Canyonlands - Island in the Sky - someone had imagination

Canyonlands - Island in the Sky, lured us away from Moab. Settling into Willow Flats campground, the bugs became evident and relentless. Our usual enthusiasm had us planning an 8 mile hike the next day around Upheaval Dome. As the sun set we strolled out to Green River Overlook giving us perspective of the plateau we were standing on and the two river systems carving out canyons on either side, on their way to merging at Cataract Canyon.

My enthusiasm waned the next day...it was the bugs and the heat, and I opted for a more leisurely day driving to all the viewpoints. We seemed to get photographers fever at Mesa Arch and after visiting it during the day......we went back at sunset. During this time one of us had the bright idea of coming back at sunrise.

The stars were shining and I was still in bed, Dude was moving.....John was driving us to Mesa Arch in time for sunrise. We weren't the only ones and by the time we arrived 10 cars were already parked and more headlights were beaming towards us. The atmosphere was intense with anticipation and the silence welcome, but strange. Everyone eager to see the first rays of light......jostling for position I got my shots and as we were leaving more photographers were arriving. It was time for breakfast....! Then at 7.30 am we drove through the entrance at Arches NP. It was going to be a big day.

With no time to familiarise ourselves we stopped at the first viewpoint and hiked "Park Avenue" in the cool of the morning while formulating a plan for the day. We scrambled up sandstone formations called "fins" on the Devils Garden trail that looped around many iconic arches.

The heat intensified as we hiked to Skyline, Broken and Sand Dune Arches and then Fiery Furnace. Leaving Delicate Arch for sunset we drove onto Balancing Rock and onto the Windows, Turett and Double Arches. By now we were arched out and tired from our pre-dawn start and the heat!!



Looking back at Fiery Furnace

Exploring Sand Dune Arch

By now all I could think of was swimming in the pool at our next campground.