Arches Trip May 2016

We went on a fun family trip to Arches on May 8-10. My dad found a great condo for us to stay in so we could all be together. We drove down on Mother's Day after church. The next morning we started hiking early since there were a lot of places we wanted to see. We first stopped at Balanced Rock. Claire was really afraid at the beginning that the rock was going to fall over. Fortunately she got over that fear as we walked around. 

After that we went over to the North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and to Double Arch.

Family photo at the North Window.

My dad by the North and South Windows.

Double Arch

We had nice picnic at the Park.

After lunch we decided it was time to hike Delicate Arch before we ran out of energy. It was a long hike, and it was starting to get pretty warm while we were out on the trail. But we all made it to the end! It was a miracle.

Rusty, Chris, and me packed the little girls.  It was hard work!

Rusty and Lily.

Me and Claire

We all made it to Delicate Arch!

Kristen, Cara, and me

My mom and dad

 

After our long hike we decided to go to Sand Dune Arch. It has a really short trail, and it was completely shaded. I think Claire, Lily, and Makenna liked Sand Dune Arch the best out of anything in Arches since they could play in the sand. 

My dad by Sand Dune Arch

Rusty, Claire, and Makenna digging in the sand.

Claire thought it was great that she was buried.

That evening we went out for pizza at Zax Restaurant. It was so delicious after our long day of hiking.

Kristen, Lily, Claire, my mom, and Makenna on the ski lift chairs by the pizza place.

The next day we did more hiking. We started out hiking on Park Avenue. It's a one way hike by a lot of beautiful red rocks. My dad and Rusty dropped us off then moved one of the cars to the end of the trail so would could all go on it. There was a lovely view of The Three Gossips and Sheep Rock on the Pack Avenue trail.

Cara, me, and Kristen by the Three Gossips.

My dad and me with Sheep Rock in the background.

After that we had another picnic lunch, and then we hiked to Landscape Arch.

After that we hiked to Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. Then we drove home that afternoon. It was a busy fun filled few days. Claire still talks about going to Arches even though it was seven months ago, and Claire and Lily both get so excited when they see any picture of Delicate Arch. It definitely was a trip to remember!