We enjoyed our day at Arches and we left Moab before getting a chance to see Canyonlands. The State Park at Green River was verdant since they water the sites regularly with river water. The real problem was the party into the wee hours at the group site next to ours AND the trains that rolled through at 1 am and 6 am.

With the site all packed, breakfast waited for us at the diner before heading off to Capital Reef NP. Once there, we decided to drive into “The Wash” and hike The Cassidy Arch Trail for a good workout and some spectacular views.

Next was a drive to the Bryce View Inn. Settling into a rustic room and eating a Ruby’s Buffet (I think Ruby has a monopoly on the town) gave us a place where we would be just a few miles from Bryce Canyon NP’s first-come-first-served North Campground.

Both Matthew and I had trouble sleeping being so excited to be going to Arches. So, why fight it? By 5 am we were in the park and driving to the Windows trail for sunrise.

Next we wanted to hike the trail to Delicate Arch, but the trail head lot was full. So off to the shorter trail to view Delicate Arch from a distance. This was longer than anticipated.

That view was not quite good enough so after trying the lot again, we started onto the Delicate Arch trail. As my friends know, I take my time on an uphill hike. The trailhead said two hours.. I took three. This hike gave both of us vertigo at times. Wow was it worth it!

Our motel’s included breakfast was a brown bag with cold food and a cup of coffee… not great.

It’s becoming a ritual to start our drive after filling the tank and to pick up a few things, this time at an Alberquerque Target. Then off we go, but this morning Matthew drove while I navigated without telling him our first destination of the day. He was delighted to see the signs just a few miles before we got to the Four Corners Monument.

Arriving in Moab before 5pm, our camp was soon setup and we were ready to head into town for dinner followed by a short ride to the entrance of Arches NP.

Now, I’m anticipating an early start tomorrow as I lay in my tent, looking up at the stars.

PLANS CHANGE. We had planned to begin with our first night in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Looking at a high for the day of over 100 degrees in West Texas, we opted for a motel in Amarillo instead. Stopped for a great lunch in Wichita Falls on the way. Looking forward to cooler nights as we gain altitude.