When we become acclimated to our surroundings, anything out of the ordinary seems to be tough to deal with. So far for me, the heat has been the crux. Last night was a slop fest. My cushions were ringing wet when I woke up. I was able to talk the picture below through the dirty windows. I didn’t want to wake Maddie up. If you unlock the Jeep, the light right above our faces comes on. I thanked the Lord gladly when I started the Jeep up and the air conditioner came on.

We had a two-hour drive to get off the trail. I have been impressed with PB&J. I haven’t had to put it in four-wheel drive, much less touch the magic button. For those who don’t know, the magic button is to initiate the front and rear lockers. The Jeep has crawled up and down every ledge that we have thrown at it. I’m so glad we installed airbags. These trails would have never been possible without them. Thanks again, Brant.

Once we got cell service, we let Chris know that we were alive before heading to a little swimming area that we like. The area is called Mill Creek. It served more as a bath for me, but it was refreshing. Like most places, it was crowded in the parking lot, but the little swimming area that we like was empty. We could only guess that everyone was at the beach and the larger swimming area.

Maddie re-enacted her and Sophie sliding down a section of rocks, and I looked, as I always do when we come here, for a spoon ring that Amanda lost in 2014. Sorry Amanda, no luck again.

I decided to do Baby Lion’s Back while we were in the area. It is more of an obstacle than a trail. I have been to the base of it in a rental car and our van, but I never had the guts to go up the hill.

As we ascended the slick rock entrance, there was no oxygen in the Jeep. Maddie and I breathed in so hard as the incline increased that it was like a vacuum. Once we got to the top, we breathed a sigh of relief until we got to the drop at the end.

It was steeper than the entrance…so steep that Maddie decided to walk down and video my descent. I think she was thinking that at least someone needed to be able to tell the story. Her video is less than stellar, as she was too busy worrying that I was going to flip. The Jeep is only in the frame about half of the time.

I put the Jeep in four-wheel low to help slow the descent and eased on down. The pictures didn’t capture what it felt like inside the vehicle.

By the way, M&M’s don’t tell the truth in their commercials. In Moab, they do melt in your hands.

We decided to drive down to Indian Creek for the evening. This is a climbing area just southeast of Moab. We found a campsite and cooked supper.

As we sat and talked, the temperature dropped a little, but a nice breeze picked up. It was the nicest night that we’ve had on the trip. It was so dark that we had a great view of the Milky Way.

Psalm 8:3-4 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Many times on this trip I have pondered Psalm 8:4. I know that I am saved by grace. I know that the blood of Christ has washed me white as snow, but I can’t help but wonder why God loves me enough to redeem me. I pray that every one that reads this blog understands the love that the Creator God has for them.

Because He Calls, Old Climbing Dad