Arches National Park - Days 27 & 28
11:21 AM
After our gorgeous stay at Bryce Canyon, we headed a few hours further in Utah to Moab. It is amazing that the weather could be in the 70's at Bryce Canyon and then reach over 110 degrees in Moab, even though it is in the same state. Since I knew ahead of time that temperatures were likely to be high here, I had booked a cabin for two nights at the OK RV Park. It was only $35 a night and while it was primitive and bare, it did have air conditioning and best of all, free showers!
Our first night we just settled in, did some grocery shopping and headed out to a local Mexican restaurant to celebrate Joshua's 13th birthday! They sang to him, fed him a big spoonful of whipped cream that went all over his nose and then took a picture of him to hang on their wall. It was a ton of fun and the next day he had the most delicious cake we were able to get from a local store. It didn't look like much, but it was so dang good.
The next day we headed out to Arches National Park. The day was definitely a scorcher and we didn't get as in-depth with this park as I would have liked, but we did get to see quite a few site on a driving tour, including the Balanced Rock, the North and South Window, as well as Turret Arch. It is amazing how much the rocks look like smooth copper when you look at them in the sun. The boys had fun crawling on and climbing the rocks, looking for sheep on the rocks and spotting lizards, but by mid-afternoon the heat was too much and we headed back to the cabin for lunch. I was even able to find a great pool at a local aquatics center and we spent the rest of the day splashing around and cooling off.
The visit to Arches was great, but I really wish we had been able to visit at a cooler time of the year so that we could have seen and done more. Also, if you want to stay at the campground within the park, definitely plan on making your reservation months in advance!
26 comments
PRETTY! Sorry it was so hot! We are headed to New Mexico and it's supposed to be 100 degrees. My only consolation is that we will spend a day inside the caverns where it will be 59. YAY
ReplyDeleteYou are my hero Kathleen! I love reading all your camping updates. You are making the best memories with those kids. I'm totally jealous. <3
That top pic is just amazing and what a fun place to spend a birthday!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got into a cabin with ac. That heat would have been just awful. Gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteThe views look amazing!!
ReplyDeletewhat a cool birthday.
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome view! You got some great shots!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and hope you are enjoying your trip.
ReplyDeleteHappy 13th Birthday to your son!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Moab is ridiculously hot. We've been as high as 106 in the salt lake area. Happy Birthday to your son!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to him! Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteYeah -- it definitely looks hot; happy birthday to your big THIRTEEN YEAR OLD!
ReplyDeleteYou are like Super Mom!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool, but it lokos like it;s very hot there!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Joshua!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your son!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to Arches!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Joshua!
Happy birthday to your son! He's so handsome! Free showers must have been nice!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying your travel posts. What an amazing adventure for your family. My daughter is turning 13 next month and I'm just not accepting it yet!
ReplyDeletewhat a great place to visit and take photos happy birthday to your son
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing trip! Happy birthday to your son!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing way to spend a birthday! It looks like you all are having a memorable vacation.
ReplyDeleteSome amazing scenery you all get to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThe color of the rocks and the formations is just beyond spectacular. You are giving those boys a summer they'll never forget!
ReplyDeleteThis will probably be his most memorable childhood birthday!
ReplyDeleteGosh, the pictures are just stunning. Happy belated bday to your little guy :)
ReplyDeleteWhat incredible photos and what an incredible trip you guys are having. You are creating such wonderful memories! And... Happy Birthday to your son!
ReplyDelete