With a possible Head Gasket issue on the 4runner (turned out Valve Cover Gaskets were leaking) and not wanting to risk more damage to the truck, I hoped in with my pal Matt. Of course, being Spring time, the drive West to the desert over Vail Pass and Glenwood was a fun one, white out conditions most of the way through that stretch, finally making it to camp in Yellow Cat Country around midnight. Most of the gang was still up hanging by the campfire. After throwing back a few beers and catching up, I crawled into my sleeping bag and enjoyed a night under the stars.

Saturday morning we broke camp and headed into Moab. After some last minute supplies, the trek to the southern district of Canyonlands. Tim took over planning our “Pre Cruise Moab Wanderings” years ago and this year to start things off, he got us set up for two nights in Devils Kitchen in Canyonlands. Once in the park, we broke up into two groups of three (per park rules) and waited and a half hour. I was excited to be back at E-Hill as it has been some time. We made quick work going over E-Hill and enjoyed the rest of the trail to Devils Kitchen. Once at camp, Sean took over cooking duties for the group. Part of me was bummed to not have the 4runner, but it felt really good to be back out in Devils Kitchen with good friends.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and the night sky full of stars. We hung out well into the night around the propane fire pit (no campfires in the National Park).

Heading out to the desert with my Pal Matt.

Of course being Spring time, the drive West over Vail Pass and through Glenwood Springs can be a fun one.

Finally made it to camp in Yellow Cat Country. Good to be with the gang again!

Slept out under the stars and woke to a fine morning in the desert:).

Came upon this memorial above camp while out for a morning stroll.

Camp views.

Fine views of the La Sals and Fisher Towers from camp.

Enjoying some dirt roads to get to Moab.

After some last minute supplies in Moab, we continued the trek South to Canyonlands. Once in the park and per park rules, we broke into groups of three, with a half hour between groups to start the trek over E-Hill.

Matt Farr climbing down E-Hill in his well built 80 series Land Cruiser.

At the one switchback on the back side of E-Hill where you pull forward then back down to the next switchback.

Marco in his 80 series.

Matt Ralston in his 80 series.

Further into the E-Hill trail.

Bruce spots Shawn through the Squeeze.

A tight fit:).

Matt’s turn.

Marco.

Some fine views from camp in Devils Kitchen:).

Evening light.

Out soaking in the fine evening.

My pal Matt Ralston.

Took a short walk around camp enjoying the last of the evening light.

After enjoying the last bit of the day and some good dinner, we settled in for the night around the propane firepit. The night was just about perfect. Good friends, perfect temps, no wind and a night sky full of stars.