Arches and Canyons

Day 43 + 44 – August 11th + 12th

Since we had a bit of extended time in Moab and now being mobile since Niki met us, we had the chance to take a short drive to see Arches National Park. We caught it just at the right time too and got to see some of the arches right around sunset. The fading light really brings out the amazing red colors of the magnificent rock and truly was a memorable night. We did not have the time to make it to see Delicate Arch, but were able to get to the North and South Window Arches to get some great shots of them and the sunset.

The following day was filled with a lot of driving to get across the state of Utah and down to the state of Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. We got a little preview of what we will be seeing once we get back on the bikes going West through Utah and I will hold off on the description of it now, but from the looks of it is going to be a really amazing ride. Though I have a sneaking suspicion that we may be shedding a bit more sweat than we did with the car windows down.

We got to the North rim of the Grand Canyon in the early afternoon, just in time for some afternoon showers. Both Niki and Lee had never seen the Grand Canyon before and after this much time in the car, very ready to see it. Both thought the canyon was beautiful and impressive but unfortunately did not have the best viewing day for it with the rain and a bit of haze. This was my first visit to the North Rim and after seeing both, I think the South Rim has much more impressive awe-inspiring views, but that is just my opinion. Also, I am very glad we made the executive decision to drive here rather than bike, which would have been a multiple day, hot, climb intensive ride, only for a few hours at the canyon. I believe we chose wisely…

After spending some time at the canyon, we were back in the car to make it to Zion for the night to get an early start to the hike the following day.

-Brent

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Arches National Park

Grand Canyon