Saturday, September 7, 2013

Arches – Delicate Arch & Double Arch

 

Delicate Arch

First stop was a hike to probably the most famous arch – delicate arch – which is on the Utah number plate. Only 3 miles but we start at 6,000+ ft and climb another 500. Oh yes and its 9am and already over 80 deg F with the temperature rising quickly. Off we go  

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Great views on the way up.

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The last piece is on a narrowish path cut into the mountain. Very glad it wasn't wet as those rocks are slippery suckers

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And then you turn the final corner and you see what the climb was all about.

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Tough to make out who it is but that is J standing inside the arch so you can get some perspective on the size.

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Not the only thing worth looking at once you make the climb

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From the side and close up you get a better sense of why it is called delicate arch

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Just so you get a sense how big this arch really is

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On the way back down popped to see some petroglpyhs, aka old graffiti

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Double Arch

Another very famous arch is Double arch. The second photo helps give perspective on the size once you see the little people around it

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This time only a short hike to the bottom which is enough for most people..... but not J. She saw that a couple of people had made it up to stand in the arch so had to have a go. The final climb is only 12 – 15 foot but there are very few foot or hand holds

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Getting up wasn't the scariest part. Once you get up there is a very narrow ledge and then at 80ft drop the other side. She may be standing up but what you can't see is how nervous she is.

I safely watched from a distance to make sure I was ready for the perfect shot if she did get up there

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Not quite clear how the arch keeps standing but some great views through the top of the arch

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