Moab

We have not been to Moab since we left Utah seven years ago, and maybe not for a year or two before we left...close to 10 years maybe.  I mean, we have been to the desert plenty, but not Moab proper.  Man, forgot how beautiful it is.  Seriously breathtaking.  We actually camped in Castle Valley, hiked in Arches NP, and also up Potash Road outside of Moab.  We even got a dip into the Colorado River before heading home on Monday.  It was cold, but not unbearable.  Both kids got in before I did...but I did eventually get in.  It was a highlight.  Also, the blooming cactus were a high point for me.  They also take my breath away.

A few Sego Lillies around too.  

Pedro, in all his glory.  

A little biking/ evening walk from camp.

Ruby finds heart rocks everywhere.  She collects them, makes me hold them, wants to keep them, give them to people, etc.  She also found the amazingly huge heart in the rock below.  I hope she continues to search for love everywhere she goes, even in the rocks. 

So, it was rainy off and on throughout the weekend.  It mostly rained when we were in the car and was beautiful and sunny when we were not.  So, that worked out. 

Dad, studying the map over breakfast to find a good place to hike in case the rain doesn't stop.

On our way up to Delicate Arch in Arches NP.  There were A LOT of people making this trek on this sunny Saturday, but it was stunning nonetheless.  And, to my delight, shortly after coming around the corner and laying eyes on Delicate Arch, Owen says, "I know that arch.  It is on my car." (license plate he means, but close enough!)  So, the decision to see this iconic arch was worth it.  They will see that image EVERYWHERE living in Utah.

Me and my people.  I love them dearly. :)

Rounding the bend...

And there she blows!

A man proposed to a woman under the arch right before we left.  It was pretty sweet.  

On to the Devil's Garden to climb and explore around.

A slightly rainy evening back at camp.  However, not too rainy to make Smores...or sit on your sister.

View...from bed the next morning.  Not bad.

Hiked out to Corona Arch.  

It was a really cool hike- ropes, ladders, and the option to get on top of the arch if you big enough and brave enough- not us now, but maybe one day.

Ruby has been working on her "forced perspective" photos.  She wanted it to look like she is holding the arch.  She was pretty happy with the results.

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."

Edward Abbey