We have been trying to make it to Arches National Park for over a year. I am happy to report on this road trip, it was a priority and bucket list check! I love checking off the list!

We actually stayed in Moab the night before, and were glad we did. Beautiful area and an ATV lovers dream! Great shopping and restaurants. We opted for the Moab Brewery, it was Tuesday and 25 cent wings were on in the bar…craft beer on tap and eat your weight in wings for under $20! Heaven.

Okay back to the park. $25.00 entry fee, I always recommend buying the park pass $80 for the year, and it pays for itself in one vacay. Totes worth it. We were lucky and were there in early March, so crowds were slim to none. (How I like it) late Spring and Summer it gets packed! So plan for crowds and all that implies. There are a decent amount of easy hikes in the parks that do not disappoint. I recommend Double Arch and the North and South Windows for sure. Delicate Arch is a much longer, strenuous hike to get up close and personal. The viewpoint hikes are easier, but for me kinda disappointing view wise. We were limited for time so unfortunately couldn’t tackle the longer hike. (Next time Arches, next time) the 18 mile drive through the park is beautiful and doesn’t disappoint. It’s definitely awe inspiring.

This one is definitely worth the trip. If it’s not on your list, add it immediately!

We’re off! Heading cross country to Washington. I cannot tell you how much I love these road-trips. Not just for the destination (We adore Washington) but more so for the adventures we stumble into along the way. I can tell you from experience, it’s the “no plan” trips that are the best!

Day 1 heading out of Texas did not disappoint! We innocently pulled into a gas station, somewhere outside of Llano, yes this was another Michelle pit stop. I hop out of the truck and head into the store, when I notice this cage attached to the back of this Jeep. But there’s something in it…”what in the fresh Hell?” “ARE THOSE RATTLESNAKES?” I yell. Then I hear this thick Texas twang “yes ma’am” (the owner of the slither mobile) I’m like “what” “why” “what” My husband is staring in Awe with his mouth open at this point. This wasn’t a couple of snakes, this was like 40! He then proceeds to tell us he is a snake wrangler headed to the Snake Rodeo. He was also the Grand Champion wrestler 3 years straight!

Naturally my next response is “can I take some pictures?” He says sure. He then proceeded to take my phone and OPEN THE CAGE!!! I’m like “oh no that’s not necessary” to which he responds “oh it’s alright, they’re quiet right now” as these words leave his mouth, I notice he’s shy three fingers on one hand and has a little atrophy in his arm. (No doubt from a quiet snake bite) and takes me some nightmare inducing pictures.

It’s the next thing he says that leaves me in mouth dropping awe. He tells us the story of his “roundup” that day and the words “I threw that one at my son”…”cause I seen about a hundred of them heading under some rocks”…(insert crickets) all I could utter was “WOW!”

As we walked away, thanking him for the lesson. My husband goes “did he just say he threw a snake at his son?” Me: “yep” then I see his son get into the car, he was like 12!

So the moral of today’s adventure is…don’t ever think you’re a mean or bad parent. There are people who throw rattle snakes at their kids!

Safe…I don’t even know.

M