Andie
Today was an amazing day! It started at dark and early 4am alarm. I reluctantly, woke up, put on my headlamp, and tried as best I could to get dressed and “ready” in my van, being as quiet as possible as to not wake up the other 3 campers nearby. I cranked up my “motel” and headed out of the BLM campsite towards Moab and Arches National Park….in the pitch dark. P.S. Dang its dark in this desert!
As I turned into what I was pretty sure was Arches, I could only see directly in front of my car! No lights, no park gate keeper; so I drove on through to the trailhead I had previous mapped out! Along the winding, did I mention dark roads. I didn’t pass or see another soul on the roads. Once I made it to the parking lot, there were 3 cars there, still no people. Nervously, I parked, finished getting dressed now that I could exit my “bed”, gathered my things and headed to the bathroom at the trailhead. As I started, what I hoped was the correct trail, for some reason I wasn’t nervous in the least. I trusted my planning and my gut. As the sun peaked light into the sky my eyes focused on some of the most beautiful landscaped I’d ever seen in real life! Of course…I had to pause for pics!
Once I reached the the top, I joined 7 other early risers. It was silence and solitude, 2 of my newfound favorite things. We all sat in silence as the cold morning wind blew, watching the sunrise slowly peak up and highlight the most beautiful arch. It took my breath away when I saw the different stages of light hit and illuminate the arch below me. We drank our coffees and enjoyed this piece of paradise together. I slipped to the side and did my morning meditation. By 8am, we were quickly being joined by many other hikers, so..it was time for me to go!
When I got back to my car, I drove through the park and realized the amazing beauty i missed coming in. It was unbelievable what I had driven past not even realizing just a few hours earlier! I found my next trailhead and continued to see more incredible Arches!
By 11am I had already hiked over 10 miles and I had never felt better! By then, the park was full and alive with all the people….so I continued my trip into the town of Moab. I got some supplies (ice) and walked around town briefly. I’m not a big shopper, so I decided to head on out through Scenic Hwy 12 through Capital Reef National Park. And that….quickly became my favorite place! (I may say that about each destination).
I found a spot on BLM land that was perfect. There were no people, and I mean 0! I always try and make sure I have service when I stay alone, and this place did. I called my dad and chatted while I gathered some wood for a fire and relaxed. The sun was setting and I decided to make my first “Camp-meal” with my Wise food. It was terrible, so I threw it out and ate a bologna and cheese sandwich!!
Being thankful for my new peepee funnel, camera timers, solar chargers, unexpected picture I received, and the freedom we have to travel all around this beautiful country!
Best part of the day: the crunchy sound my feet make while hiking through the dirt here
The worst: the only radio station I can pick up is sad country music…which makes this heartbroken girl wanna cry even more.
xoxo
andi
