The sign welcoming us to Utah didn't arrive a moment too soon as far as I was concerned. The drive through Nevada was- to be frank- squashed and uncomfortable. All 5ft 10 of me doesn't relish sardine-like conditions. Nonetheless, there is nothing like folding up your limbs and arranging yourself in numerous inconceivable positions for 580 miles to make you appreciative of a ride on the (motor)bike after it all.
The afternoon found us arriving at the Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab, which revealed itself to be quite the scenic masterpiece. The accommodations were exquisite, but- alas- we were only passing through for dinner. Still though, as a long time vegetarian who is tentatively welcoming fish into my diet, I've got to say their rainbow trout justified my dining-bravery (I consider every unfamiliar fish consumed to be a brave act at this point...).
It turns out that this particular location has played host many of the old westerns film sets, and all sorts of other modern movies that you presume were filmed somewhere of course, but not necessarily the place you happen to stop for dinner on a scorching, sweaty, sleepy day in the middle of your honeymoon.There was a museum with all manner of movie props, posters, and proud photos of the lodge as the backdrop to Brad Pitt and Susan Sarandon and any number of many-muscled actors from the old cowboy films.
There was a winery and tipis and beautiful gardens and scenery for which no amount of superlatives can do adequate justice. I ate like I wasn't planning on moving for a week, when in fact half an hour later I was delicately coaxing my bloated carcass back onto the bike as we headed for that trusty lodging- the Holiday Inn. Holiday Inns, as I have discovered on this trip are by no means of a consistent standard across the country. The one in Moab however, was like heaven on a plate- which is admittedly a ridiculous description of well... anything other than food- but suffice to say, it is very, very nice. And with that, it's time to take a breath, throw on some evening wear (that'll be the only clean T-shirt and whatever shorts/ jeans can be found at this point...) and go out and celebrate our arrival in Moab. This, I have been looking forward to!
Can't get tired of your illustration! Love those native american tents and those old school machines are the best!
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful set of drawings to commemorate your trip. I love the movie museum drawings, and the landscape is dazzling! nancy
ReplyDeleteI love your landscape drawing at thre top, that looks like part of an old cowboy movie as well.
ReplyDeleteOh my lord. On a BIKE. But I'm so enjoying your honeymoon, Louise, what a hoot!
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun, creative and interesting bog, again!
ReplyDeleteLovely illustrations!! I had no idea you were doing his on a bike--wow--you are brave!!
ReplyDeleteOh how fun it would have been to sleep in those tee pees! I hope that you bind all of these sketches and stories into one book. Most people have photo albums of their honeymoons, but you would have so much more!
ReplyDeleteGreat renderings of your trip. I love Moab, most of UT is very scenic and lovely. Have I missed something here? I thought you were traveling by car...no? On bikes? Wow! You ARE very brave souls to travel through what is still very hot weather in the west in Aug/Sept!!
ReplyDeleteTry Best Western motels...much more consistent, have been upgraded and have the most comfortable beds ever! I wanted to drag the mattress behind the car to bring home with me when we traveled by car from CA to Central TX to see my niece.