Arches NP

The Moab area is an attractive region for National Park lovers. So many opportunities! We left the campground at Dead Horse Point and headed for the next highlight: Arches National Park. Since it is located practically "around the corner" we arrived there quite early before the crowds of tourists showed up. It was no problem to find a vacant space at Devils Garden campground.
Then we drove back to the "Windows section" to collect our first couple of arches.  The first one (or two) was the mighty "Double Arch". Have you seen "Indiana Jones and the last crusade"? Then you probably remember this impressive formation from the opening sequence. It is huge! I also liked the "Spectacles" ("North Window" & "South Window") and the "Turret Arch". We rambled around for an hour or two. Then we made s ahort side trip to the "Balanced Rock" (not only arches here!). For some reason I did not take the typical shot of this fascinating rock formation. Probably because of the backlight. I can't remember it exactly.
The rest of the day was reserved for the hike to world famous "Delicate Arch". There is a viewpoint far away from the arch that is accessible by car. But we had decided to do the hike and get as close as possible to this landmark. The trailhead is located at Wolfe Ranch where we spotted our first snake. The hike is relatively easy (2,4 km one way). There is just one straining part in the middle section of the trail. Delicate Arch is definitely worth the trouble. The sight is simply breathtaking. The arch does stand free. In the background the La Sal Mountains are visible. The only little drawback was that every single tourist on the spot wanted his/her personal shot: Delicate Arch with Dad standing below. Without Dad but with the children. Without the children but with aunt Katie and the man upstairs... Well, I got my desired pictures! :-D
Hot tip: Stay here for the sunset! The colours are so beautiful!