Day 8 Arches National Park

I was awake around 7 so decided to sit out on the deck to watch the sun rise over the surrounding hills/mountains.  Unfortunately there was a bit of cloud around so only a few glimmers of sun managed to peep through.  I sat for a while catching up with family online then went back in to get ready for breakfast at 8.15am.  As we were a little early for our time we had a quick wander round the property.  We spotted a couple of deer grazing in the orchard.

Breakfast was served in the main lodge area.  We chose a table near the window so watch the birds at the feeders and also had a view if the mountains.

Breakfast was a baked omelette served with breakfast potatoes, an Apple muffin and some mixed fresh fruit, plus orange juice and coffee.

Reluctantly we packed our cases into the car and after a quick lie in the hammocks in the garden headed off again.  It would gave been lovely to stay here a couple of nights, it was such a restful place.  As we left we took a little detour down through Castle Valley to look at the surrounding homes.  I'm not sure there are any planning laws in the US as it appears you can put or build anything you like on your land!

There are 3 national park areas around Moab and after some thought we decided to stick with the planned Arches NP.  The ride back to town was stunning and we pulled over a couple of times along the Colorado river to look at the view.

Arches NP had quite a long line of cars at the entrance.  We watched as cars already in climbed the zig zag mountain hugging road upwards! 😲   We had free access with the America the Beautiful pass we purchased at Grand Canyon and soon began the climb with more stunning views looking back down the valley to Moab and beyond.

The park was much much bigger than I expected but it was well organised with great roads.  We started with Delicate Arch which had a moderate walk of about a mile to reach the higher viewing point.

Next up was Broken Arch, about mile and a half flat walk, and Sandy Arch, a short walk from the same car park.  It was getting hotter by now edging into the mid to high 80s.

Me sat beneath Broken Arch!

We weren't giving up yet, next up was the area for North and South Windows.  I walked a little way but let Keith carry on alone for the final bit of the half mile climb.  Also from this car park area was Double Arch, a 1 mile round trip, which we both did.

Double Arch

The enormity of this park and it's arches surprised us, and it was certainly "up there" with the other sights we have seen so far.

With the time now after 4pm and a few drops of rain starting (It didn't last long and wasn't enough to make any thing wet), we headed back to the entrance and took the road north for about 20 miles, then joined the freeway westbound towards Green River.  This road had a speed limit of 80!  Very unusual for US roads!

We checked into the River Terrace hotel, river view, huge room, even has a chandelier!

For dinner we walked to the Tamerisk Restaurant next door where I had Halibut and Keith had pork chops.  Keith ordered mash and gravy with his.  Must remember gravy is not gravy in America but a creamy sauce!  He said it was nice but was a bit surprised! 😁