Arches National Park, Utah

From the visitor center of the Arches National Park.

Taken about the sunset time.

The Delicate Arch as seen from afar, across a deep valley.

View from the lower of the Double Arch.

It was relatively easy to climb up, but coming down was pretty dicey. The kids of course managed much better than the adults.

On our way from Denver, we took a scenic byway to Moab, one that hugged the Colorado river. There were times where the road was narrow and the river just a few feet from the edge of the road, but far below. It was an exciting drive with the kids at the edge of their seats. Then we came upon a pullout, and found this memorial for 5-year-old Danika, who probably fell into the river by accident.

This arch, called the North Window, is one of the more than 2,000 in the Arches National Park in Utah. The two people on the left may be recognizable to some. Taken early evening.

We took a four-hour boat ride on the Colorado river near Moab, Utah. The river was so quiet and peaceful; we came across no more than a handful of kayaks during the entire ride. The guide even shut off the engine and let the boat float down the river for brief periods of time so we could enjoy the quiet and the occasional chirping of birds. Only occasional, I think, because the river carries so much silt and is so warm that there is hardly any fish in it.

We saw dinosaur tracks, petrified trees, and Indian petroglyphs, not to mention the geologic story written in the rock formations. The river is writing the story still.

This shot, taken early evening on our way back, shows how its name came about.