Day 1- Denver CO to Moab, Utah

It was a bright and windy day in Littleton, CO, when Heather Anderson and Christi-Lynn Brown set out on their quest to seek adventure in the canyons and wilds of Utah and Arizona. Prepared for anything with two-weeks' worth of food (for their three days of travel), an atlas, and the biggest vehicle known to man (not really, but it seemed that way) they left the warm beds and hearty food of Heather's relatives and roared off (of course, the suburban DOES have a mighty diesel engine) towards I70. Threats of avalanches not-withstanding, they feared little (except for Christi-Lynn's fear that Heather would refuse to stop and let her pee until they reached Grand Junction- this proved to be a valid fear, as grand junction found CL rocking and moaning in the passenger seat begging for a bathroom, any bathroom) and expected much out of these few days in the southwest.
After failing to spy the bright beacon of Wal-Mart to acquire some fuel for the stove, a small sign kindled the fire of hope within Christi-Lynn and Heather's hearts. REI. There had to be a bathroom, fuel, and perhaps even maps to facilitate the planning of this adventure in the Southwest (Planning? Who plans?). After the acquisition of fuel, use of the bathrooms, and frustrations with the maps, they set out once again, crossing into Utah, and soon exiting on Rt 128. Heather's heart filled with pride as they saw the sign (paraphrased): Narrow winding road with open range cattle. Moab 46 miles. This was the moment that the suburban was made for with its grill guard, diesel engine, and large brush on the back bumper to prevent mud-slinging. 46 miles, amazing views (at least by daylight, they were sure), and many bright stars later, they entered Moab.
The lights of Moab filled their adventure-loving hearts with thrill--or was it the looming shadows reaching into the sky that signaled-possibly--the mountain hiking they craved? (these shadows were not, as Christi-Lynn had first feared--the resting shapes of brontasauri and t-rex--mind you, it had been awhile since she had visited the southwest) As they cruised the Moab strip in their roaring beast of a vehicle, they reveled in the bright lights of fast food and motels. But the question begged to be asked: where would they sleep on their first night in the desert? Would it be a secluded pull-off, a back-country camping spot beneath the utah mountains?
Their weary eyes were finally drawn by this beacon of hope: "CANYONLANDS CAMPGROUND!" Nestled behind a texaco station, with the lights of the strip playing friendly games with their tired eyes, they found a welcome resting spot.
Curled up for the night in their sleeping bags in the back of the suburban, they were thankful that they had been protected from avalanches, roaming dinosaurs and sleeping in the shadowing back parking lot of the burger king--and they anticipated a great day of hiking in Arches the following day.