Today, Arches National Park. Rick had been here many years ago (before kids) and has been sharing that this is one of his most anticipated locations. So I was really excited for today, especially given that the surrounding area is just stunning. The hike we wanted to do most is Delicate Arch. And if you know anything about us, we are going to tackle our priorities right away, in the most efficient way possible, to get the best possible experience!
Arches has a timed entry system to help manage crowds, which we understand and support. If you are going to travel to a National Park site, it is important to do the research on this and make reservations accordingly. So Rick dutifully got Arches reservations for us over 3 separate dates/times, so that we would have options based on weather, travel hiccups, etc. But as we considered this hike, we felt that the best thing to do was to just get up early, even before timed entry, so that we could best enjoy this hike. I am so glad that we did.
We set our alarm for 5am. We rarely live by alarm clocks anymore, especially not 5am. (How did I used to make it to 5am gym classes multiple times a week before going into the office???) But this was totally worth it. We were in the park before sunrise, and more importantly before the 7am timed entry began. We were not alone. We made it through the first part of this breathtaking park to the trailhead, grateful to get a parking spot. This was the most stressful part, and so it was all good from here!
It was very cool out (mid-40’s) which was also helpful in that Daisy had lots of fresh cool air when we were gone. I just worry more when there is air conditioning involved.
As we set out, the sun started to peek over the ridge we were climbing, and it took a while for us to warm up. As I looked up and saw many hikers climbing up a pretty steep and wide expanse, I didn’t think that I would be able to do it. I really do love to hike, but doubt and fear come easily. Well, of course we did it. It really wasn’t as “impossible” as it looked, and my mood improved with each step. It was so worth it and the views along the way were spectacular! (I could pretty much say this about almost every hike I have ever done) Rick’s favorite hike definitely was the perfect start to our day!
Afterwards, we hiked a couple more spots in this beautiful masterpiece of a park.
From there we hiked over to Broken Arch.
However, our day changed quickly. At this lot, Rick saw that one tire’s pressure seemed low. So our priority had to switch to that.
We moved up the road and found a safe pullout with no one else around, assuming we would need to run the generator. We did.
Rick found the tire pressure extremely low, and used his mini-compressor to get some air in it. We needed the generator to recharge the battery on the compressor. The tire was losing air quickly but it made it better for us to make the 15 mile-ish trip into town to get it repaired.
He found a great tire repair center just outside of town, who told us they could take a look at it right away. So we went straight there. Yep, you guessed it, another valve stem. At least the repair is fast, easy and cheap! We were back at the campground in time for lunch.
Between the hiking and the stress with the tire, we all chilled for a few hours.
We had hoped to see all of Arches today, but that just didn’t work out. Honestly, there is a lot more to experience and it will be nice to be fresh again for it tomorrow. We’re well prepared to get up early again, with many of our normal morning “chores” being done tonight for a fast early entry. I am grateful, as always, that Rick planned extra time in this trip for us to really experience our stops. We have timed entry if we need it, and am excited to get back to Arches again tomorrow!
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