(Warning, this is another graphics heavy post.)
Our first visit to Arches included a walk/hike to Landscape Arch. It is somewhere between a mile and 1.5 miles one way to the Arch. The arch is reported to be about 290 feet long, it is the longest arch structure in Arches National Park. We were a bit surprised that parts of the trail are very soft deep sand, making those portions of the walk difficult and tiring.
We start our walk in passing through this passage of "fin" structures.
The formations, all different, have one thing in common, they amaze and astound us. Size, color, textures, form, all artistic and beautiful.
Below, snow on the mountain in the background contrasting with the red of the stone of Arches National Park, ok, how hard is this on the eyes?? SIGHHH. I know, fabulous, isn't it??
Below: It never failed to befuddle my mind, the red, the white, how sometimes one formation will be red on top, and the next one, sorta close by, might be white on the top, as you see here.
And, more snow on the mountains and yet, another unusual formation.
Below: Nothing to show scale here, but these formations were massive, and there is that white thing happening again.
Below: Our first view of Landscape Arch:
It was getting to be later in the afternoon, remember this is the end of April, and the sun was starting to sink on the horizon, blinding me in my attempts to take photos of the arch, so, why fight Mother Nature and the almighty sun:
Below: Almost have to have a panoramic photo (you know the routine, click on the image, opens to a bit larger format, click return button on your browser to come back to Reflections.)
There were other arches and formations to be seen and found further down the trail, but, not for Man and I on this day, hear us sigh. So, we turned and hiked out the same trail, enjoying all the formations from the other side. When we were almost to the end of the trail we heard this sound, not sure who or why, but there he was, high on top of a rock formation, playing his heart out, kilt and all.
Fantastic, awesome, spiritual, maybe even a bit outrageous, but, wonderful!
Our hike to Landscape Arch was taken on April 27, 2011.
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5 comments:
Many nice photos, but esp. like the ones with the snow capped mountains in the distance and the last one.
Just magnificent scenery ----- and photos.
Bagpipes? Seriously? With all that beauty? Unbelievable. You'll never, ever forget this day - nor will I forget this post. Just the faintest reflection of your experience, but one I will treasure.
The hike to Landscape Arch was terrific. But too bad you didn't go further - the rest of the trail was awesome! Great pictures, Carol.
Fantastic photos and a beautiful hike. One I would like to do someday!
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