10.23 & 10.24 Delicate Arch and Beyond, a new perspective, at least for us, plus Windows

Jenni heads to the Delicate Arch, the formal way, the cliffs in the rear are our target

After scaling the cliffs, Jenni sits on...at rear

Probably the most common view of the arch—note the shadow it casts


We wanted to get behind the world renowned Delicate Arch, which meant scaling the cliffs aft.
Most photographs and views are from the front or the approach. Looking through the arch from that position,
the cliffs are visible—our intended next position. Standing at the icon, there is nothing delicate about
it although one can see that given time, erosion will win. We won’t be around then, though. By the way,
the licence plates of Utah reflect this image, Delicate Arch from the right side.

After viewing it from the front, left and right sides, we scaled the cliffs at the back and received
a whole new perspective. In addition, looking into the canyon behind, with mountains as a backdrop,
was a real treat. Of course, the journey is critical and so the climb behind the arch as we made our
way up, two different ways in fact, gave a whole new meaning to the experience. As we often mention,
no matter how spectacular the sight, should we not ‘sweat’ to arrive at a destination, something is
lost, sometimes, much. Perhaps that’s strange but we never said we weren’t.

'Underneath the arches'—waiting for the lovebirds to move off

Behind the arch, on the cliffs. Hoping my love-bird would join me—too busy showing off—these days I get pointers from the editor

A delightful scene at Arches

The weather has been outstanding for hiking. This, of course, is relative. Sunbathing weather
it’s not unless you want to get a color, say a shade of blue. The day commences at below freezing,
rising into the 40’s, in Moab. It’s brisk and refreshing, also putting more spring in the step although
that season is a long way off. We can’t think of better weather for our activities. Besides the unusual
features in the foreground including every type of rock formation possible, looking into the distance
is a treat as the mountain peaks are sprinkled with snow. Nature sure knows how to put on a show.

From the cliffs at the rear, the arch with 'friends' gives a different perspective

If children are going to climb on the structure, how long can it last?

After partaking lunch, apples on the run, we headed for the Windows section. Our editor thought
she might check her emails until we explained: it’s another form of arch. Arches, windows and other
terms are used to describe the formations at Arches National Park. We realize we describe so much of
what we see using superlatives but we call it as we see it. Arches is another wonderful place with
sights that are magnificent. Perhaps we’ll write more about that on our experience in the Devils Garden,
the following hike.

Editor crosses a threshold...window

If we keep getting lost, someone has to get to higher ground and search for an arch

We would be remiss if we did not comment on the Moabites we meet. This is an ancient people
mentioned in the bible. The last time we visited Moab, we had the pleasure of meeting ‘Ginger’, a
brunette Moabite woman, no Ruth, of course—Ruth’s our Mom. We were rather tickled because we thought
these folks no longer existed and here they are, all along, living in America—the great
melting pot, indeed. They say that travel broadens the mind (fattens?).

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

An approach—the chasm, canyon and rear views were awesome—approaching from the extreme right-side

Is she going to attempt to climb the Arch?

One of hundreds of arches and windows filling the landscape