Hiking, Jeeping, Flying and Dining...part 2

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
June 4-9, 2015

Our adventures with Dee, Kathleen, Jim and Erja continues. On June 7th, our destination was Top of the World. Ronnie and Carol pulled into Portal the day before and we were thrilled to have them join us.

Weather has not been kind to this 4-wheel drive trail as it has steadily increased in difficulty through the years. Several places were very eroded leaving steep ledges to climb. 

When we stopped for a break, the designs in this dead tree caught my eye. As I was making my way around to see the other side, I had quite a surprise! 

A gopher snake was slithering toward the dead tree as well.

Alot of the trail twists and turns thru a pinyon pine and juniper forest...

We had lots of threatening clouds all around, but only a few drops of rain came our way.

After almost 10 miles, we reached the end of trail which just happens to be one of the most dramatic overlooks we have seen. 

This was the first time Dee had driven Blanche on Top of the World.

Jim and Erja take in the view...

And what a view it was!

Fischer Towers to the west...

 

Looking down into Onion Creek area.

Kathleen gets a few pictures...Dee and Erja enjoy lunch with a view!

Our team L to R...Cooper, Jim, Dee, Erja behind Dee, Ronnie, Kathleen, Joe and Carol

Picture taken near Dewey Bridge at the trailhead for Top of the World.

The next morning, June 8th, Kathleen, Erja and I were up early and eager to do some hiking in Arches NP. 

Our first stop was the Windows Arches area. 

My favorite here is Double Arch.

This area was used as the opening backdrop for the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

There are no fences or guardrails...it's way fun to climb!

 According to information I read, Double Arch is a pair of natural arches that share the same stone as a foundation for both the outer legs. Unlike most arches it was formed by water erosion from above (rather than the more typical erosion from the side) making it a pothole arch. 

The largest of the two openings has a span of 148 ft. and a height of 104 ft. 



Just across the road is the The Windows area. The trails here meander all around and even through the arches...three all total. 

In the picture below, only one window is visible, but here are two windows (arches) which were formed in the same sandstone fin. 

Within walking distance is Turret Arch. It is fun to climb as well. This fin is over 100 feet wide. The arch is "young" and small. Just to the left in the picture below is a very small opening and it is predicted that within a few hundred years or so the two of them will join to create a much larger arch.

The picture below shows our next destination...Delicate Arch. 

 Erja shows the magnificent size of this beautiful work of nature.

I think I heard a "WooHoo".

 This masterpiece is a freestanding natural arch and is the most widely recognized landmark in Arches NP. Delicate Arch was first known as "The Chaps". 

Kathleen

Delicate Arch hike is rated a strenuous hike in the park's brochure. It is a 3 mile in and out hike which includes a steep incline on slickrock. 

 The parking lot is in the middle/right side...

Happy trails!

Coming up next is part 3... the biggest adventure of all...flying!

Hiking, Jeeping, Flying, and Dining...part 1

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
June 4-9, 2015

As mentioned in the last post we had a fun-filled, busy and exciting week. It all started when Dee's family arrived for a visit and to celebrate Dee's birthday. We met Kathleen, Jim and Erja last week and have had the pleasure of sharing several Moab "things to do" with them. Hiking and jeeping were at the top of their list.

June 4th was a perfect day for a hike so Kathleen, Erja, Joe and I headed out to Corona Arch trailhead,  one of our favorite hikes here.
Corona Arch trail is a 3 mile (in and out) round trip hike. There is very little shade on this easy trek up Bootlegger Canyon.






A safety cable with moki steps helps with a steep incline/decline on slickrock 

Erja stops to take pictures.

and a stationary ladder eases the climb up and over/down a ledge.




Corona Arch has an opening of 140 ft by 105 ft.

That's Erja standing under the arch on the left side...

An added bonus is Bowtie Arch...it's on the left in the picture.

June 6th turned out to be a jeeping day. It was cloudy

with a chance of rain, but that did not deter excited jeepers.

The trail of choice was 3-D which tours the Hidden Canyon area on the north side of Moab.

Bartlett Wash lined with magnificent cotton woods.

Joe and Jim checking out an obstacle called The Pickle.



Slickrock area in the rain!

Looking down on the trail in Hidden Valley from a slickrock overlook. 

L to R...Jim, Kathleen, Dee and Joe

Strange looking rock formations...

Jim driving Roxanne on an obstacle near the end of the trail.

Dee spots Joe in Pearl.

The clouds were interesting all day. What do you see?



 And if that wasn't enough, we came home via Long Canyon from Hwy 313 to Potash Road.

WAHOO!

The lighter orangey streaks are evidence of recent rock falls.

Until part 2, enjoy the view and happy trails!