{"id":2130,"date":"2017-03-27T21:53:18","date_gmt":"2017-03-27T21:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/?p=2130"},"modified":"2017-04-03T20:26:12","modified_gmt":"2017-04-03T20:26:12","slug":"crowded-arches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/thewachs.com\/wachsacrossamerica\/2017\/03\/27\/crowded-arches\/","title":{"rendered":"Crowded Arches"},"content":{"rendered":"

I was already upset with Arches National Park after our surprise in the morning led the boys and I out to Fisher Towers but when\u00a0we arrive to the park later in the morning with Steph and Brielle and there is a line of cars out to the highway, my blood pressure rose dramatically! \u00a0I tried to keep a good attitude as we creeped toward the entrance until finally we were in. \u00a0We stopped at the visitor center to get information on Fiery Furnace tours…but, they are not doing tours yet. \u00a0Fine, we’ll just go to Delicate Arch then….LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. \u00a0The parking lot was a circus…cars just driving around and around waiting for a spot. \u00a0There was also a huge line at the bathrooms. \u00a0We finally get a spot, have a quick bite of lunch on a rock and then head off like just 5 more head of cattle in the heard towards this famous point in the park.<\/p>\n

The weather was overcast and perfect temperature for hiking. \u00a0There were just a couple spits of rain and it was windy in a couple of spots but, for the most part, pretty much ideal. \u00a0When we rounded the last corner this famous arch dominated the view. \u00a0It stands tall, majestic and indeed quite delicate looking. \u00a0As well, it stands in a sea of tourons (a term we use in the tourist industry which is a mash up of tourist<\/em> and moron<\/em>)! \u00a0I actually felt pity for the sandstone sculpture and guilty that I was part of the masses. \u00a0I mourned the loss of wildness and ruggedness that this area has suffered. \u00a0At the same time, I am thankful for our national park system to preserve and protect these areas from some drywall mansion or mega-mart being built here. \u00a0And, I am also glad that people are getting out and enjoying nature even if it is a tamed and domesticated version of it. \u00a0Anyway, we snapped a few pictures of the arch all of which required post editing\u00a0to remove all but our favorite tourons of the story!<\/p>\n

After a quick stop at the Fiery Furnace overlook we headed to Sand Dune Arch. \u00a0This was a favorite of ours from last time. \u00a0It is just a 5 minute walk from the parking lot between some large fins of rock. \u00a0Filling the gap between the fins of rocks is soft red sand…what used to be part of these massive and imposing structures is now trampled on by mere human feet. \u00a0The kids loved playing in the sand and then exploring all the nooks and crannies in, over and around the rocks. \u00a0After the sun left the sand and began climbing the rock walls as it made its way toward sunset we decided to make our way back home. \u00a0It was a good day despite the crowds and here <\/a>are some pictures to prove it.<\/p>\n

\"\"

D-RAM<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Do I have to?<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Yeeehawwww<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Hiking girls<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Stop, rest, think<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Rock waves<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

There it is<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Dacen and Delicate Arch<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

The guys at the arch<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Me and my hunny<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Trying to get \"the shot\"<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Hiker woman<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Caterpillars<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Really???!!!<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Fiery Furnace overlook<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Dacen by Fiery Furnace<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

\"Ruh Roh!!\"<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Nature's sandbox<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Tight spaces<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Can she fit?<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Barefoot climbing<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Up high<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Tadaaaa<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

\"Hold it open Dacen\"<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

In a crevice<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Between a rock and a hard place<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Sand Dune Arch<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Family at Sand Dune Arch<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

View toward Devil's Garden<\/p><\/div><\/div>