Moab

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Woke up this morning very groggy, my head was spinning but still managed to pack my stuff into the trailer before most people. Today would be the first day of hiking since way back in Yellowstone somewhere so most of us were looking forward to the exercise. First we stopped by the Arches National Park visitors centre to have a quickly look around, it was in an impressive location, surrounded by rocky red cliffs. We took the typical photo of the sign then continued into Aches to do three relatively small hikes. The first one was the shortest and took us around some basic arch formations of rocks then up to a large arch which had an amazing view. We took a group photo then headed back to the van as it started to rain. We continued to the next stop and got out for a two mile hike through the canyons. This particular hike took us to another unusual arch formation which was very large and quite thin, it was called ‘Landscape Arch’. It was amazing how these strange rock formations could have been formed. I made sure to take plenty of photos as well as the cheesy ones with me pretending to hold the arch above my head. After we each had our turn we began heading back to the van. I remember looking around and seeing nothing but strange red rock formations surrounded by red sand and thick green vegetation. We got back in the van to our next hike.

It was getting really hot hiking in the sun and for a moment some of us were considering skipping this hike as we’d seen enough arches but we went on. This hike was a tougher hike than the last two, it was only three miles long but most of it uphill and into the cliff face. We began to walk the final hike, we past a small abandon shack and on past some old rock drawings before we started to climb. We tried to keep to the trail but it became difficult because it was only marked by small piles of rocks, which seemed silly considering there were rocks everywhere. Dave and I were far ahead of the others and when we starting hiking on the ledge of a cliff I started to think we’d taken a wrong turn. But eventually we made it to the top and that’s when I recognised it. A massive, massive arch I’d seen it before on television and in movies it was called the ‘Delicate Arch’.

This blew my mind, I couldn’t believe I nearly didn’t do this hike because I had been looking forward to seeing this since the beginning. We walked under the arch and it stood so incredibly high above us, all the way on the top of a rocky mountain it was just beautiful. The views were absolutely spectacular this was an unbelievable place. We just sat and enjoyed the views for over an hour, mesmerized by this massive arch made of red rock. After soaking it all up we reluctantly headed back to the van to meet Jon, who for some reason didn’t come with us. On the way back we passed the other trek group who were planning to stay there for sunset (though they never did). Eventually when we returned to the van Jon was very secretive and wouldn’t let anyone sit in the front seat. We drove on, thinking that we were heading to the campsite but soon enough arrived at another National Park, called Dead Horse Point.

We each took a bag that Jon had in the front seat and he also brought some plates, knives and forks. We surprised us with a roast chicken and mash dinner atop another incredible lookout point. We jumped the barrier and ate dinner right by the cliff, we had some of the greatest views of canyons I’ve ever seen. The food was also delicious, it was a fantastic treat for us and we had no idea it was coming. After dinner we stayed to watch the sunset which was beautiful. We then cleaned up and headed back to the campsite. We were again in cabins tonight, I shared with Tina, Marcia, Ben, Jon and Hannah. The beds were really creaky and the mattresses were made of plastic, but still we were happy to not be in a tent. We sat around the table and had a few drinks and played a few games. It was only when it was time to wash the dishes when we couldn’t find them anywhere. We’d left them at Dead Horse Point, we left 12+ plates, knives and forks behind and we thought it was hilarious. We were all pretty tired and slowly went to sleep.


Day 51:
Mesa Verde - Moab
130 MILES TRAVELLED // 10450 TOTAL
Canyonlands Campground

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Photos

Arches National Park
The incredible 'Delicate Arch' an amazing sight

Arches National Park
Beautiful landscapes as we hike through the canyons

Arches National Park
The 'Landscape Arch' in Arches National Park

Arches National Park
More spectacular views from the 'Delicate Arch'

Arches National Park
Spectacular view from the 'Delicate Arch'

Dead Horse Point
Jon eating dinner by the edge of a cliff, it was an amazing view

Dead Horse Point
Dinner with a view..

Dead Horse Point
A breathtaking view of the canyons