Utah and Hangovers

We started out the morning with a rough ride for Emily. Last night’s cocktail and wine infused fiesta was taking its toll early in the morning. I somehow managed to scrape her out of bed and pour her into the car as we set out for Arches National Park. It was a rough ride as Emily’s stabbing headache and churning stomach did not appreciate the winding and twisting venture over the Rockies. Despite the hangover it was a beautiful drive. Powerful mountains that sliced the horizon and projected a violent tectonic history. We crossed over into Utah and everything started to flatten out and the humidity plummeted which felt great with the windows down. Following a late start we survived an otherwise uneventful drive from Denver to Utah. As we descended upon Arches the landscape changed dramatically from flat and mundane to odd vibrantly red rock formations. We collapsed after 9 hours of driving and hangover recovering upon arriving at the hotel. 

The next morning we got up early to avoid crowds/people. I was proud of Emily for getting up early with me. Driving through the park as the sun came up was spectacular! Mammoth rock formations at each turn set ablaze in a fiery red by the rising sun. After what we experienced at Arches it has become one of my top 3 parks. The strange and alien-like landscape was jaw dropping. Our 3 mile hike to Delicate Arch was littered with hikers gushing over our dog. It was a light and perfect hike with a spectacular ending (see pictures). The delicate arch lived up to its hype and both Emily and I risked hiking out to the arch itself which saddled steep drop offs in a rusty colored bowl canyon. The desert temperature climbed rapidly and the larger tourists seemed to be struggling as we were already returning from our hike. Bear had a blast. We went picture crazy throughout the whole park due to its unique beauty. After Arches we began our long trek to Bryce Canyon. The landscape again melted to mundane flat countryside. Emily studies away and Bear slept for most of it. However as we got closer the roads became much more windy and our poor, handsome dog got terrifically car sick. We slowed down and opened the windows which helped.  Bryce Canyon was another mind boggling experience. With its 1000’ viewpoints over a canyon pepper with stacks and arches carved by sand and wind. Bear even hiked around with us after recovering from the drive. I love describing places but Bryce and Zion they left me speechless. Sadly we found out that Zion was limited due to COViD but we still drove through the majority of the park and it easily rivals Yosemite. It reminded me of Machu Picchu with its sheer grandeur. We wound our way through mega red mountains and valleys. It was like Yosemite and Arches had a baby that grew to be a giant. Pictures sadly do not do it justice so I recommend looking online! Our last adventure was driving out in Zion late at night and listening to the park in the dark under the stars. Best few minutes of my life!