Miatas In Moab III May 18 - 20, 2007 Leaders: Janet and Paul Hart This year was the third iteration of this huge national meeting of hundreds of Miata owners who converge on the lovely small city of Moab, UT every two years. For the first time in our club history, OPMC joined in the fun as a group. Trip Summary By Paul Hart Shortly after 9a.m. on May, 17th, nine Miatas and 18 club members departed the Conoco service station on Oracle Rd. for the longest and most ambitious “run” undertaken by OPMC. Joe & CP, Hal & Carol, Elliot & Jolita, Bill & Deanna, Sue & Sally, Bob & Terri, Chris & Reid, Judy & Joe and Janet & Paul were on the road and heading north. Our first “pit stop” was in Globe where we were joined by Bob, Jan, Crystal & Tim. The car count was now 11. From Globe we zoomed north through the always spectacular Salt River Canyon for lunch and gas in Show Low. The local Pizza Hut was waiting and its staff eager to please. With cars, drivers and navigators fully fueled, we were on the road again passing through the small community of Snowflake before reaching our first day’s destination, Holbrook, AZ. There we were met by Mickey & Becky and our number grew, one car, two good people. I think most would agree that our stop at the historic Wigwam Motel on equally historic Rt. 66 was a highlight of the trip and set the stage for all that followed. After John, the son of the original owner/builder, got everyone assigned to their wigwams, a group headed out for more driving and exploring. A run east through the Petrified Forrest and Painted Desert capped the day of driving. Small groups headed out for dinner as others enjoyed snacks on the patio. The campfire was lit and the fun soon began. A beautiful sunset, good music and interesting conversation mixed with a little beer and wine was all the entertainment this group needed. Well, actually not everyone, several couldn’t pass up waving to the frequently passing freight trains - more on that in our soon to be released DVD. The night grew late and the work of the day took its toll. The Pow Wow came to an end as everyone made their way back to their Wigwam and some well deserved rest, a great ending to our first day. The “Scouts” were out early and breakfast was on their minds. Eager to begin the drive to Moab, we broke camp, “saddled up” and were ready to go at the prescribed time. “Forward Ho!” and our trusty horses powered (pun intended) out of Holbrook headed for the Navajo Nation and the historic Hubbell Trading Post. The drive was punctuated by the sudden appearance of a horse at full gallop heading across the open land and nearly into our path, wild in the wind, just like us. As we arrived and rested our trusty steeds, it was hard not to imagine the trading post and all the history surrounding it. It remains much the same today as it did over 100 years ago. Back on the road and bound for Utah we made our way through the vastness of the Navajo Nation, past Canyon De Chelly and the Four Points area. Into the Bee Hive state and the scene began to change quickly, a preview of what was in store as we rolled closer to our destination. With only a couple of minor Road Work Ahead delays, we arrived at the Red Stone Lodge in Moab by mid-afternoon. Just in time for another well deserved break – or maybe a nap, then off to register at event headquarters a few blocks away and our first look at a lot of Miatas. Like us, most had also made the journey for other locations, Texas, Oklahoma, California, New Hampshire, Connecticut to name a few. Wow, so many interesting cars and such enthusiasm. As day turned to evening it was time for dinner, a tour of the town, some visiting on the hotel patio and a good night’s sleep. As Saturday dawned our group headed out in different directions. Bill, Deanna and I did an early morning hike on the famous (well maybe infamous depending on your riding skills) Slick Rock mountain bike trail. If you’re a mountain biker, or like me, think you are, this is surely the place to test your skills. Anyway, fun morning exercise and interesting views of downtown Moab. Smaller groups set out to explore and experience the wonders of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Both Parks are only a few miles north of Moab and what sights to behold. Easy to explain the difference, Arches you’re looking up at grand stone bridges and magnificent red rock formations, Canyonlands (Sky Island) your looking down, 2000+’ down. On the east side of the “Island” you can almost see the Colorado River and on the west the Green River. They’ve cut so deep into the earths crust; neither is easily viewed from the various overlooks. From other areas of the Park to the south you can see the confluence of the Colorado and Green, but that’s another story and another trip. A sidebar to this is that when we stopped at the entrance at Canyonlands the Ranger told us he couldn’t let us in, that there was already 100 Miata’s in the park and that was the limit. He grinned as he waved us by. When late afternoon approached most headed up to Dead Horse Point just outside of Moab. A State Park high above the river, the Colorado Club was hosting a “Meet and Greet”. It was obviously it the place to be. Some more great scenery (did I say that before) and back to town for diner and an evening of Texas Hold’em on the patio at the Red Stone. More club fun and congratulations on winning hands to Sally, Carol and Janet. Sunday morning saw the departure of Bill and Deanna as they headed home with an overnight stop in Flagstaff. Oh that work-a-day world! As previously planned, our members prepared to depart after breakfast and make a run to Durango, CO. Bob and Terri would return to CA with the Sacramento Club. Elliot, Jolita, Mickey and Becky would stay until Monday and then head to NM and Jan, Bob, Crystal and Tim would return to Phx. with the Sahuaro Club. Everyone accounted for. South then east out of Moab, past the last of the big cattle drives and into the green of Colorado (Bump, what bump, did you feel a bump?) and the still snowcovered high country. What a change as we climbed out of Montrose and made a lunch stop in Ouray. As others went in search of food, Janet looked to fulfill a promise made during our list visit here – “Gotta get in those natural hot springs.” So along with Chris and Reid, we settled into the 105 degree water for some much needed relaxation. An hour later we were on the road again and climbing, did I say “climbing”, out of Ouray into the mountains covered with snow and into an increasingly heavy rain. The avalanche bridge over the road was an interest sight – still covered deep with snow. Guess it’s time to get that top up. As we passed the Memorial to the Snowplow Drivers everyone understood that this was not the time or place to let your mind wonder. I’m sure it made for some tense moments and interesting conversations. Through Molas Pass and out of 10,910 ft. we headed for Durango. The Durango Lodge is right near the Silverton/Durango Steam Train and in the center of town. With some rain coming down, it was a convenient and comfy stay. Hal and Carol left early Monday morning and would make the run to Tucson that day. Chicago calls and we enjoyed their company. Our dwindling group departed and set our sights on the Pinetop/Lakeside, AZ area, back to the Hon Da where the Club has stayed before. Our daughter and son-in-law have a cabin in Show Low and offered it to us, so we took the opportunity to host a BBQ for the remaining members. While Joe and CP visited with family, Chris, Reid, Sally, Sue, Joe and Judy and Janet and I enjoyed the quiet surroundings in the tall pines and a great deal on steaks from the local Safeway. It was a fun evening and nice to share the cabin. The group rejoined at the Hon Da on Tuesday morning and headed east into New Mexico and south towards our final night in Silver City. More interesting and beautiful country to see and fun roads to drive as the adventure continued. The Catwalks is just outside the little town of Glenwood, NM and well worth the visit. Obviously we couldn’t pass it up. The name “Catwalks” is derived from the actual catwalks built along the sides of this steep canyon to facilitate mining operations and the laying of 3 miles of pipe to bring water down to the mill. This is another out of the way place that shouldn’t be missed if you ever find yourself along this stretch of highway. After some exercise and photo ops we were back on the road and closing in on Silver City. On a long straight section of blacktop we experience our only “incident”. While leading our group of five, Sally & Sue experience a sudden loss of pressure in the right front. After a quick and fortunately uneventful deceleration we were all safely off the roadway and inspecting the problem. Joe’s initial thought of re-inflating the tire quickly faded when the extent of the damage was discovered. The tire could not be re-inflated or repaired. The pit crew got to work and in no time the group was back on the road only miles from our destination. Big O tire came to the rescue and Sally & Sue were good to go. OPMC has visited Silver City in the past but stayed at the Holiday Inn. The Econo Lodge provided equally good accommodations, better rates (not to mention a nice breakfast bar) and fit the bill for the last night out. Our members wandered back to previously tried and trusted watering holes. Most returned to Shevek & Mi for another great dining experience while Janet and I spent some time on the patio at the Silver City Brewing Co. Good beer and the best seat in town to watch the locals “cruise” Bullard St. A quick visit with the crew at Shevek and Mi and we were off to the Jalisco Café for some great Mexican cuisine. With everyone well fed and the trip winding down, sleep was not a problem. Our final morning saw Joe and CP on the road early as the remaining 4 cars and 8 members settled in for the run home. With all tanks full, everyone agreed that it was time to head home with Judy & Joe leading the way. Several hours later our group of 4 peeled off of I 10 at their respective exits and with a wave and a honk our adventure came to a close. Janet and I would like to thank everyone that participated and contributed to help make this a successful, fun and most of all, safe, club event. We would also like to complete a summary of the trip, our various experiences, personal highlights, miles driven, etc. for future consideration and planning. I’ll be putting together a compilation of photos for a DVD slideshow and make it available when it’s completed. We would also like to provide some feedback to the Moab Club on their efforts and discuss the possibly of a regional/national event here in Tucson. Could be a fun deal. |
