We drove on out to the entrance of
Arches. When we presented our pass with Sharon’s license the lady ranger asked us more about where Scotia is. Turns out she’s from Saratogs Springs. Small world!
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Drove through the park to Delicate’s parking lot. Lots of cars there but we found a spot and began our hike up at 6:40. It is a gradual uphill and it was still 85°. Our legs were glad when we arrived.
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There were lots of people there so it was impossible to get a shot without someone in it. Still it was nice to see the usual international turnout for one of our natural wonders. The western horizon was cloudy so it didn’t look real hopeful for a “sunset on the arch” shot.
Suddenly the sun broke underneath the low clouds just before it set. There was the arch lit, if dimly, by the setting sun. The clatter of shutters let even the least aware know that THE moment was upon us.
It only lasted a few minutes but it was nice to know that our new friend from Niagra could check that off his bucket list.
Now the show became the setting sun and everyone turned to take pictures of that. Most folks were leaving and we said so long to the Niagarans. We knew the moon would be rising shortly so there might be more photo ops as well as more light on the trail down. As twilight arrived, the moon was being obscured by a low band of clouds so we decided to head down.
There was still enough light to see without flashlights as we started. By the time we reached the open slickrock where you have to look for cairns that mark the trail, it was dark. We did fine and soon came upon the couple from western NY. They were going down slowly with the man using his tripod as a cane. We slowed our pace to add our flashlights to the group for easier going. We stuck with them down off the rocks.
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As the four of us rested for a moment, the moon broke from behind the clouds and you could see the trail as plain as day. We returned to the car and got back to the Rustic Inn at about 9PM. Had a gin & tonic and slept well on some very comfy pillows
It is only a mile round trip but it is stunning in either direction.
This is a view of the Courthouse Towers.
01-SEP-2012
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The Three Gossips and a tiny little arch.