Mel & Trinity

From a landscape perspective, Arches National Park and Canyonlands are very similar. Arches just has, well, more arches.

These parks are gorgeous but hot! The temperature hit 37 degrees again yesterday, which does take it out of you and requires a lot of water when you’re hiking. It’s particularly taxing when you’re on a bike and have no escape from the sun and heat at any stage but that has certainly not stopped me.

It was an easy 50 mile ride from Monticello to Moab and as always there was something to see. I couldn’t believe it when I saw this on the side of the road, Wilson Arch.

I decided to spoil myself and booked into the Aarchway Inn in Moab. I also liked the name as it reminded me of when Nicola and I shared a flat on Archway Road in London, only this was a lot quieter and my room was the size of our entire flat. It felt pretty decadent but it was amazing!

I arrived in the Arches at about lunchtime which is the worst part of the day (you really want to do any hiking in the mornings as it gets hotter in the afternoons). I was determined to see as many arches as I could though and the receptionist at the hotel said that I had to see Delicate Arch, so this is where I started. The photos below are from the hike to the arch. As always, Sam was with me!

I was so chuffed that I had reception in the park so that I could share this special moment with Nicola on FaceTime (belated happy birthday again Nicola). Ang – you really need to sort out your phone!

The next hikes were to Sand Arch and Delicate Arch. I was feeling pretty chirpy at this stage so I took a little jog to Delicate Arch. I say little as I probably only lasted 500m before I had to stop and walk again. I really need to get fitter! Anyway, here it is.

The last of the arches that I saw was Landscape Arch, which apparently is the largest arch in the park. It is seriously impressive! This arch is accessible from Devils Garden Trailhead, which is also where I met a lovely couple from Brooklyn, New York. Gordon loved Trinity and wanted to be in my blog so here you go Gordon. You made it! See you in London in two months time.

https://instagram.com/melandtrinity/

Following an amazing afternoon of hiking and exploring I got to swim and relax next to the pool. Pure bliss! I can’t remember the last time I did that.