The Needles and More

. 

We drive from Cortez this morning across fertile farming plains and suddenly descended into a deep valley which indicated the start of the Utah canyons.

Rock formations which looked not-of-this-world started to appear in the landscape. 

The newspaper rock had petroglyphs which are not yet understood. 

We drove to The Needles through huge rock formations. 

We went for a short walk as Dan was not well the previous night so we decided not to overdo things in the heat today. 

This was ruins in the rocks where ceremonies were held in ancient times. 

The cacti were very cool as were the yellow flowers lining the roadside 

Other features on the road were a hole in the rock and many other lumps.

We had late lunch in Moab then made our way to Castle Valley Inn through the Colorado River Canyons - just outstanding! Thanks to my brother we are in the perfect place for a couple of nights for exploring Canyonlands and The Arches (without overdoing it). 

These photos give no idea of the enormity of the rocks above us. Just plain astounding!!

We are tired ( after Dan’s unwellness last night) but happy. We were treated by a mule deer and her fawn wandering through the property, and turkeys and a lovely doggo as we explored the grounds.

 

We liked the idea of the native american flavoured decor of the Castle Valley Inn and the rooms did not disappoint.

Good night!