2009 Memorial Day Weekend-Arches National Park, UT

Over Memorial Day weekend Brian and I spontaneously packed up everything we could possibly need, in a whirlwind manner, including camping gear, road bikes, hiking stuff, Toby food, etc and headed Northwest on HWY 24 toward I-70. It was a STORMY week, so we just had to get out of the house and see what came across our path. We drove back roads through Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, and Eagle and then jumped on I-70 and headed west. Upon driving through Glenwood Canyon toward Glenwood Springs we pulled off at a rest area for Hanging Lake Trailhead because while driving we noticed a bike path paralleling the river. The clouds had been clearing up a bit just enough for the sun to peek out for about 2 hours, providing us with a perfect window to go for a ride along the high flowing - intimidating river! It was AWESOME!

This view is looking North from the Hanging Lake Trailhead parking lot.

Our fabulous, but low-riding, Volvo fully decked out for a spontaneous adventure-filled weekend! Looking back South toward HWY and river.

After stopping in Glenwood Springs for dinner we headed out West in an awful thunderstorm. Yes, there was some hydro-planning activity, but all was well. We drove until we reached Fruita, CO just past Grand Junction and parked in the Welcome Center/Rest Area to catch a few ZZZs in the back of the car. The three of us fit snuggly in the back on our thermarests and sleeping bags! The next morning up just after sunrise, we decided to head toward MOAB, UT and get some breakfast. It was a rather long wait for breakfast...but we ate at the Eckletica Restaurant, yummy quiches, fresh squeezed OJ, and patio seating! Then we headed to Arches National Park. We ending up buying an annual pass, which covers several of the nearby Parks for only $15 then the entrance fee, since we knew we'd be back!

Arches National Park, UT

Gossip..ladies? something, I'll look it up and edit!

Balancing Rock

Toby spreading the love!

Pine Tree Arch? I think. We hiked out to the Landscape Arch, and several others I'll add, but I'm going to go ride real quick and I'll edit this later... something like a 5 or 6 mile desert hike! Beautfiul...need to pack MORE water, and MORE food though next time!

Pretty Cactus Flower!

Toby enjoying the sunny weather...as soon as we left Arches and headed back to I-70 it started thunderstorming again! We're thankful for having a few windows of sun so we could enjoy our weekend!