On December 13, 2014, Stephen (aka, Izzy) and I stopped off at Arches National Park in Utah while on our Papa.Bravo.Fourteen Road Trip.
Ever since I bought the FJ in 2012, Moab, Utah has been on my list of places to visit and wheel. Before the road trip started, this was one of the destinations I was most excited about. A brief side track for a second. If you don't know, Moab and the surrounding area is considered the "Mecca" |
The decision was easy and we went straight to Arches National Park. We arrived late morning and were among the few people exploring the park that day. Before visiting here, the majority of pictures I had seen of the park were from sunny, dry days. The difference in scenery from the images I saw prior to our time there were noticeable. The low, dense clouds, along with the wet rocks gave this place a unique look and feel.
Unlike most people, I appreciate and often prefer overcast days, especially when it is cooler outside. I will admit though, they tend to be more enjoyable when it's an "inside day" and I have a nice cup of hot coffee in hand! |
With supplies in hand, we started our journey! Even though dehydration is not as much of an immediate concern during the winter as it would be during the summer, it is still a good idea to have some water with you. Same thing with snacks just incase something happens.
The elevation in this part of the park is about 4,300 feet and goes up to about 4,800 feet once you reach Delicate Arch. Not that high, but enough to make you short of breath at times, so small breaks are a good thing. As we got closer to the top, the trail began to narrow and the path became more icy. Staying closer to the rocks provided a better walking area with a little less ice. It also helped for balance as we could grab the wall, especially since there is a significant drop off in some places. |
Shortly after that we saw a small group of people coming down from the arch. They were struggling to keep their balance while negotiating the ice.
I jokingly yelled up to them "slide down on your belly like a penguin, its so much easier that way". We all laughed, except one guy who apparently missed the joke. Without hesitation he laid on his belly and down he came. For some reason, I had a flash back to that movie Cool Runnings. |
We finally made it to the top and were immediately rewarded with a spectacular view of Delicate Arch. It is the largest free standing arch in the park with a hight of approximately 46 feet and a width of approximately 32 feet.
Nature never ceases to amaze me. It blows my mind how wind and water can create beautiful sculptures like this and how they can continue to stand despite the ongoing erosion and weathering. This arch took lifetimes to form and hopefully it will continue on for many more. |
Not only do we document our travels, but we also sell rad stickers, patches, and other products as a way to help others show off their adventures! Going to the mountains? We have a patch for that! Going camping? We have a sticker for that! Sun beating down on your head? You guessed it; we have a hat for that!
Since we launched our store in 2012, we have shipped products all over the United States and to more than 30 countries. To see all the places our products are in use, please click here: BAG Products World Map. We are blessed to have so many people rocking our Gear! |