Moab, Arches NP and Canyonlands

We drove north for a short distance to the bustling city of Moab, Utah - centre for all things action from canyoning, rafting and rock climbing - I felt slothful watching all these people running and riding and being quite early were able to venture into Arches NP for a great afternoon.  I liked the effect of the afternoon light on the very red, remarkable rocks.  We could be forgiven if we were canyoned-out after where we have been, but we enjoyed Arches just as much as all the others.  Overviewing the whole NP it was interesting how the features, including the massive naturally occuring arches, were clumped in unattached areas.  It was hard to comprehend that these features were made by water and winds.  I was able to take the usual 40 min trek to offset American food and enjoy the fresh air. 

To finish quite a relaxing day we enjoyed Italian take out from Pasta Jays which came recommended from guests at Valley of the Gods and certainly did not disappoint.

Canyonlands was on the agenda tomorrow morning and in particular Dead Horse Point I had read about and was high on my list of "must sees".  Canyonlands was probably our least favourite if we are going to rate them at all, but I could see that for active holiday makers it would have been perfect as the mountain biking and hiking was accessible for all levels with great diversity of trails.  Dead Horse Point was spectacular enabling a vista of a gooseneck of the Colorado River and the "canyonlands" for 360'.  I was able to trek out along the rim of the canyon in complete isolation - very peaceful and spectacular.

One highlight on our return to Moab was Shafer Canyon overlook where we ran into Lauri and Chuck from Valley of the Gods - what where the chances of that happening and it was like seeing old friends.  The feature was a road or trail into the bottom of the canyon immediately below where we were standing.  We watched in amazement as a couple of regular vehicles descended and ascended the presipices and switchbacks without any barrier for protection - more adreline junkies!  Our good weather continues and our road trip is coming to an end on Thursday.