Moab Dedications

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Moab, Utah

The main purpose of this trip is to dedicate a particular location or event Betty and I had during our many wondrous vacations. Most of these instances were unique to us and the drive along the Colorado River out of Moab, Utah is a prime example. A dedication was done to commemorate this single amazing event.

Let me take just a minute to relive that day. The morning after spending a day at Arches National Park, we just started driving and ended up on a scenic byway along the Colorado River. It seem pretty nondescript until we got about 3 miles into the canyon the cliffs on each became steeper and higher. Soon sunlight was being blocked by the walls. Then we saw our first hawk and all of a sudden this little drive became a spiritual event as our senses peaked and excitement soared. There were more hawks and maybe even an eagle or two riding the updrafts and thermals. We talked little other than “look there is another one”, but words were not necessary to capture the moment or the day. Although many times in the future we would chased eagles and hawks, we both knew on this day we had experienced something unique that would never be duplicated.

So today I again drove down this highway, but much has changed and the primitiveness we experienced had been replaced by “to many people, to many machines”. I stoped along the river where the walls were high and the flow of the river could be seen. I struggled (old legs you know) down a steep embankment to reach the rivers edge and the said these words:

Betty, we chased this river from beginning to end in our many trips and it was always inspiring. Remember we drove up this canyon and found not just the majesty of the river, but also the eagles and hawks that soared the wind currents above. I offer a piece of your memory to the Colorado and know you will always be looking skyward for the majestic flights of freedom.

Although Arches National Park was not one of her favorites, I also performed a dedication there. In a place called the Devils Garden:

Betty, your first visit to Arches was filled with awe and excitement, however on subsequent visits these feelings waned. Your final visit or non-visit as the case may be was followed by a memorable statement “I have seen and sat on every red rock in Utah and I won't do it anymore”. We did not return, but I am back because I love it here and want to pay tribute to your memory by making this dedication to you on a Red Rock in Devils Garden where you are surrounded by Red Rocks.

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Photos

Mighty Colarado
Dedication Site

Devils Garden Dedication
Red rocks all around

Cloudy Horizon from North Arch
Perhaps the best of the morning

Arches in Early AM Light
One of the better Arches photos

Yes! It is Red
Torrent Arch