Mucho excitement in Moab!

Friday, May 06, 2016
Moab, Utah, United States
We rolled into Moab about 4PM or so, got set up, and went for a little jaunt around the campground to get ourselves acquainted. Wow, there are some big million dollar rigs around... these are professional campers with all the comforts of home! Satellite dishes, entertainment centers, cozy fireplaces, huge trailers with all the latest ATV's and a car in tow - now that's roughing it. After all, Moab is world famous for off-roading of all types. We're treated to a beautiful sunset, cook a nice dinner and hit the hay.

We planned a pretty long hike (about 12 miles) that would take up most of the next day . We walk from our campground along the Colorado River to the Negro Bill Trailhead. There is a dilemma as to whether to rename the trail because it's named after a settler who claimed the area as his own, but was later run out of town when he was accused of selling bootlegged alcohol to the locals.

The hike follows a small creek and ends at the Morning Glory Natural Bridge, which has a span of 243 feet, and is the sixth longest natural rock span in the United States. The hike is listed on the internet as anĀ "easy hike for the whole family". Well, after crossing the stream back and forth seven times, and getting our feet wet, walking through sand and climbing some slippery rocks, someone thought they were misled about the "easy" part, and was NOT happy. It was a long hike... not naming names, but she was ready to throttle the person who suggested the hike. Thank goodness for our little iTouch (like an iPhone without the phone). Even though we had no reception, the internet page was still open on the website . The description of "easy" was one of the first words, and what could have been an ugly scene was quickly deflated (thank you Steve Jobs!) But the hike didn't go without a further hitch; Rox later found out that she had picked up a hitchhiker - a tick!

She describes it as such: "I found it after my shower, when I looked in the mirror to brush off what was obviously a slobbered chocolate chip that had gone down my top. But when the chip didn't budge, yet I saw what appeared to be little legs moving, I screamed out at the top of my lungs to Mark! He thought I was having a heart attack, or something as equally dire (I was), but he had the forethought to grab some tongs from the kitchen as I shouted, 'Get it off of me, GET IT OFF!!' He proceeded to pinch the crap out of my stomach with the damn tongs and pulled (I mean yanked) that little bugger off! Luckily he came off on the 2nd pull, head and all, but it didn't stop there. Mark squashed, with all of his might, the little sh-- between a paper towel and opened the bloody towelette up to examine it . His legs were still moving about while I just about threw up on Mark and myself from the sheer excitement of it all. Mark squashed him again and then rolled him up and put him in the freezer. I was eventually able to calm down and compose myself, and we went off to play Mexican Train with our friends. However, it didn't stop there either."

Roxanne still speaking: "After about two hours, we were back in the RV and I just had to look at that little critter that had left a mark on me the size of a grain of rice. Unwrapping him, he looked awfully squashed but wait... did I see a little leg move? WTF - that thing started to move its legs, one by one, and I screamed out yet again! This time I was taking no prisoners and I hammered the thing repeatedly with the edge of my iTouch. Finally, I had pulverized it!"

Just my luck - she had discovered "The Bionic Tick", but that iTouch has really come in handy... thanks again Steve Jobs! We thought the tick should be saved, just in case it was infected, so it's STILL here in the freezer at home.

The next day was Mothers Day and we all dined on Eggs Benedict, fresh blueberry muffins and chocolate dipped strawberries for brunch (eat your hearts out, million dollar motorhomes!) After cleaning up, we are off to our next destination, Arches National Park. Stay tuned.

Comments

Randy & Suzanne
2016-06-05

I hate tics and would've been screaming with you! Drop those buggers in a jar of alcohol or gasoline to kill them. They're hardy critters!

telmish
2016-06-05

Glad you got the tick before he did any further harm. Your trip sounds quite amazing and you are seeing a lot of the west.

Carl
2016-06-05

The scenery reminds me a bit of hiking around Uluru.
I hate ticks too. The last one I got Steve removed, using every trick now know as NOT to do.

marianwatson
2016-06-05

Horrific story about the tick! I have an absolute phobia about them. Enjoying the blog though! :) Happy travels!

2025-02-08

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