When three work colleagues
invited me to spend Easter break in Moab, Utah, U.S., I didn’t know what to
expect. Let’s just say I am eternally grateful for that invitation and also my decision to join them!
DAY
1 - HIKING
Moab is about an 18 hour drive
from Calgary and we decided a more leisurely two day approach would be
preferable to the marathon one day drive. Once in Moab, after quickly
settling into our accommodations (the awesome Moab Valley RV Resort and
Campground) we hit the road, into nearby Arches National Park, fairly late in
the day. To say we were immediately and completely blown away by the scenic treasures
of this park would be a huge understatement. It was difficult to drive more
than ten seconds along the park road without experiencing the strong urge to
pullover to gawk endlessly at the incredible sandstone rock formations. Multiple stops later we were
ready to start the most popular hike in the park to the Delicate Arch. The hike
was phenomenal! We started together but eventually the lure of so many
interesting and wild, rocky landscapes drew Evan and me away from the main trail
for some exploration. We soon joined Nicole and
Karen and hiked to the arch. Needless to say the place was crowded, however,
that did little to detract from our enjoyment. What a beautiful sight! Like
many, we stuck around to watch the sunset on the arch and then headed back. A glorious first day!
Some of the initial scenery when entering Moab - a very good sign!
More good signs that this is going to be an amazing trip
My traveling companions (Nicole, Karen, Evan) at the first stop along the road
Stop #2
There is a climbing route up this incredible, vertical face, but it's way beyond my climbing level!
Nicole and Karen pose near the beginning of the Delicate Arch hike
The scenery quickly graduates to the "AWESOME" level!
Evan hikes the AWESOME terrain
Heading down to check out that hole in the rock
Evan goes above the hole
Then beside it
Looking through the hole
The snow capped La Sal mountains are always omnipresent.
Interesting note: the tallest mountain in the La Sal range is Mount Peale at 3877 m (12,721 feet) - that's only 77 vertical metres shorter than Mount Robson! However,
an ascent of Mount Peale is an easy day hike, with 790 m of
elevation gain. The easiest route up Robson takes at least two full
days (three for most parties) and is a serious 4th class climb,
with 3000 m of elevation gain.
The Delicate Arch
From the side it looks like a single rock pillar
View from below the arch
Nicole hikes back to the upper viewpoint
Changing colour as sunset approaches
After sunset
It's an impressive sight in any lighting conditions
continue to DAY 2
Moab is about an 18 hour drive
from Calgary and we decided a more leisurely two day approach would be
preferable to the marathon one day drive. 
