Spring Break! :-)

 This week was Spring Break for both Gabe and me, so, after making some arrangements for my Aunt Marjorie to come and stay with Grandma (and arranging for aids and shots), John, Gabe and I were able to plan an extended 4 day trip.  We left on Monday and went as far as Castle Dale where we spent the evening visiting with Liz and Dennis.  Gabe even discovered that he liked cream of asparagas soup!  I may have to try that at home now.

The next day we drove down through the Swell and took the scenic route to Goblin Valley.  It was a cool and cloudy day, and we could see thunder storms all around us.  But, although we had to wear jackets, it was a great day.

San Rafael Swell from I-70 

Gabe got a little close to the edge for my comfort.

I-70 Bridge

Gabe loved throwing rocks to see how long they took to hit the bottom.

Cloudy and Cool day.  Storm clouds always just on the horizon, but missed us.  

 After  driving on a dirt road for 30 miles, we finally came out at Goblin Valley.  Although I have grown up in Price, I have never been there.  It was fascinating. . . .

Goblin Valley

Gabe climbing 

John taking pictures.

Me trying not to slide off the rock!

Gabe had a blast crawling around on these things.

Sun on Temple Mountain with storm clouds behind.  Sun was off within minutes of taking this picture.

AA

Dead Horse Point

After leaving Goblin Valley we drove to Moab and checked in to our hotel.  Then we drove up to Dead Horse Point State Park.  What a view!

Gabe at Dead Horse Point

Old Juniper Tree

The next morning we got up and began our day at the Arches.  I would do it again this way in the future.  By staying in Moab, we were fresh and ready for any hike without having had to drive and be stiff for a couple of hours first.  

Our first hike of the day was Delicate Arch.  It was a tough climb, but we all made it and the sight was well worth the effort.

Looking from the bottom at the part of the terrain for the hike to Delicate Arch.

 The hike was 3 miles round trip (not counting the fact that we had to park the car half way up the road before we even got to the entrance of the trail).  Gabe now has one of his two 3 mile hikes done for his Arrow of Light award.

The view is definitely worth the hike (3 mile round trip)

Delicate Arch

This thing is MASSIVE!!!

There's John and Gabe right next to Delicate Arch

Some of the scenery on the hike.

Pine Tree Arch on the way to Landscape Arch

Enlarge this picture to see the scenery behind it.

Landscape Arch

 Here was another 1.5 mile hike (round trip), and that's without the side trips to Pine Tree Arch and Turret Arch.

Gabe on trail to Landscape Arch

Windows area.  By this time, we were beat.  No more hiking!

After we were done with Arches, we drove back to Castle Dale via I-70 again.  Gabe enjoyed playing the wii at Liz and Dennis', and John and I simply relaxed after our vacation.  The next morning I took an extended run/walk and went to Jenny's and back.  Not bad, with a 1/2 hour break in the middle before heading back.  I did run/walk every day this week.  I'm trying to get myself back in shape so I can get my times down and my distances up by summer.  I even ran when we were in Moab!

Thursday we came home and began the process of recovering from our vacation!  Hope you've enjoyed the pictures of our excursion.....