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What's your high for the day?  The ranger told me it wasn't too bad Wednesday--107° two days prior! 

Thursday Pat and I left Krikkit in the air-conditioning and took off at 6:30 a.m. for Devil's Garden Trail at the end of the scenic road in Arches.  We were ready to tackle a longer trail that would take us up to several rock formations. 

Looks like it's going to get toastier!

We were only 15 minutes later than Weds. but it was packed.  A steady stream of cars the entire way and most parking lots were full.  Devil's Garden parking lot is probably the biggest having 160 parking spaces.  Luckily it had some spaces left.  There were lots of people on the trail at 7:30 a.m. though 

We didn't take the the full 7.8 mile Devil's Garden loop which includes a primitive section.  We did go on the primitive trail for a ways and experienced the rock scrambling and narrow ledges with steep drop-offs.

It took my breath away as a younger teen was running up and down the narrow ledge.  I, however, was having a good day.  No panic attacks with the heights and narrow ledges.  The elevation was 5,000' but the altitude sickness and constant headache seems to be conquered, at least at this level.

Even my back, knees and legs didn't hurt today.  My left knee doesn't bend as much as it should, nor bear a lot of weight, but that seems to have improved.

We finished our hike at 10:30.  We had taken a side trail to Pinetree and Tunnel Arches.  Just before the primitive trail began we saw Landscape Arch.  Following, we took the primitive trail to Partition Arch, the highlight of our trip at Arches.  An up and down, round-trip trail of almost 4 miles.  It's  a start.  I wanted to go a mile further but it was already getting hot.

Tunnel Arch

Pinetree Arch

Looking out Pinetree Arch is the Submarine.

Can you see the people up in Partition Arch?  That's where we're headed.

Landscape Arch 

We're headed up. 

Cairns used to mark the primitive trail.

What do you think this rock looks like?

Partition Arch on the left

Looking out from the top before heading down.

Our route back down.

Landscape Arch on the left and Partition Arch on the right.

We saw a couple of interesting sites.  Dogs aren't allowed on the trails mainly because their scent can attract wild critters.  A family passed us with the cutest small beagle.  He was wagging all over and had no problem scrambling up the narrow ledges.

We also saw someone on a single wheeled Hoverboard headed up the Devil's Garden Trail as we were almost back to the trailhead.  Rangers were in pursuit!  A $1,000 fine was awaiting this gentleman.

Wednesday we were in the car by 6:15.  We drove about 45 minutes to the entrance of Arches NP.  Why so early?  First, to beat the heat.  Second, we were warned by many that if we weren't in the park by 8 a.m. they are full and close the road.  

We took the 45 mile, round-trip, scenic drive.  Lots of pull-outs and stops to see arches, windows and other geological wonders.  Have you been here?  If not go!! One just can't find the words to describe its beauty.  It is really amazing.  

Queen Nefertiti Rock

Three Sister's Rock Formation

Tower of Babel

Petrified Sand Dunes

La Sal Mountains

Balanced Rock
The total height is 128', boulder height is 55' and the weight of the boulder is 3,500 tons.

Parade of Elephants

Raiders of the Lost Ark (3rd installment) Cave

Double Arch

Delicate Arch is probably the most famous Arch.  We saw it from the overview but there is a 3 mile, uphill hike that let's you get closer. 

The Fiery Furnace is named because of the glow of the setting sun.  It isn't hot and is actually cool in the Caverns.

Sand Dune Arch Trail

Looking up at the Sand Dune Arch

Sand Dune Arch

Skyline Arch

 

Three Gossips

Tuesday was our most beautiful drive yet!  We only drove 250 miles but the landscape was so diverse.  It was breathtaking the entire trip.

Church Rock

Wilson overlook through a screened window
After 2 years of this, Pat was totally unaware that I would want to stop at this overlook.

Reduced iron in a swampy or boggy environment produces the green colored rock.  A lot of iron produces the red rock

Monday we were running errands.  Food, a trip to the Post Office, and Krikkit needed to add a couple of new meds (one of which she lost at 5 a.m. Tues.☹) and in the process we came across a drive-in.

Pat's onion rings on the tray.