In the heart of the Utah desert

We are stopping in a condo at Moab, Utah for a 3-day break to our road trip and a look at Arches Monuments. So far each day has provided a fresh buzz that has made the trip a fantastic experience. Our timing has been impeccable, not only with the weather, but also capturing wildlife and escaping setbacks. This herd of bison was a bonus.

Since our last blog we explored Yellowstone and its expansive network of geothermal hot springs, boiling mud pots and geysers. The Grand Prismatic Spring was like tons of coloured gemstone had been dropped on earth and become molten.

Some of the landforms were truly weird, whereas others were captivatingly beautiful. Old Faithful Geyser blew for us as if someone had pressed a button!!

On our last day at Yellowstone we explored a few of the canyons and valleys. Next day on the west side near our accommodation a 'controlled' forest fire blew out of control by a rogue wind. As we were driving out of the park we were surrounded by smoke and after we left it became too hazardous for driving so the authorities had to close the park and evacuate everyone. We heard it was closed for several days, but by this time we were tucked in the safety of the Teton Mountains!

I was spoilt rotten for my birthday with a bbq spareribs dinner, delightfully messy and dripping with smokey bourbon sauce. The crazy lot we are with later gave me a pink cowgirl 'g' as a souvenir from the ranchlands. The hilarity that followed remains censored. At least the item takes up limited space in our luggage!!

Many miles later we arrived at Longmont, Colorado to stay with Doug and Jerry-Lee's son Christopher and his family. Chris works for Google in Boulder so we had a rare privilege of been taken to breakfast and a tour of the facilities. Google certainly practise the 'enhanced workplace' policy. Unbelievable!! Their resident chefs provide breakfast and lunch,.....not just the average cereal and sandwiches, but a vast menu of tempting foods that would make a few signature restaurants look ordinary. The work stations have every office enhancement feature available, including yoga rooms, massage chairs, snack stations and imaginable meeting areas. One was a combi van decked out with lounge chairs. They have their own baristas and a bar where they can have a free beer or shot to revive a busy day!! To say they have a gymnasium would be rather ordinary,....they have a range of extreme activity centres, including a rock climbing wall. Above all offices could be made dog-friendly if the pooch needs to accompany its owner,.......and there are dog treat stations as well!!! Such is the competitive world of cyberspace employment!