Arches National Park

Last night, we ventured into Arches National Park after hours because we were determined to find a place away from the town lights, to view the night sky.  Every brochure we came across described the night  darkness as being so unique- because Moab is  hundreds of miles away from a major city--that it was a 'must see' - as impressive as any of the other local sights.    Since it was close to the summer solstice, it was nearly 10 pm before the sky was truly pitch black.  But, we were rewarded with a magnificent show of stars  that just made us feel so insignificant and small.

We got up early the next morning to get a head start on the Delicate Arch hike.  Once again, we felt insignificant and small when we got our first glimpse of the famous arch. With my knee brace on, I was determined to do this hike, even though it rated as a strenuous.  And, I did it!  So many people had doing the  Delicate Arch hike on their 'bucket list' that there was a  real sense of excitement and camaraderie among those of us who arrived there.   It was a great experience, even if it was boiling hot and there was no shade along the hiking trail.  We toured through the rest of the park in the car with the air conditioning going.  A few times we got out and took a short walk to the various other arches and rock formations.  It is truly an awe inspiring place!

Those aren't ants on that slick rock, those are hikers! We went this way to get an 'up close and personal' view of Delicate Arch!  It was worth every sweaty, sun-roasting minute!

And we made it ! This is the world famous Delicate Arch. The opening is four stories high!

This area is called Park Avenue because it is supposed to look like the New York City skyline! But this place is as far from a big city as it gets!

This is one of over 2,000 natural arches in the park!  When you notice the size of the people, compared to the arch, it really shows the grandeur of these rock formations.

This rock formation is called "The Three Gossips."

Here is Queen Nefertiti- one of hundreds of amazing rock formations at Arches.