From blah to bah!

We spent a few quiet days in Bicknell, UT where we did absolutely nothing. We watched TV, we played (mostly) educational video games and things on the tablets and computer. B blew through a good portion of a Kindergarten program at Essential Skills Advantage, which scares me a little since we haven't really "taught" her much of anything. H and C have been playing a bunch of Math vs Zombies, and K has been doing some Spanish practice, including ordering for us at the restaurant tonight (Mexian food, mexican waiter who took some time to ask her some questions and stretch her discussion skills, which are a little stagnant).

All that said, anyone who has followed us on Facebook likely knows that we had a little incident today, with the scarcity of gas stations in this part of Utah (yeah, I know that is why you all tuned in today). We left Bicknell with just shy of a half a tank of gas, and 160ish miles to our next destination, which should have been plenty. I did not gas up in Loa (next town up), Not sure why, I usually get more than 400 miles to a tank so I figured we were good. But I do know it was a huge mistake! Because of course, the winding roads and hills and valleys took their toll on our gas mileage, and just as we neared the first town with a gas station, Green River, the engine died.

I could SEE the exit and I could SEE the gas station, but the car did not make it, even though I had been coasting down all of the hills. I ended up throwing on the emergency lights, putting the car in Neutral and coasting to the end of the offramp, with a little help from a guy who pulled over to help, and a little leg work, pushing the car on some flat spots. When we got to the end of the off ramp he offered to go get a gas can and some gas, so we were able to wait in the car, and five minutes later we were back on the road (to the gas station, of course).

We ended up coming to a little hotel in Moab for the night, after a quick stop at Arches National Park, where we got Junior Ranger books and watched the video presentation that they hold at the Visitor's Center. While in the parking lot, I called Frank, who was at the airport, heading to Africa. It was a little emotionally draining for all of us, so we left without hiking as we had planned.

Entrance to the park

Tomorrow we head back to Arches to see the park and enjoy the beauty and hopefully find a little peace. Depending on how we feel, we may hit Canyonlands National Park, or take it easy and see that on Friday. We are in no rush. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

And the views remain amazing