Then it was time to head for our reserved timed entry at Arches, and we did two amazing hikes: Delicate Arch and Park Avenue.
Delicate Arch is of course the iconic arch that is on everything from merchandising to UT license plates. Most of the way there, I was a monkey chattering away and scampering up the arid landscape and bald rock. But then I had a bit of a panic attack at the end of the hike as I clambered onto the crest and felt the winds buffeting me. I’d have to walk down to the arch, which is perched on the lip of a hollow, and I started imagining myself tripping or being blown hundreds of feet into the depths of the hollow. (I mean, the plaque did say people die on this hike every year—and it didn’t specify how.) And then someone's water bottle slipped from their grasp and fell into the hollow and I could see what a fall might look like in sickening detail.
But... I really wanted to stand under the arch. Big A was fine with not standing under the arch if I didn't want to but was ready to help me get there if I wanted to do that (He really is a perfect hiking partner!). After a few minutes of sitting on the warm rock, I took courage from all the other people doing it, and we made it... very slowly (and probably comically).
Pic: Big A and me under Delicate Arch. LOL at me clutching Big A in fear and leaning into him. I did warn the kind stranger who took this photo that I was going to be very slow getting into position. I like to think I'm delicate like a bomb, not a flower--but this time I was just a silly goose. #LaterPost 10/9.
12 comments:
Well, you got a cool picture out of the experience.
So beautiful! Those skies! That red rock! It does feel sort of crazy that it's the same planet that I am on.
It was all worth it for the photo! So, so beautiful.
Gorgeous! We are planning a trip to Moab in the spring, this is so exciting to see your photos!
Steph--Ha! It's going on the Holiday card for sure. I feel I earned it.
Thank you!
Engie--we're twinning on thoughts here. I swear if I'd been deposited there while asleep and told I was on some other planet, I'd have fallen for it.
Already seems surreal when I look at it, Jenny. Did *I* really do that?!
Nicole--I can't wait to hear your take! How long will you be there? Will you go skiing?
Oh, I'd have been the same way! I imagine myself falling even when I just do a flight of stairs. You are SO brave!
Thank you, Nance--it took a lot for me to do it. I really had to screw my courage to the sticking place...
Gorgeous and well done overcoming your fear!
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