We had a great night at the KOA last night. We watched the sunset and the changing colors across the mountains. Jewel also loved the CG and found a great spot to lay and enjoy the good weather. Feeling refreshed we packed up and headed down the road to Slick Rock CG.
We had booked a water and electric site but when we arrived the clerk didn’t think that our rig would fit. She sent us out to look and gave us a list of other available sites with full hook-ups. She said she would not charge us the extra for full services which also included cable TV. She was right and the site that we were given was way too small.
After setting up at another site (not as nice as the KOA) we headed out to Arches National Park. It was around 1 PM but we figured we’d get as much of the park done as possible. The park entrance is only two miles from the CG so a short ride for us. The ride through the park is 36 miles round trip with many hikes and viewpoints along the way.
Water and ice and extreme temperatures and underground salt movement are responsible for the sculptured rock scenery of Arches National Park. 100 million years of erosion created this land boasting one of the world’s greatest density of natural arches. There are over 2000 cataloged arches ranging in size from a three foot opening to the longest Landscape Arch, measuring 306 feet base to base.
Today new arches are being formed and old ones destroyed. Erosion and wind work slowly changing the landscape.
The road through the park is steep with many switchbacks. At every turn we ooohed and aaaahed!!!! What a beautiful place!!!!!!
There are many wildflowers growing in the park. All different – all beautiful.
We stopped at the viewpoint and then decided we would do the two-mile round trip hike. It was absolutely beautiful and the weather very nice.
The hike was downhill over 300 feet. Yikes, going down wasn’t bad but hiking back up was a real challenge for the both of us. This was the first real hiking we have done in several months.
After hiking through Park Avenue and struggling to get back up the trail (the stairs to the viewing area being the toughest part) we felt both bad and good. Bad that we had a hard time but good that we made it still breathing. A great cardiac stress test. We both passed so now we can enjoy the rest of our vacation and get into shape again.
We stopped at several viewing points to take in the towering spires, pinnacles and balanced rocks.
Then it was on to Balanced Rock. WOW, what a balanced rock it is.
The walk around Balanced Rock was spectacular. How in the world does that stay up there. Different views with changing colors.
Across the road from Balanced Rock was a very nice picnic area so we headed over and had a late lunch. We sat at a picnic table in the bushes for some shade and much to our chagrin we were bitten by the nats – AKA no-see-ums. Yes, I said no-see-ums. They are nasty little bugs that bite you, inject venom and cause a nasty, painful allergic reaction. We were attacked by them in Michigan and again here. UGGH!!! here comes the pain!!!!
Next it was on to more beautiful views with more OOOHs and AAAHS!!! We stopped to view the Petrified Dunes.
Then on to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint 1/2 Mile Up Hill. Yeah!!! We did a lot of short hikes so were feeling better about this uphill hike.
This was the shorter of the two hikes. We will be hiking up to Delicate Arch on another day.
Then on to the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint. Some viewpoints are right on the road others are short to long hikes in.
Next to Skyline Arch another hike up hill. Very beautiful but unfortunately a thunder storm was rolling in. The sky darkened and the lightening was flashing. Since I’m a big chicken I wanted to turn around but Ron kept on going so I followed. DUH!!!
We stopped at the Devils Garden Campground to take a look around. What a great place with spectacular views. Unfortunately, it is always booked..
It was now close to 6PM so we decided to head back to the CG. We put in a very full, productive day and did and saw more then we expected. The ride down was equally as beautiful and different because of the changing landscape. The brief storm and shower dropped the temps to 54 degrees and left a nasty wind blowing.
Back at the CG the dark sky was looming and the wind was whipping. It was blowing dirt everywhere. Once the storm passed Ron took Jewel for a walk and got great pictures of a rainbow.
There are still more hikes and viewpoints to visit. Tomorrow we will attempt more long hikes to see some of the more remote arches and vistas.
0 comments:
Post a Comment