Return to Arches

We had planned to stay a couple of nights at the OK RV Park near Moab, so since we were only a few miles away, we decided to make a quick return trip to Arches National Park. After last night's thunderstorm, it rained off and on all night. We even got a few sprinkles this morning as we were unhitching Toad II for the drive to the Park. (We are sitting in such a pretty spot with the Moab Rim in the background.)

The impressive formations start before you even enter the Park (note the raindrops on the windshield).

Entrada Sandstone makes of the bulk of the park formations with iron oxide giving the red color.

 

These formations are known as the Courthouse Towers --

 

 

And these are the Three Gossips --

You have to wonder what keeps one like this from toppling over --

While this is called Balancing Rock --

As we drove deeper into the Park, we began to spot some of the 2000 cataloged arches in the park --

 

 

What an incredible sight, with the still snow-clad mountains in the far distance --

These "fins" are what are left after water and wind do their work on the softer rock in between --

Last time we were here, I hiked back into this slot between the fins to see the Sand Dune Arch. It was tough going with sand over my ankles. With last night's rain, it was much easier going. And this time Forrest went along.

After the narrow portion, the rocks opened up for this view --

 

I took a picture of a young couple with their camera and they returned the favor --

This is the arch we are actually standing under. You could not get back far enough to picture the whole thing --

The last time I came through here, I had to slide out on my posterior as the sand was so slippery and slick. This time with the rain, it was a bit easier going -- and Forry was there with a steadying hand!

Our seventy-plus years caught up with us a bit. It was nice to find a place to rest when we came out!

This is Skyline Arch--

It was a fun, but tiring day. I took lots of pictures of Spring wildflowers, but I'll save them for another day.