Arch Collapse

I noticed on my yahoo homepage that an arch had collapsed at Arches National Park sometime during the night of August 4. My curiosity wondered which arch it was, considering I was there over a month ago and had a wonderful time.

Well, it was Wall Arch located on the Devils Garden Trail. When I hiked this trail, I stopped at Landscape Arch since we had limited time, so I did not ever get the chance to see this arch. I can be saddened by this, but as geologist I know some other beautiful arch is forming in the park right now.

I very much appreciate the time I was at Arches and I am experiencing it all over again reading Desert Solitaire. It was a place I had always wanted to go and I was awe stuck by the beauty of the arches. Only to be Edward Abbey back then and have the entire park to yourself and free to roam anywhere. I can not wait for the moment that I can take my son to a place like Arches and the rest of the Southwest, which I hope is much sooner in his life than later.

If you want more info on the arch collapse, here is the link to the NPS website for Arches. http://www.nps.gov/arch/parknews/news080808.htm

My Favorite Pictures of the Summer #2

This photo is a dream come true and one of the things I wanted to do the most while on the trip, Delicate Arch at sunset. After climbing the 1.5 miles up the slickrock trail, walking around the corner and for the first time standing in the presence of the most famous arch in the world with a added bonus of seeing it at sunset. A large group congregates to take pictures of the arch and it is not quite what I expected. Not to worry, there are places if solitude is wanted, but I am not going to tell you the spots, you are just going to have to explore to find out for yourself. So I recommend this hike at sunset if ever in Arches National Park. It is not one to miss and is one of those must see moments on every geologist's list.

My Favorite Pictures of the Summer

This picture is in honor of Edward Abbey and the wonderful sunsets he describes.......

I took this picture in June from the Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park. It was my first time there and what a great way to be introduced.