Part 4, 30th Anniversary Trip

Arches National Park Visitor Center

On Thursday, June 30th we visited Arches National Park in southeast Utah. It was our second visit with the first one affording us only an hour or two in the park back in 2008. For that reason, and despite the torrid temps, we wanted to see Arches again. Early arrival is a must this time of the year and I brought my own shade along in the form of a large golf umbrella. ;) Fortunately we did not experience the 3 digit temps that a couple we met in Zion National Park had. They were from Maine and couldn't fully enjoy Arches because of the heat. So fair warning - go early am or late afternoon evening. The great thing about this time of the year is that it is daylight until 9 pm so you have plenty of time to explore. Okay that's my public announcement, let's enjoy some photos of this amazing place together. 

Once you leave the visitor's center you start winding along sheer cliff rock walls.

The Three Gossips

Windows Section of Arches

We parked and started hiking up to the North Window. 

The walkway was a nice addition since our visit in 2008.

near the top they added a stairway 

North Window

This window is huge in scale.

My hubby looks incredibly small standing in the center of the window. 

Upward View

South Window

Told you I brought my umbrella, it was a lifesaver. :)

Turret Arch is a short hike from North and South Windows and we climbed up to it and took photos which I still need to edit and upload. 

close up of Turret Arch

Time to head back to the parking lot way, way, way out there. 

I can imagine the folks that might have taken refuge in these caves when this land was open and free to roam...wonder what they were like.  

Balanced Rock 

Scenery along the way to Devil's Garden

Devil's Garden

Entrance

Shade was in scarce supply and the temps were already creeping up.

Course this little guy was right at home. 

now where was all this hiking leading to.....

Did we make it??? Yep, but my camera battery didn't. UGH!!!

I managed to get a snap of the first of three arches in Devil's Garden. 

You ask, was going back to the car an option? No way, we now know why it's called Devil's Garden, it's hotter than Hades.  

We'll just have to commit the other two to memory. :)

Oh well, here are a few more photos that were taken before we got to Devil's Garden

We stopped by the Visitor's Center on the way in and out, it's very nice and like most parks do they had a great video of the park and its features. 

--for some reason I can't find my photos of Delicate Arch but I'll edit this post and upload them when I do-- 

In case you're wondering where Arches is located, it's 5 miles north of Moab, Utah. Moab is a nice city and we ate lunch there. As I mentioned before you want to visit during the summer either very early in the morning or very late afternoon / evening. It is torrid during midday and through the afternoon. It's important to have water with you for proper hydration and several people brought umbrellas like I did, believe me it made a huge difference.

We had a great time touring national parks in Arizona and Utah. I hope you've enjoyed the pictures of the majestic places and that it inspires you to get out and visit these national treasures. Tomorrow I'll be sharing our visit to Little Switzerland in Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Also, apologies if you were waiting on this post this weekend. Our daughter surprised us with a visit on Saturday and I've had a bad headache off and on as well. 

Thanks for the visit! 

Lisa xx

Part 3, 30th Anniversary Trip

Happy Friday!

It's Day 3 of my photo share of our recent 30th Anniversary trip. Today is all about Bryce Canyon which is a sacred place to me. My first visit was in August of 2008 and I've been anxious to get back ever since. Finally on June 29th, 2016 I found myself there again and it was like I'd never left. The big difference was that I had more time to spend in this magnificent place and I took full advantage of it. 

FYI no filters....just the glory of Bryce Canyon....enjoy!

Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest on the way to Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon General Store

While I was making my way to Sunrise Point several riders emerged from the Navajo Loop Trail. Certain areas of Bryce can only be accessed by horseback.

Ok, not a big selfie person but for Bryce I made an exception. 

(hubby let me out so I could start hiking to Sunrise Point while he found a spot to park, the place was packed)

He caught up with me but wasn't too happy I was standing near the edge of the cliff snapping away. Oh dear!

The hoodoos in Bryce Amphitheater (located between Sunrise and Sunset Points) are incredible.  

Wall Street (the Navajo Loop Trail passes through it) at Sunset Point

Navajo Loop Trail in the amphitheater at Sunset Point

Inspiration Point is a steep climb... 

I had to snap this on our way up...no rails and it was super windy so hubby held on to the branch to make sure he didn't go over the edge. :)

a long way to go....

The end is in sight :)

close up of the amphitheater

I could look at this view forever, thank you Inspiration Point!

Thor's Hammer is another iconic image at Bryce Canyon and you can get a good shot from the Navajo Loop Trail or Sunset Point.

Thor's Hammer

Close up of the Grotto's at Bryce Point

Views from Farview, Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, and Black Birch Canyon...

Rainbow and Yovimpa Viewpoints

Both of these are in close proximity to each other and worth the short walks. 

Hubby grabbed all the shade he could find as southern Utah can get pretty hot in June.

  

and Yovimpa Point

Last stop for the day...

See the guy (3rd from the right) he was explaining to a tour group what they were viewing and he was very informative. My hubby was listening but I was snapping away...

 a bit off the beaten path....which did not amuse my hubby lol

Mid afternoon and it was a bit hazy but you can see the Dixie National Forest and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Further out is the Grand Canyon in Arizona as the guide was explaining. By this point I was outside the fence....a girl has to do what a girl has to do. ;)

I could literally keep going but it's nearly 7 pm on a Friday evening so I'm gonna hit publish and enjoy some time with my sweetie. Believe it or not I'll be back tomorrow and Sunday for rare weekend posts as I want to wrap up the photo journey of my trip. I'm on to new things next week and I need to get a few crafty items in the mail overseas. ;)

I also want to say that the people of France......everywhere actually......are in my prayers. This world seems to be upside down right now and let's just hold those we love a little closer and give thanks for each and every day. May God bless and comfort those who lost loved ones and the injured in the terrorist attack in Nice, France. My heart goes out to each of you.

Thanks for looking,

Lisa xx