Today, we woke up in Moab, Utah. Our first stop for the day was at the Arches National Park. The Double Arch is a formation in the park that you can hike through to the other side of the two arches. Very pretty.

We went to Canyonlands National Park after this and eventually found our way to Chinle, AZ, where we will visit Canyon de Chelly tomorrow.

Today, we saw some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Not all of it was in Bryce Canyon, either. This scene taken from Sunset Point was pretty hard to beat, though. Click to bignify.

We saw so many things today and I took so many pictures, it was hard to select any single one.

It was raining when we passed through Red Rock Canyon on the way to Bryce. There’s no doubt how this place got it’s name.

After driving most of the day, we are finally in Zion. This is the view outside our room taken from the patio.

We’re outa here - the vacation starts today and we’re heading toward some of America’s most beautiful scenery. Here’s the route we picked . . .

We should be at Zion National Park this evening. We will be posting daily with something of interest from the road.

The other day, I posted a picture of a colorful sunrise. In that article, I mentioned the fact that I leave the house early so I can get to work early and come home early. Today it was not to be . . .

Note that this is the END of the train as it moved from right to left. There were two locomotives on this end and three on the other end of the train. It took eight minutes for the train to pass at a speed of about 15 MPH.

But, I was only a few minutes later than usual and we’re going to be on vacation next week. After that, there are only 379 calendar days left until my planned retirement date which is only 239 estimated working days to go, but then, who’s counting?

We reported on feeding problems with the Warthog and promised to make a progress report. This is an interim report. There will be a follow up.

First, I replaced the springs in the magazines thinking that would improve the feed of rounds into the chamber. Next, thanks to Kerby, the Para representative who contacted us about our problems, we watched a video of Todd Jarrett giving some shooting tips for short-barreled .45s. In the video, Todd demonstrated the classic ’stovepipe’ that occurs when the gun is not properly supported by the shooter and then demonstrated how to hold the gun.

Image: Looking into the Warthog’s chamber.

Sunday, when we went to the range, we had new magazine springs and newly-acquired advice on shooting the weapon. We both shot the gun and we both experienced misfeeds even when bracing the gun as advised.

I spoke with with the Para representative today and we agreed to send the gun into the shop for a closer look at the problem. We think that this time, armed with more data, they can pinpoint the problem and get it resolved. We’re hoping so. Damsel loves the little gun even if it has been a bit temperamental.

Mandatory reading - paperweight optional.

I’m enjoying reading “Effective Handgun Defense” (ISBN: 0-87349-899-2), by Frank W. James, who points out in the book that he is no kin to the 19th century outlaw brothers. The book is more than just tactics and has a very interesting history section. It’s amply illustrated and filled with plenty of good information.

These are the firearms we took to the indoor target range today. All except for the little Airweight J-frame, that is - but it is a good-looking gun, so I put it on the table.

Don’t read anything into the table cover. It’s all I had that would fit the new folding utility table that we use on the patio when we clean up.

Click the image for bigger.

Damsel and I mourn the passing of Tony Snow. The Nation and the media world have lost an extraordinary human being. Tony’s wife and children have lost a wonderful husband and father. God bless Tony’s family and friends in their time of loss.