Saturday, May 17, 2008
Canyonlands NP - Colorado River Cruise 5/16/2008
Just when you think it can't get any better, it does. Yesterday we toured Canyonlands NP which is #4 on the list. This park has three distinct areas covering 527 square miles. We visited the closest and most accessible area called the Island in the Sky District. This area is quite different than Arches NP; which is less than 50 miles away. In this section of the park you essentially are above the massive gorges and geologic formations. We attended a Ranger talk on the geology of the area and were entertained by a nice young Ranger from New York. The talk was given at the Grand View Point Overlook. We sat looking at a view that can extend 100 miles, while we heard how the park was formed over the past 300 million years. Quit interesting. The views from here are fantastic.
This park is were the young Colorado river joins the Green River to form the mighty Colorado. It is essentially these two rivers that have eroded this portion of the Colorado Plateau that was lifted up in some geological event that happened some ten million years ago. The river then continues on to do some work at a place called the Grand Canyon.
We walked the White Rim Overlook trail about 1.8 miles which is near Grand View Point. At the end of this trail you walk out unto a narrow peninsula that has a 270 degree view about 1000 feet below and 50 to 70 miles out. It was so far the most incredible view of the trip. Breathtaking is the only way to describe it.
We also visited a view point over the Green river and took another trail to the Mesa Arch which is one of only 50 Arches found in Canyonlands. The topography below this arch drops approximately 500 feet directly down. Really amazing.
After a great day at the park we came back and rested for our evening adventure. Right next to the campground we are in there is concession called "Canyonlands by Night". We had a nice dinner at their hall then we boarded a boat with 140 other people for a cruise up the Colorado River where they do a "Sound and Light Show" after dark. The show talks about the history of the region and the settlement of Moab up until present day. While the narration is going on the cliffs along the river are being lighted. It was a very relaxing and interesting experience. We had a great day and night once again. Enjoy the PICS.
"Life is Good"
Bill and Eileen
This park is were the young Colorado river joins the Green River to form the mighty Colorado. It is essentially these two rivers that have eroded this portion of the Colorado Plateau that was lifted up in some geological event that happened some ten million years ago. The river then continues on to do some work at a place called the Grand Canyon.
We walked the White Rim Overlook trail about 1.8 miles which is near Grand View Point. At the end of this trail you walk out unto a narrow peninsula that has a 270 degree view about 1000 feet below and 50 to 70 miles out. It was so far the most incredible view of the trip. Breathtaking is the only way to describe it.
We also visited a view point over the Green river and took another trail to the Mesa Arch which is one of only 50 Arches found in Canyonlands. The topography below this arch drops approximately 500 feet directly down. Really amazing.
After a great day at the park we came back and rested for our evening adventure. Right next to the campground we are in there is concession called "Canyonlands by Night". We had a nice dinner at their hall then we boarded a boat with 140 other people for a cruise up the Colorado River where they do a "Sound and Light Show" after dark. The show talks about the history of the region and the settlement of Moab up until present day. While the narration is going on the cliffs along the river are being lighted. It was a very relaxing and interesting experience. We had a great day and night once again. Enjoy the PICS.
"Life is Good"
Bill and Eileen
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Arches National Park, Moab Ut. 5/14/2008
Yesterday, we visited Arches NP. This is one of two extremely beautiful parks in the Moab area. We drove the park, stopping at several lookouts, and walking several trails to get closer views of a few of the 2000 arches that have been discovered in the park. A variety of geological and natural factors have eroded the red rock sandstone in such a way that there are arches, spires, balanced rocks, and eroded monoliths that make for fantastic views. The views are especially beautiful with the snow covered mountains in the background.
We took many pictures; and when I loaded them into the computer last night, we talked about the fact that it is impossible to capture even 10% of the beauty we saw. Even the professional photographers aren't able to capture the panorama that you see just standing in the park. The beauty is truly exceptional.
Moab is a tourist town that has very active mountain biking enthusiasts. Hiking and off road four wheeling is also a very popular activity. The shopping is good but touristy; and there are plenty of nice restaurants to try. We did Mexican again last night at the La Hacienda Restaurant and enjoyed it very much. The margaritas were also very good.
Tomorrow we will visit Canyonland NP which is also very close. It offers a geological contrast to Arches so we are looking forward to another day on the trails. In the evening we are taking a boat ride up the Colorado River at dusk. It is supposed to be a very nice ride. I will report on it later.
Just so everyone knows I have also changed the set up for the blog which should allow you to comment directly on the post. Jenni told us that the way I had set it up, you had to be a member of blogspot. We would welcome your comments. Enjoy the pics.
Life is Good!!!
Bill and Eileen
We took many pictures; and when I loaded them into the computer last night, we talked about the fact that it is impossible to capture even 10% of the beauty we saw. Even the professional photographers aren't able to capture the panorama that you see just standing in the park. The beauty is truly exceptional.
Moab is a tourist town that has very active mountain biking enthusiasts. Hiking and off road four wheeling is also a very popular activity. The shopping is good but touristy; and there are plenty of nice restaurants to try. We did Mexican again last night at the La Hacienda Restaurant and enjoyed it very much. The margaritas were also very good.
Tomorrow we will visit Canyonland NP which is also very close. It offers a geological contrast to Arches so we are looking forward to another day on the trails. In the evening we are taking a boat ride up the Colorado River at dusk. It is supposed to be a very nice ride. I will report on it later.
Just so everyone knows I have also changed the set up for the blog which should allow you to comment directly on the post. Jenni told us that the way I had set it up, you had to be a member of blogspot. We would welcome your comments. Enjoy the pics.
Life is Good!!!
Bill and Eileen
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