It appears as if someone has dragged a paintbrush across the slick rock for us to follow. We know better. The lines from thousands of vehicles who have traversed the landscape ahead of us, define Moab, Utah.
This annual trip is what we call, The Jeep Trip. A week with like-minded Jeelples for off-road fun. Keep in mind, the word fun is relative to where you sit or stand. For many, Moab is a playground, and while I could say it is just a bunch of boys with their toys, I can’t. Three women were primary drivers this time.
I was not on that list.
In case you don’t know me, you do need to know two things about me…AND Jeeps, before you continue reading.
- I do not like driving OR riding shotgun while rumbling along rocky cliffs.
- And yet…I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE where the roads take us.
My fun comes with my camera over my shoulder. On this day, abundant wildflowers dotted the landscape.
Stops along the way are like no where else in the world.
Other photographers in the group were playing along side me.
And even though pups in the party had different priorities. There was no doubt they were living their best life.
I guess I find it funny to see different interpretations of the same place, and it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? We all love what we love and simply connect to that space the best way we know how.
There are teachable moments for some.
There are river crossings for those who prefer to get wet.
There are high and dry views with unique perspectives…and reality checks.
And there are many times we get the best of both worlds. He climbs it, I explore it, and we are both captivated by this vast, seductive landscape. Our playground? Yes. Here we are in the same place, at the same time, with different views, and totally different experiences. But trust me when I tell you he was proud of the fact that he missed the flowers on the rock staircase. This was a “plays well with others” moment.
OK…he had a directive prior to the climb, but cool shot, right?
Wind Kisses, Donna
Inspiration: Sunday Stills: Pets and Playgrounds
Wow, Donna, you sure take playgrounds to a whole new adult level! But if kids went along, they would have fun, too! Love the various shots of the jeeps rolling through the beautiful terrain. The yellow jeep rolling through the creek looks a little suspect. You have it all in this post–pets, flowers, photography, scenic views, and lots of playtime!
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Wasn’t sure I could pull it off, but Moab really is a playground. And I have so much to share from our time there. Kids DO love it too. A great Sunday still theme…. Have a good week Terri.
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Beautiful, delicate desert blossoms, Donna.
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Great photos Donna 🙂
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What a great way to see the back country. A lot less effort than hiking! Moab is gorgeous.
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So gorgeous. Very cool hots!!! I envy you your energy…Thanks for sharing once again.
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Luckily you and your camera do ride along!
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Deserts are for me a fascinating place, here you can feel real freedom. Life is reduced to its true essence and the perception may widen for a certain glimpse of time. Really nice photos 🙂
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Oh my goodness I love your posts, Donna! And since I’ve been to Moab, I loved these photos! Even though I did not go off road exploring. My favorite photos are the one with the arches, and the doggy in the side mirror!! 🥰❣️❣️
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Such a cool post. Scares me to death! The river shot and this last one were particularly unnerving. I love what Terri said about you taking playgrounds to the next level. Amen! I had a friend over tonight and I was showing her what blogging looked like. We saw this post in the Reader. She was amazed at your photography, Donna. She was also amazed at the community of bloggers. 🙂
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Wow. Thank you MArsha. I truly never think of myself at that level. It matters SO much when people notice. I started blogging because I wanted somewhere to place my thoughts. I love travel, an love more journaling my impressions. To think others might read my work sometimes is so extra. Thank you so much MArsha.
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Those are some of the reasons that I started blogging, too. 🙂 It is amazing. 🙂
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That must have been a wonderful experience! I love the area! Beautiful photos of all the rock formations and flowers too.
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Thank you. An amazing place for sure.
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Awesome photos! And those jeeps are made for climbing. Your Playgrounds are for the “toys” and for the photographers! Loved that first shot!
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Yes. The Jeeps are truly machines capable of way more than I give them credit. Do you ever drive off-road, or do you like to be along for the ride? I am always surprised at the women who love the sport as well.
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I usually do not drive but can in a pinch. I have two gal pals that drive along with us. They don’t have husbands so they drive themselves.
I still love to be the one who takes the pictures.
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I am glad you do it, Nancy. I just don’t have the interest. I am happy to get out and walk and take photos too. A friend of mine from college came along this time, my husband taught her how to drive it. It is truly a sport, isn’t it?
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Wonderful post yet again Donna! I have to say that like you I would be much happy ‘playing’ with my camera than I would driving a Jeep across that terrain, but I do think I might enjoy the ride as a passenger 😀 But yes, taking photos here is where I would be truly in my element, as you are. The wildflowers are so beautiful and the landscapes so stunning, who would not be happy to play here?!
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It’s such an amazing place. First time we went, I felt so tiny. The realization of how small we are on this earth.
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This is just so wonderful!
The love you and your hubby have for the outdoors is reflecting amazingly in all these photos. Thank you for taking me along 🙂
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Thank for joining us.
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That a tríp, and so well documented through the photos.
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Thank you!
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What a beautiful place and you captured them so well, my kind of playground
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Thank you. It is a fantastic place. We love it, and the people who travel with us.
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I admire your courage and stamina Donna! Just last week-end there was an annual gathering at Long Beach of Jeep owners. Here’s the facebook link!https://www.facebook.com/events/870306937546589/
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Holy moly! Funny…we remembered the tops off after we got home. That is a great gathering of Jeeps on your beach. lol. I am not sure I am courageous or have much stamina. but I love going. I get lots of miles in. I walk A LOT. Thanks Lindy
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Great photos of this awesome place, playground, I should say. 🙂
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Stunning photos, Donna, and what an adventure!
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Thanks Stella. We always enjoy our time there.
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I’d be there, but just for the flowers too. Beautiful shots. 🌸
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Wow, these photos are all beautiful, but some are startling. Driving through the water and over the rocks. What a trip. Female drivers like these are so much less surprising than they once were. Moab just moved up my list. I guess summer is too crowded, though.
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Thanks, Dan. Summer might not be tooooo crowded, but it is definitely too hot. If you thought you were going to be in a car the whole time it would be fine, but there is so much to see on foot at well. Arches, is there, Canyonlands too. Every time we go our experiences are different. Two years ago it was primarily to hike. One year the park’s. This year off road. You should put it on your list though. There is no place like it.
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We’ll have to wait for a non-summer month. Thanks for the tips. The southwest/west will have to be its own exclusive trip.
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Yes. Many people plan it as a loop. Lots to do. Have a great week Dan. At the Grand Canyon as we chat…
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Enjoy!
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Wowza – what a wild adventure – love the images!!!!!!
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Moab fun for sure!
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Yes!!!
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Oooh! What FUN!!! I think my Ford Escape could negotiate that very first part, but none of the rest! 😳😳 As a friend advised me as I approached the edge in a very similar place in the Needles area as your canyon view, ‘a strong gust of wind could blow you over the edge.’ Be careful out there!
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ha. True! We are extremely careful and in our Moab trips travel with other experienced drivers. Three who work for Jeep. In any case, I get out and walk a lot. Thanks John.
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