#139t Torrey to Moab (UT24)

Fleeter Log #139t

Torrey to Moab (UT24)

Day 26 - Sunday
May 10, 2009
175 miles

Torrey, UT to Moab, UT

Interactive Spotwalla map of this trip

Sunday starts slow, but by the end of the day I will have visited a lizard on a reef, studied petroglyphs, lingered at Robber's Roost, and found a cold Coke in a hollow mountain.

Before leaving Torrey, I meet another new friend.

(click on any photo to enlarge)

Meet Zigy, a pro at "arm's length photography"! We dwadled a bit in the parking lot grappling with his R12000GS seat issues, kicked tires, and traded road stories. Finally, I push off to cover the short distance to Moab where I will meet my MTF friends.

photo by (c)zigy kaluzny 2009

photo by (c)zigy kaluzny 2009

photo by (c)zigy kaluzny 2009

Since today doesn't call for many miles, I not only get a late start from Torrey, but I also allow myself to be easily distracted by dirt trails and such. Inside Capital Reef, those distractions were plentiful.
The Capital Reef National Park visitors center had ink for the stamp collector in me.

The GS wasn't the only one kicking up some dirt.
On my way up to the Goosenecks Scenic Overlook, I look back and see the GS taking a break and waiting for me.
I meet this lizard while footing it around the Goosenecks Overlook.
The scenic road into the interior of the park in Capital Reef.

Capital Reef National Park is the least visited among all Utah National Parks. This was not hard to believe as I ride the empty roads through the Park.
Wingate Sandstone Cliff towering above the Fremont River near Fruita on UT24.
These petroglyphs scratched into the sandstone were left by the Fremont Indians between 700 AD and 1300 AD. The Fremont People disappeared after 1300 AD leaving no clues as to why or where they went.

After studying the ancient graffiti, time to follow the sliver of greenery along the Fremont River. Fruita, UT is so named from the fruit orchards in this area. Who knew?

Behunin Cabin is the homeplace of an early settler family in the area.
They eventually abandoned the home due to the frequent flash flooding through the area. I guess it gets old to go scurrying up the rocks as you watch your rock house out get a river water bath.


Once upon a time, in the wild west of old, there was gang of robbers needing a place to hide out after pulling heists. This hideout would need to be located in an unpopulated area and be inhospitable to anyone looking for a place tarry or settle, therefore, assuring some privacy from passersby. It would also need to provide terrain with ample depth and dimension to offer a shroud of protection against anyone looking to bring the 'thievers' to justice. Robert LeRoy Parker and Harry Longabaugh were two of the more famous robbers to roost here. You may remember them as Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. The nefarious duo and the rest of the Wild Bunch used Robber's Roost as one of their hideouts.

The lawmen of the time never did find their hideout, but today some believe it to have been located near the abandoned community of Giles in the Blue Valley area of Utah.

Blue Valley Ranch

The names of Blue Valley pioneers burned into a plank. I don't think the 'Curtis' on the list is of my relation unless it was a stray branch of the family tree.

Some outlaw names of Blue Valley burned into a plank.

There was this dirt road leading down and across this creek, but I decided not to venture out for fear that I might stumble across some modern day Robber Roosters.
Be the time I reached Hanksville, I was ready for a drink that refreshes. I found a cold Coke at the Hollow Mountain Store. The store really is located in a cavern carved into this mountain. On the way to the restrooms you can even see the bare dirt walls as you walk through the tunneled passage to the rear of the store.
Hwy 95 doesn't offer many distractions on my way to I70 and Green River. Not much left to do, but to make my way to Moab where I will meet some of my MTF (www.MCTourer.com) friends for a few days of fleetering around Moab.

Welcome to Moab, Utah -- A playground for dirt riders, 4-wheeling jeepers, hikers, and rock climbers.
Supper tonight is at Eddie McStiff's. The MTFers took up three long tables and kept the waiters on their toes.
While in Torrey, I learned of a special park in Moab. A place where large, over-sized musical instruments the size of playground equipments take the place of slides, swings, see-saws, and monkey bars.
Kids can form impromptu bands and create harmonious playground rhythms, even though it may sound cacophonous to those not part of the symphonic creation.


Just after dark I find my way back to the Adventure Inn where I had already checked in before heading to supper. This will serve as grand central for the MTF group as riders venture out to explore the magical red landscapes over the next few days.

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