They predicted rain today starting around 12:00. I got out early and went on yet another nice hike at Canyonlands. This one was Big Spring. Another varied hike with some ridges, washes, and again saw a little water in the bottom of the canyon. I wasn't sure what to expect with rain in a desert. It was cloudy all morning and then rain started at 11:30. Pretty good weather forecasting. I got caught out in it for about an hour. It rained fairly hard for about 3 hours total. Lots of wind which made it colder. The temp was about 50 and stayed that way all day with a 20 mph solid wind with frequent gusts to 40+. There are a number of signs on the road into Canyonlands warning of flash floods. I was not sure what kind of rain was required. This was not enough. I talked to a local later and she said it takes thunderstorm type rains that typically happen in the summer.
in the afternoon I went to the Frontier Museum right in Monticello about a half mile from the campground. Pretty good! Lots of farm equipment including a giant tractor. Indian pottery, arrow heads, and other items. The best part was the woman who worked there. She lives on 2000 acres near town that has been in her family for four generations. She told me a lot about living around here and how water makes the land. Their land has limited water so her family has always worked other jobs with the farm being a predictable bread and butter existance. She also gave me lots of advice for the tomorrow when I go to Hovenweep.
Tonight is supposed to be 30 with a little snow. Very strong winds continue. Mesa Verde looks like below freezing every night. Back to winter!
Pictures today are marginal due to clouds. Yesterday was the day for photos.
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