palace – and developed a nice scratch that unfortunately showed up on a number of pictures). By the time he got back the boys were covered in dust from playing marbles. The canyon dust is red – and shows up everywhere. The motor home will probably need to be cleaned several times during our stay here. Finished off the evening with a great supper of steak – and fresh corn on the cob.

April 13, 2005 –

Into Arches National Park this morning. Stopped by the visitor center and after some consideration paid for reservations for the Fiery Furnace guided tour for tomorrow morning. As a result we decided we would drive to the end of the park – and work our way back.

First stop was the Devil’s Garden Trail. This trail allows you to pass by or through 8 arches. We did five miles of the trail and were able to get up 6 of the arches (Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Wall Arch, Navajo Arch and Partition Arch). The trail wound its way through a number of canyons with the arches on either side. The last arch – Partition – we were able to climb up into and look down onto the valley from where we had come from. With the kids both carrying their own “camel” packs – they are staying hydrated – and it means that the “old” parents do not have to carry as much. Probably a good thing – as Dad’s knees seem to be taking a beating.

Found a picnic area nearby – and stopped for our packed lunch (Onion Bagels, smoked turkey, dry salami, fresh veggies). The parents were even able to enjoy their “margarita” ice pack – which was a welcome treat in the warm temperature that we had today.

After lunch, we continued south and took a quick side trip to Sand Dune Arch, before moving on to the Delicate Arch. After going to the lookout and taking the 1/2-mile trail to see the Arch from a distance – decided that we would do the 1.5-mile climb to the arch itself. The climb up to the arch takes you up a large rock slope – which would be absolutely treacherous if it was raining. The trail then follows a narrow ledge around the backside of a ridge – before coming onto the arch. The wind at the top of the ridge was so strong – that the kids had to hold their hats on their heads – and we did not feel comfortable walking out under the far side of the arch. However the view from the top – was well worth it.

After climbing back down to the parking lot with a brief stop to check out some Ute petroglyphs – headed over to spectacular Double Arch – which you could walk right up and under. Although this is only the third largest arch in the park, the way the two arches join is spectacular. It is amazing when you think that this structure was once a pothole in the top of the cliff that water and weather eroded through until you could see the sky.

Headed for home and sat down to a meal of chicken fried burgers – and sushi (hey there is no accounting for our cravings at this point). The kids busied themselves with working on their Junior Ranger program and then into bed early in order to be up early for hike tomorrow.

April 14, 2005 –

Up to a beautiful sunny morning – and headed back off to the Arches and our hike through the Fiery Furnace.

In addition to the Ranger who was leading the tour – there was a photographer from the National Parks Service to take pictures for future advertising for the Fiery Furnace walk. (They should have said something earlier – I would have dressed up). Anyhow – they indicated that the pictures would be on the Arches website in a couple of weeks (at least it’s not America’s Most Wanted or Funniest Video).

The Fiery Furnace is a maze of shady canyons between tall sandstone walls with spires and fins (vertical rock walls). The fins are the result of movement beneath the earth surface and the dissolving of a deep salt bed. Usually the fins all go in one direction but in this spot there are two sets perpendicular to each other because of the existence of an old riverbed. Enough of the technical stuff – suffice it to say that it makes a wonderfully magical place that is easy to get turned around in. With the high walls and narrow passageways – it can be eerily silent – blocking off the all of the outside noise pollution.

The colours of the sandstone walls and the vegetation that grows there – makes for a wonderful array of colours. Every once one in awhile we would come across “potholes” little depressions in the sandstone that fill up and hold water. These potholes even have their own microenvironments – with organisms that have adapted to rain and drought. The fairy shrimp for example have a life cycle of about five days and in that time lay eggs to preserve the species. One wonders how they survive if the rain dries up in less than five days…However they have adapted with laying some eggs that hatch as soon as they get wet, eggs that hatch when they get wet a second time … right up to eggs that do not hatch until they get wet 11 times.

The boys did extremely well at navigating the canyons – including having to straddle walls, negotiate ledges, and jump across ravines. They (and Mom) even got to squirm their way through a small arch – appropriately called Crawl Through Arch. The three hour hike was not nearly enough to do this place justice – but gave us a taste of the area – and a desire to come back when the boys are a bit older so that we can more.

Headed back to the Visitor centre – so that the boys could pick up their Junior Ranger badges – and at the recommendation of Ranger took a drive down the road by the Colorado River. Along the river there are lots of wilderness campsites – as well as put-in points for rafting and kayaking. Went to Fisher Towers (as opposed to Fisher Peak) – a series of three sandstone towers (up to 900 feet tall) at the edge of the canyon. Although we did not have time to do the hike part way up the tower – they were stunning to see. Returned to Moab – (following a Blue Heron flying down the Colorado River for several miles).

Stopped by a rock and fossil shop – where the boys spent close to an hour looking at different rocks, gems, dinosaur bones and teeth, etc. trying to decide what they would buy. The huge selection of rocks and specimens made it almost impossible for them to come up with a choice of what, if anything, they wanted. The final decision – much to the delight of the elderly storeowner – was a ‘surprise trilobite’ for Keelan and a pyritized ammonite for Mickey.

Back to the campground for supper and to pack up the gear – while the boys worked on their journals. They had a couple of action packed days to get catch up on and it was hard for them to remember all the details. Mom managed to fit in a couple of loads of laundry – and was done in time to watch Survivor (with the kids finishing up their journals in time to snuggle with her and watch the latter part of it). Tomorrow we head north towards Salt Lake City – and it appears that the storm system that hit there yesterday has now passed and the roads should be fine that far (although it will be in the 60’s rather than the warm mid 70’s we’ve had here). From there we will have to make a decision on which way we will go – depending on the weather forecasts.