2022 Aug 22 – Denver, CO to Moab, UT – Kelly

State Count – 11

A five hour drive brought us to our hotel in Moab where we checked in and headed right back out to Arches National Park with a picnic dinner and the dog. Since we were limited to just driving (dogs are only allowed out of the car in the parking lots), we figured we’d hit every scenic pull-over along the 18 mile drive. We took turns at the several parking lots with one of us hiking a little ways up a trail, while the other walked the dog and took in the views from near the car.

Despite our limitations, this was an amazing place filled with one incredible, immense, sandstone sculpture after another. Clearly, Jim and I need to work on our vocabulary, because we just kept repeating “wow!”, and “this is crazy!” As the day waned, we pulled over at a lonely overlook, set up two little beach chairs (and a blanket for Pasha), cracked open some White Claws (classy!) to accompany our picnic dinner, and watched the sunset. The changing light and shadows on the rock formations and arches were certainly a sight to see.

Then we waited, and waited, and waited for twilight to change to night…. and the dark moonless sky was filled with a bazillion bright and twinkling stars right down to the horizon. And Kelly – FINALLY! – saw a shooting star! Arches National Park for the win!