Sometimes it’s hard to write a blog because I’m too busy standing in astonishment of the scenery, or so wiped out from trying to see everything that I just lie down and konk out. Both happened at Arches National Park.
Our campground in Moab was only a couple of miles from Arches, and it had all the amenities. We were particularly impressed with the tent spots, which all had shade canopies covering the entire tent pad. There was also an “Airstream Village,” not for Airstream owners coming through, but permanently docked Airstream campers, each with its own shaded deck, that you could rent. Also cabins, full hookups, a pool, laundry, etc., etc. Very nice, very convenient. The first night, our neighbors recommended a restaurant called The Broken Oar. They allowed Moe on their outdoor deck, and we had a great meal.
Early the next day, Russ was eager to go cycling. He picked up a bike trail guide and headed out for Arches. As often happens, I was bushed from yesterday’s long drive, so I slept in. When Russ got back, it was late afternoon and he was beat, so I headed to Arches on my own. That’s when I discovered how great Arches is at sundown.
The ravens were a hoot—these were just teenagers, but they were very bold and loved getting ice cubes from one of the bus tour guides. He told me quite a bit about them, as he’d watched them grow up.
I kept seeing fanciful shapes in the rocks, as noted above. This one looked like the bust of Nefertiti.
And this one made me think of E.T.
I got back to camp with a bunch of pictures and a plan to return late tomorrow with Russ.
The next morning I walked out behind our campground into a nature preserve, hoping to see birds, as usual. Unfortunately, the ‘wetlands’ had long ago dried up, and except for the ever-present whiptail lizards, there wasn’t much to see. Russ stayed in camp to take care of Moe.
We both took a nap after lunch (the heat will do that to you), then ordered pizza (most excellent!) and headed back to Arches. We got there an hour later than planned, but no matter.
We planned to drive all the way to the park campground at Devil’s Canyon and hike to see some of the better-known arches. Met a fellow hiker, Alan, at Landscape Arch and he and Russ hit it off on the hike back.
We didn’t get to see everything we wanted to, as it was getting dark, so we planned to come back for a third day (Shoutout here to the America the Beautiful National Parks pass for seniors. For $80 I can visit as many national parks as I want, as many times as I want, for the rest of my life, all for free. One government program of which I thoroughly approve.)
Russ wanted to take the bike/hike path along the river early the next day, but we were slow getting started, so it was pretty dang hot on that walk (Moe was stopping in every patch of shade). There doesn’t seem to be anywhere around Moab that doesn’t have spectacular red sandstone cliffs.
It’s hard to realize how much the heat is affecting you, since you never really get sweaty in that dry, windy climate. For me, it’s when my mouth is dry no matter how much water I drink that’s a warning sign. Anyway, we got back from that walk and both passed out—and slept all the way to 6:30! Even after our ‘nap’ we were too tired to go back to Arches , so a few sights will have to keep for another trip. We decided that a nice dinner would make a fine substitute. Another great meal, and Moe was the center of attention from waitstaff and customers alike out on the patio.
Moe waiting for Russ to say “Oops!” and drop another tidbit. A waitress brought him a pup cup without our even asking!
We both took showers before leaving on Monday, and I had one last surprise treat—I shared my shower with one of those whiptail lizards. I wasn’t bothered by him/her, but I thought soap might be bad for a lizard, so I gently picked it up and placed it by the shower exit. It promptly said “Oh hell no” and raced right back into the shower. I decided to respect its right to live where it pleased, and left it there.
Back to CO!