From Canyonlands to Grand Junction

10/17. We have a wonderful night and cuddle with the cat before having a leisurely breakfast and then heading to the Needles Section in Canyonlands National Park. We only have time for a shorter hike and unfortunately choose the wrong one. This part of the park is not very exciting and the long 35-mile drive is not worth it. We'll come back, we say to ourselves! After that, we find a spot at a campground in the middle of Moab for the record price of 50 dollars per night! We end the evening with a campfire (the only one on our entire USA trip) and Utah beer.

10/18. We would love to visit Arches National Park again, as we liked it so much 6 years ago. Unfortunately, there are so many tourists that we are redirected to the exit as soon as we arrive at the entrance - the park is full!

In awe, we decide on our dream spot number 2: Canyonlands with Island in the Sky. It seems to be crowded here as well, but at least we can get into the park. We go on a beautiful hike along the rim. I love this rugged landscape so much that its beauty moves me to tears. I also never thought I would visit Island in the Sky a second time.

Now it's time to move on. When we arrive in Grand Junction, we go shopping at the local REI and then head to Walter's (our Leeds campground acquaintance) and his family. His wife Janet and son Sam, as well as their poodle Maggie, warmly welcome us.

We get to stay in the guest room and have our own bathroom to use! Together, we spend a delightful evening with pizza and lively conversations. We are amazed and very grateful for the hospitality and openness that we encounter here again and again!