Our first stop in Utah was at Arches National Park, just north of Moab, UT. I
couldn't stand going by the place without a quick stop to see what we were
looking forward to. Besides, since my wife had set the alarm two hours earlier
than we thought, 4:00 instead of 6:00, we arrived a few hours earlier than
planned.

The first stop in the park was at the La Sal Mountains viewpoint. What an
introduction to Arches NP. The La Sal Mountains are in the distance to the left.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...ionalPark8.jpg

Next on the itinerary was a stop at Courthouse Towers:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...psArchesNP.jpg

The 'Three Gossips' is the formation just right of center with the three small
'heads'. They don't appear to be gossiping, until one sees this view:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...sArchesNP3.jpg

A little further down the main road in the park brings one to the Petrified
Dunes overlook, another great view.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...onalPark79.jpg

The Delicate Arch is found on all the Utah license plates, and seems to be the
state symbol. This picture was taken from the lower viewpoint. Next time I'll
take the two-mile walk to the arch itself.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...hArchesNP2.jpg

The North and South Windows are a big attraction. Very photogenic.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...rthWindow4.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...uthWindow3.jpg

Some of my favorites:

Pine Tree Arch:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...hArchesNP3.jpg

Fins in the Devil's Playground:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...nArchesNP1.jpg

The Balance Rock of Arches NP.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...ckArchesNP.jpg

Skyline Arch (A big favorite, mostly because of the Utah Juniper in the
foreground):
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...nalPark113.jpg

One of the most graceful arches, Landscape Arch:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...hArchesNP6.jpg

Typical roadside view in that neck of the woods.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...rkArrival3.jpg

Next time - some pics of the Fiery Furnace.
--
John H

All decisions are the result of binary thinking.