Exploring Arches

We were up very early this morning due to the two hour time difference between us and Massachusetts.  Business calls needed to be made and work needed to get done.  Mission accomplished and off to explore the arches by 10:00.

Water and ice, extreme temperatures and underground salt movement are responsible for the sculptured rock scenery of Arches National Park.  The park has over 2,000 cataloged arches ranging in size from 3' to 306' from base to base.  We not only saw arches but also spires, pinnacles and balanced rocks.  At this point, I'm sure my readers are saying "please no more rock photos" but you'll have to admit this are not just rocks.

Three Gossips

Sheep Rock

Double Arch

Our plan was to see as many arches and rock formations that we could in a day.  The park makes it very easy to view many of the most popular sights simply by driving along the scenic route from beginning to end and stopping at each observation point.  Short trails ranging from 0.3 miles to the longest 4.2 miles brings you up close and personal to each of God's creations.

We stopped for lunch at the picnic area near Devils Garden Campground.  Hard boiled eggs, multi-grain crackers, celery and carrot sticks, with apples and cuties for dessert ... very simple and very satisfying.

Nice shady spot for a bite to eat

Three rock climbers at the top

Landscape Arch is the length of a football field

By 4:00 we were both starting to fade and I kept thinking how nice an ice cold beer would taste.  Last night I was looking through the Moab Menu Guide and saw Moab's Only Microbrewery and Restaurant.  It sounded like a fun place to visit and offered up fresh hand-crafted ales with names like Porcupine Pilsener, Dead Horse Ale, Scorpion Pale Ale and Raven Stout.

Cheers!

Anyways it was on the way back to the campground and we didn't pass up the opportunity.  Denis ordered one of his favorites, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo and I ordered the Greek Pasta with sundried and fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, fresh spinach and garlic tossed with olive oil, and herbs over penne pasta.   Both the service and food were very good.  Oh yeah, I tried the Raven Stout.  It is described as an oatmeal stout with plenty of roasted malts and delicately hopped for a thick, creamy start and a crisp finish.  Served unfiltered for extra vitamins.  After drinking some beers I get a stuffy nose but this one didn't bother me at all and it was very tasty.

Another day in paradise.  Thanks for stopping in.