Arches in April

On Wednesday night, I finished my grading and turned in my grades. Thursday morning, April 28, Paul and I drove off for a quick getaway to Moab. We first drove into the stunning beauty of Arches National Park.


Here we are in front of Landscape arch. A lovely gentleman from the Netherlands snapped this shot and I think it turned out great.


Later we walked up to the Windows arches. It was such a gorgeous blue-sky day.

All our kids will fondly remember this warning!

Friday we headed out to Canyonlands National Park. Though we have been to Arches almost every year, we have never been to the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands. It is gorgeous--wonderful panoramas on every side.


Here I am, exhausted after hiking up to the Dome Overlook. The hike was so worth it!


Paul and his camera!

Gorgeous view through Mesa Arch. This view is obscured until you get right up to the arch, then wham! It knocks your socks off.



Paul and I at the Dome Overlook. A nice girl from France (I think) took this one.




Paul at the Dome. We noticed everyone we met on the trail had big grins on their faces. So did we.




Amazing view from the Grand View Point, at the end of the park's drive.


A little desert flora and fauna!


Friday when we tried to find a room for the night, we learned Moab was hosting a huge car show and almost every motel was full. We finally found a room (and collapsed in exhaustion after all our hiking!)

Saturday morning we decided to go check out this car show, and boy was it fun. Lots of shiny, loving restored vehicles--model Ts, Roadsters, corvettes, woodys, cobras. You name it! There wasn't one Dodge Dart or Rambler Station Wagon. I guess no one wants to restore those stalwart family vehicles! So fun to see all the beautiful cars, and to see all the proud owners polishing off the stray piece of dust and showing off their masterpieces.

It was a good ending to a happy vacation.