ROAD TRIP JOURNAL: Arches National Park

After Colorado, we drove East back into Utah. It was a precarious drive with steep cliffs and no shoulders along the road. We were happy when we passed into Utah because Colorado seemed to not put up as many guard rails along the steep cliffside roads as Utah does. We went from the green mountains back to the red sandstone landscapes again. 

We stopped in Moab for a few nights. First thing in the morning we went to Arches National Park. This has been on the bucket list since we started. It is something that we see as a symbol of Utah and the Western United States all over the world. But none of us had ever been there. 

You have to have a reservation to enter the park. Sadly, with our spur of the moment trip, all the "cool" times, in the mornings and evenings were taken. We did get a reservation, but it was at noon. As we drove into the park, we listened to park radio and it said "avoid hiking between noon and 1500h." And here we went! 

The drive in was beautiful. There were so many formations to enjoy. Each one has a different viewpoint and unique style. 

The hike to Delicate Arch was HOT and no shade. We were so glad that we bought umbrellas earlier so we could have shade. It was steep in parts, but the heat was the hardest part. We stopped a few times to rest in the shade and drink. 

It was a beautiful view once we made it. So glad we did it. 

"Balancing Rock"

The Three Gossips

 

There were Ravens everywhere. They are loud and noisy. But it was fun to watch them explore the area for food. 

The two Muggles were so hot they took two photos and then walked back to the shade. Lady Hiva and I went out to the Arch. One good part about going in the heat of the afternoon is there was NOBODY else in the area so we could take photos with just us. 

On the way down from the Delicate Arch an old man was struggling. We had seen him on our way up and he was hobbling down. I wondered how and WHY he had hiked up to the Arch, it really is not an easy hike. He was being nearly carried by two other hikers and the Ranger was there. He and his wife had no water and no shade. (Two things the hike warns you about before you start the hike). Another group of hikers gave them Gatorade they had extra. Lady Hiva gave him her umbrella. They tried to protest, but Hiva told them we were almost to the end and he needed it more than we did. 

By the time we were done we were hot and sweaty. We all wanted to find a nice cool pool to jump into. But it was so worth it! Glad we did that. Now whenever we see the Delicate Arch on a sign or a license plate we can be proud that we made it in person.