Hiking can be pretty scary should one take the names literally. The devil plays quite a part in names of many places, whether it’s man’s fascination with evil or rough and tough hikes, we’re not sure. However, the Primitive Loop keeps one on the lookout, not so much for the devil but the sloping rocks that one climbs and descends. In some places, it is particularly dangerous; one has to be on one’s toes in more than one way. Nevertheless, it’s just the hike we would do again at the drop of a hat. For the moment, we’ll hold onto our hats as it’s time to move to another area.
At first glance, Arches National Park is a delight. It appears to be relatively flat, the landscape dotted and clumped with rock formations of varying sizes. In some areas there are square miles of solid rock ground cover. We climbed up one of a number of rocks that took the form of an ocean liner. When we use the term ‘rock’ it seems inadequate. Once one meanders into the thick of things, the ground changes. The term ‘relatively flat’ is a misnomer. One climbs these rocks which are low mountains. In between and surrounding them are valleys, too. Should one lose the trail, a distinct possibility, one could be lost amongst thousands of rocks, each a different shape and size. At times, it is easy to take these rocks for granted. That’s a mistake. On closer inspection, there is uniqueness, overpowering volume, color and placement. It is overwhelming unless one shuts the mind and focuses on the muscle strain. Once again, in the background there are the ever present mountain ranges providing an outline, a completion to the landscape.
We completed nearly 8 miles of hiking with ups and downs but especially negotiating the slick rocks, a favorite of ours. These rocks present wonderful opportunities to explore, scale, climb, seek and in addition, find that childhood spirit. Why do we try lose it as we age? The last few days, having a myriad of rocks to climb, we have felt that we were back in kinderrockery—this time with an understanding and appreciation.
We leave Moab and Arches after a short stay but most satisfying experience. The great state of Utah, particularly the southern part, semi- desert and all, is blessed with an array of formations that are distinctive, unique and eye-opening. It’s not hard to fathom why this is a most special area.
We stayed at a good motel chain but the particular establishment seemed to be having management issues. After Shabbat, we were unable to get onto the internet and discovered the front desk unmanned. We tried looking for a woman but achieved no success either. We searched the premises for someone to help but to no avail. Every so often, we’d return to see whether the ‘captain’ had returned to pilot this drifting business. In the meantime, guests arrived and were queuing. We faced a dilemma. Do we send them to other motels in the area or, check them into their rooms and pocket the cash? Such are the dilemmas we face on hike-about.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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