Fall Break 2008
Living in such beautiful country affords many opportunities for exploring.
Fall break has traditionally been a time where my family will drive to an area in Utah where we can climb and bike to our heart's content. The sandstone which predominates in Southern Utah and Western Colorado offers a remarkable chance for back country exploring. Each expedition we take gives us kids something to think about.
Many years ago on a fall break trip, my parents taught my sister and I about Cryptobiotic soil, a very important piece of desert ecology. Appearing similar to black popcorn on the sand, a centimeter tall formation of Cryptobiotic soil can take several centuries to grow. This fragile crust holds together much of the soil in southwestern United States deserts, forming a crucial barrier against erosion. In respect of the soil, all of our exploring takes place on established trails, or on the sandstone that composes such a large portion of the Southwestern Desert.
As the name Moab implies, this town adjacent to the Colorado River is a haven; for my family's purposes more recreational than religious. The slick rock bike trail is a 13 mile loop of gorgeous, challenging sandstone terrain. The La Sal Mountains are stalwart against the horizon as the trail twists, climbs and descends over enormous sandstone formations. This region is breathtaking; the grandiose canyons and soaring arches could inspire anyone towards the value of our planet and the importance of careful conservation.
Fall break has traditionally been a time where my family will drive to an area in Utah where we can climb and bike to our heart's content. The sandstone which predominates in Southern Utah and Western Colorado offers a remarkable chance for back country exploring. Each expedition we take gives us kids something to think about.
Many years ago on a fall break trip, my parents taught my sister and I about Cryptobiotic soil, a very important piece of desert ecology. Appearing similar to black popcorn on the sand, a centimeter tall formation of Cryptobiotic soil can take several centuries to grow. This fragile crust holds together much of the soil in southwestern United States deserts, forming a crucial barrier against erosion. In respect of the soil, all of our exploring takes place on established trails, or on the sandstone that composes such a large portion of the Southwestern Desert.
As the name Moab implies, this town adjacent to the Colorado River is a haven; for my family's purposes more recreational than religious. The slick rock bike trail is a 13 mile loop of gorgeous, challenging sandstone terrain. The La Sal Mountains are stalwart against the horizon as the trail twists, climbs and descends over enormous sandstone formations. This region is breathtaking; the grandiose canyons and soaring arches could inspire anyone towards the value of our planet and the importance of careful conservation.