The great thing about going to Moab with a group who has been there a million times is that they were all very concerned with making sure I was able to experience as much of Moab as possible. Truthfully, I felt like a kid visiting Disneyland for the first time. "Look at that rock! OH! No look at that one! Holy cow look how amazing this place is!" and the group would laugh at me and feel proud that they were the ones to introduce it to me. Like their little mountain child had finally found her way home.
We started out the last hiking day of our vacation with a 1 mile hike called "Park Avenue". A far stretch from the real Park Avenue not that I have ever been there, but even if I had, I'm sure I would have like this better.
Next we mad a quick stop by "Balancing Rock" we only had 5 minutes before we were supposed to be at our next location but I had to see the rock from every angle. Julie came with. When we rounded the corner to head back to the car we saw a few of them were taking off so Julie and I did some trail running back to the car. It sounds funny, but all of sudden I had this image that we were two 10 year old best friends giggling and laughing as we jumped from rock to red rock.
Next stop was "The Firey Furnace". In order to enter the laberinth that is the furnace you must have a ranger, a certified guide or take a class due to the complex maze of canyones you wander through. I was excited to have a ranger as our guide and let me tell you he did not dissapoint. He was incredibly knowlegeable, but I guess if you had done the same hike over 1,500 times, you would be too.
The funace was by far one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I tried my hardest to stay in the front of the group so that I could hear all that Ranger Lee was saying...I really am such a nerd.
After spending 3 hours weaving in and out of the furnace we finally emerged, ate a quick lunch and headed over to "The Delicate Arch". Those of you from or familiar with Utahs license plate with the red rock arch, that is what I got to see.
The hike up is a gruling 1.5 miles strait up on slickrock. So Julie, Mariah, Chris and I figured the quickest way down was to RUN IT! Wind in my hair, sweat on my back, and smile on my face, that's exactly what I did.
Lastly, I promised you "Indian Dicks."
Ranger Lee informed me that is not the technical name for them. I guess in mixed company you should call them spires, but...look at them!
Mother Nature has a kick ass sense of humor is all I'm sayin'!
Blogfully yours,
Summer
5 comments:
What a great trip! I didn't see the Indian Dicks when I went. Next time. I bet this is a good time of year to be in Arches. Not too hot and no crowds. I saw Delicate Arch on a busy day -- but, amazingly, all the tourists voluntarily formed a line so that each group or person could have a chance to get their picture taken alone with the arch. People pick the strangest causes for their most elevated behavior!
Looks like an amazing trip. I havn't been to Moab in probably 14 years. I look forward to visiting it again soon after seeing your pictures.
That looks fantastic!!! Was the trip to the arch guided, or just on your own? I have never been there and after seeing your photos, I've decided that I need to do that one this year.
love the pipi stones!
karina
@frank the hike up to Delicate Arch is open to everyone. I'm pretty sure...actually, I'm marginally sure that the Firey Furnace is one of the only places that require a guide. Hope you are able to make it!
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