Friday, June 6, 2008

Posted by Katelyn

Day 17

Moab, Utah

I'm glad we are spending longer periods of time in the most worthwhile places. This town is a bit touristy, yet quaint, and it surrounded by gorgeous red sandstone. The mountains can still be seen in the far distance, snow capped and all.

Dena, Amy, Lauren and I decided to go for a hike in Arches National Park for our day off. Only two miles outside the town we entered the national park, where the sandstone towered around us. It was breathtaking.

The Delicate Arch, the most famously pictured, took us a 1.5-mile hike. It was perfect for what we were set to do.

The hike, however, was a little more than what we bargained for, because there was no set trail to get there. We had to follow the markings of piled rocks, along with others' footsteps, uphill and on rough terrain. It was hot outside, maybe 75 degrees, but there was also a good breeze and low humidity.

What I seemed to take note of during our hike was the number people we saw that weren't from the United States. Asians and Europeans speaking in broken English dialects crossed our paths more than I expected. It was the first time I took note that our national parks are an international attraction. Although that could be because of our economy the way it is right now, and how it is cheap for them to travel here.

Getting to the arch was incredibly rewarding. I grinned as we turned by the last towering rock to spot the arch in the distance. My back was covered with sweat.

The four of us sat in beside each other in a meditative state for a good while, near the arch. It took us a good amount of time to get there, so we wanted to spend a little bit of time to enjoy it and take it in.

When we returned, Lauren was aching to go to a rodeo. It was the only weekend of the year that it was in town, so my mind thought of the When in Rome saying. It seemed like the perfect time to go experience something new, and get the trip off our minds for a few hours.

While for me it was a mind numbing experience, it was worthwhile spending my evening there with Lauren and Amy. I had a good time, because we could enjoy each other's company without having to worry about the trip. The mileage, the driving, the camping, were all left in a distant memory for the time being. It was something I needed to do to clear my mind.

All in all, our day off was also a good "day on" for me.