More adventure and more GRACE - Day 4

To visit Arches National Park has been a dream of mine for about a year or so now. It was the Utah license plate with a photo of a stand alone arch that grabbed my attention. A year or so later, I am here at one of the most beautiful places on earth.

We checked out of Days Inn at about 7:00 AM to go back to Arches National Park. Why so early? We were on our way to hike a 3 mile round trip to see the "delicate arch." A 3 year old inspired us to  venture this hike. Amazing, isn't it? Hike up to the delicate arch is labeled as a strenuous hike due to the elevation climb and the unpaved steep trail. To make a long story short, a 3 year old hiked up the trail and here we had already given up even before trying. This hike is the major tourist attraction not because of the hike itself but to witness, touch and admire the delicate arch up close.

The 1.5 mile up to the arch was pretty tedious but we hydrated ourselves, took breaks, and chatted along the way to keep us busy. We met tourists from all over the world hiking and finally there it was the delicate arch stood tall, unique and fearless. It was worth every bit of the time and adventure to view this natural arch. It was just simply splendid. For a moment I felt it was a dream. Am I really here? Did I really do this?. At the top, among hundreds of tourists of all ages admiring the arch, I was among them. It was an incredible experience.

The hike down was easier and went by quicker. We drove back to Moab to have lunch. About a mile away from the city area, I heard a popping loud sound. Ajo & I were totally shocked to see that something, perhaps a rock had hit our passenger side windshield and it cracked. The crack is about 8 inches or so but luckily by God's grace it is only superficial. We are thanking God for his divine protection.

We ended our day at Canyonlands National Park which was about 40 miles away from Moab.The canyon was vivid, serene, and beautiful. We got back to Moab around 9PM. Driving down the park, we saw some amazing lightning at a distant. We are spending the night at a Super 8 Motel in Moab. We are headed to Denver next.

Delicate Arch - that's me standing under the arch

Highlights of Day 4

• Hiking up to delicate arch (3 mile round-trip) at Arches
• Delicate Arch
• Canyonlands National Park