Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Starting mileage: 17269, Miles travelled: 164

We got an early start, heeding warnings that trailhead parking lots would fill by 9am. We were out by 7:40am, the earliest so far. Our first stop was Gooseneck Point, where we were surprised to learn that Sulpher Creek which ran through the bottom of the canyon was at the same level as the top of the Grand Canyon so if we wait some unknown millions of years we could find another Grand Canyon here.

After that quick stop, we headed for the main event, a 2-mile hike to Hickman Bridge, a natural bridge spanning 130 feet long and 125 feet high. From the trail we also saw a smaller bridge, several holes to hide in, and the Capitol Dome, a formation that gets its name from the iconic building top in Washington, D.C.

We stopped at Gifford House, an historic building from early Mormon settler time for pie and a cinnamon roll (which were both delicious). On our way out of the park, we made stops at the blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and petroglyph panel, evidence of the Fremont people.

Our road to Arches was about as uninhabited/uninhabitable as it gets. It looked like a Martian landscape. Brady was so proud that we beat Elon Musk to Mars.

After a couple of hours in a literal and cell signal desert, we emerged in Green River, the land of civilization, fast driving, and 5G. We ate lunch at Tamarisk Restaurant overlooking the Green River, itself. We finally got to try traditional Navajo fry bread, which was delicious and similar to fried dough, but more airy and flavorful…bonus, better dipping sauces.

With only an hour left to drive, some green returned to Mars. We arrived at Sun Outdoors, our home for the next four nights…or so we thought. Susan quickly put in all the laundry upon arrival, because it was so hot, we were going to go directly to the pool. By the time Susan returned from the laundry room, the writing was on the wall. The van’s AC could not keep up with the 104-degree heat in the blazing sun. Everyone hid in the van sweating while we booked a room in a nearby hotel and waited for the laundry to finish. Our new home for four days became the Sleep Inn, with its pool and hot tub and free breakfast. On the way, we stopped by the Arches National Park Visitor’s Center for the obligatory passport stamps, and some t-shirts. After a swim in the pool to cool off, we got dinner at Canyon Pizza Co., just a short walk down the street from our hotel. We had the lights out by 9:30pm so we could get an early start on Thursday morning.