Moab

Moab is one of our favorite places to spend time.

Last weekend it was time for a break from the kids, so Moab is where Trevor and I went.

We stayed at the Red Cliffs Lodge along the Colorado River (where we held our wedding reception 4 years ago). It is such a beautiful place.

We visited Arches NP on Sunday. Trevor recently read the book Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey, who spent three seasons as a park ranger in Arches in the 1950’s. Back then (from 1936-58) the entrance road, called Willow Flats, was a dirt road several miles north of the current road. Trevor wanted to drive that road into the park. From there you can get to the Eye of the Whale Arch. It was really quiet out there, since very few people go there. We hiked there for about an hour.

Arches N. P. with the La Sal Mountains

After that we drove to the Devil’s Garden area. 3 Years ago we hiked the whole loop with Will. We hadn’t been back there since. Along the trail you can see several arches, Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, Double O Arch, Partition Arch, and a few more if you take the primitive trail back to Landscape Arch. 3 Years ago we also walked past Wall Arch, but it came down in August of ’08. Now you pass it on the other side, since the trail is covered completely with big boulders.

This time we hiked to the Dark Angel, a short walk from Double O Arch, and then we walked back.

I just love that Moab and the National Parks around it are only a 3.5 hour drive away. The area is so beautiful and there is so much to do that we already talked about where we’re going to hike next time.

Will and Tessa had a great time with Granny Kris. Will told Grampy (Dean) “My mom and dad needed a break from Tessa and me!” That boy is just too smart.

PS. I love Red Cliffs Lodge’s address: Mile 14 on scenic Hwy. 128.

 

Update

Here are the hikes we did:

http://www.mtbguru.com/trip/show/15832-eye-of-the-whale-arch

http://www.mtbguru.com/trip/show/15834-dark-angel