7-12-2023 Flaming Gorge, UT

The drive to our next stop was a little boring, freeway all the way with no alternative back roads.  Every now and then, there is no other choice.  Eventually, for the last short distance, we could get off the freeway to head south toward our next camp.  Ah, the beautiful countryside!  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:  There isn’t one ugly molecule in Utah (except for the taxes).

 But let’s back up the truck a few days.  We spent 3 days at the KOA in Manila, 8 miles from the Lucerne Valley Marina and Swimming Beach on Flaming Gorge.  We have finally escaped the rain and icky weather.  At last, warm sunny beach weather! 

Because of the rain and snow melt (controlled by the dams, of course), the water level at the gorge is 8 feet higher than it was last year at this time.  It was a big surprise to see the beach about 1/3 the size it was last time we were here!  Because of this, the water was shallow and warm a long distance out.  Out where the breeze created ripples and the water turned dark blue, the temperature was a different story altogether.  Note to self:  Don’t fall off the paddleboard out where it’s dark blue.

 

Beach 2022

Beach 2023

Glacier 2023

Glacier 2022

With the reduction in size, the beach was really crowded our first day but the next day we managed to find a great spot near a cove in the lee.  Rob was pretty excited to get his paddleboard out for its maiden voyage!  He got good at it immediately, using it kayak-style.  I only took one bath when I got sideways in the swells from a boat wake.  Thawing out was no problem sitting in the sunshine with a sandwich and a cold beer.  It just doesn’t get any better than this!

Maiden voyage for Rob and his paddleboard!

Without looking back up at the picture,
what color is Rob's hat?

Beach picnic!

Life is good!

 

Today’s trip to Richfield was exciting.  Very windy and very windy, through the mountains and up over a pass at 9,100 feet.  At one point, a wind gust blew Noobee across the centerline toward the oncoming traffic.  Sometimes, driving Noobee is a good cardiac workout for me and good leg exercises when I try to walk later with wobbly knees.    

YIKES!  What does this
sign mean?  "MORE?"  
"DES?"  From one who drove
it, I'm pretty sure it means,
"Shit storm ahead for the
next 100 miles."

 

Our homing beacons are blaring.  One more 3-day camp in Richfield not far from Palisade Reservoir (more paddleboarding!), an overnight with Pal and Fritz in St. George and finally, we’ll turn into the driveway at 1640 on Sunday, July 16^th.  Home sweet home where the weatherman forecasts 115F.  Beats a snow shovel!  That’s all the stories I have in my fingers for now, t-loggers!  Thank you for traveling with us!  Love to all from Roberto and Lindy!