New Ground and Old Arches

Rising early, we were greeted by a bright, cool morning in Boulder.  After packing up, we said our goodbyes to our cousins.  As we were thankful for special time with them, it was bittersweet since it may be a little distance in time before we see them again.  

Before we knew it, we were rolling down 70 West.  Having spent  time in Colorado during ski season as well as visits through the year, this stretch of road is uniquely familiar to us.   Once we passed the Glenwood Springs area, however, we began to charter unfamiliar territory to us.   The further west we moved, the more we seemed to be traveling into sheer, rugged wilderness.   While the mystery of such wild lands may seem exhilarating to most, I found it a bit intimidating.   Yet the beauty of the winding road rolling through the deep canyon as the Colorado River danced along side of us brought more enjoyment and excitement to me and quietly dissipated my fears.    Here are some of the pics...  

Viaduct next to the Colorado River on 70W 

Off a rest stop on 70W - this is on the Colorado River

For months, I've known Runcie has been planning this trip, yet I've avoided asking a lot of questions.  The idea of driving over 2,000 miles from our home, with many miles through dense wilderness as well as barren deserts, causes a bit of unease in me.   Those who know me well, know that I like to be prepared.   

Often I've said that GOD must have a fantastic sense of humor.   Despite my desire to stay only on "safe roads" - I somehow married a man whom I've often joked that his epitaph should read "I wonder where that road goes..."    All this to say, Runcie chose the most backwoods roads to Moab...   a real stretch for me.   

With temperatures reaching up to 109º, this is the lonely road we ventured down.  No one in sight for miles...  

Pure desolation in the scorching desert heat.   joy. 

How does the saying go, without great risk there isn't great reward??   Maybe that's not a saying, but it is fitting for what happened next... Jaw dropping views.   Instead of attempting to match the breathtaking beauty with my words, I'll just share what we saw... 

After enjoying some local Mexican food, we ventured out to the Arches National Park for sunset views...  Truly, I had no idea what amazing  views lay in wait...  Instead of a catchy wrap-up..  I'll just leave you with the last images we savored today...