Arches by Sunset Sunday May 30, 2010

We returned to Arches just before sunset. Late in the day, as the sun drops low on the horizon, the park takes on an entirely different persona. In bright daylight all the massive rocks and arches take on a harsh, massive, quality. Arches in the mid-day sun reflects impending danger. One gets the impression that Mother Nature is telling us mere humans we are insignificant. She is in charge! She lets us know in no uncertain terms she built Arches to stand for millions of years largely unchanged. Arches will stand long after man has departed. Enter this place at your own risk.

But when the sun begins to drop in the sky, the landscape takes on a soft, serene, look. The colors of Arches become a patina of soft reds, oranges, yellows and purples. Look into the distance and you see a multitude of shades depending upon the way the light hits the rocks. Look farther and you can see the La Sal Mountains covered with snow. They light up in the “alpenglow” as the dying rays of the day strike their peaks. Arches at sunset is peaceful and welcoming, the hordes of cars and people are gone. Only a few die- hards like us remain to enjoy the beauty.

Tomorrow we return to Scottsdale and our adventure comes to a close. A perfect ending to a perfect trip. Thank you Mother Nature, thank you National Parks Service, thank you John Muir and Ansel Adams for turning me on to the beauty of the American West and a special thank you to Teddy Roosevelt for having the foresight and the balls to save and protect so much beauty for so many generations.

To Qute John Muir: Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.

Of course I will return..again and again.