Getting Back into the Swing of Adventuring!

On the trail to
Tower Arch

My first act as a (temporary) resident of Moab was to go adventuring in Arches National Park.  I packed up my gear and took a delightfully short drive to Arches. . .it’s incredible to have Arches National Park be my backyard for the next few weeks!  I wound my way up to a turn off to the Klondike Bluffs parking area.  I took the eight mile drive to the parking area very slowly . . . partly because there were so many great views along the way and partly because that was the only choice my trusty little car gave me. 

On the trail to 
Tower Arch

After ensuring that I had all the necessary gear packed into my fancy new hydration pack (thanks Mom and Dad . . .it’s amazing!), I headed onto the trail.  There’s something about the combination of having to carefully search for cairns to ensure you’re on the right path and being completely surrounded by magnificent, other worldly rock formations that makes me feel like I’m the first person to ever discover the scenery all around me.  The combination of the breathtaking scenery and sense of adventure makes for a uniquely enjoyable hiking experience! 

Tower Arch

At one point, I think I was paying too much attention to the amazing rock structures all around me and not enough to looking for the cairns.  I eventually realized I had lost the trail when I got to an extremely narrow passage between two rocks that dropped straight down.  After assessing the situation and realizing that I could neither fit between the rocks, nor get back up the steep and slippery slope of the rock, I decided to retrace my steps and see if I had taken a wrong turn.  After a while, I found the turn I had missed.  After carefully following the cairns for a while, I rounded a curve and was met with quite a reward for my increased diligence.  Tower arch was right in front of me!     It is a large, substantial arch with a balanced rock structure that’s right next to it, and from the right angle, it looks like the balanced rock and the arch are all one structure.  I plopped down on the sand, pulled out my lunch, and marveled at the strange and totally amazing beauty that nature created!

Tower Arch

On the trail to 
Tower Arch

After making my way back to civilization, and running some errands, it was time for farm duty.  I planted several rows of various varieties of eggplant and some basil.  Since my only other farm experience is harvesting at the end of the season, it was quite a contrast to be planting entire rows of vegetables in a smallish tray!   I really enjoyed getting to be part of the very beginning of the process!