Arches National Park: Tower Arch

After walking one of the most popular trails our first day here, we decided to hike to on of the more remote arches our second day--Tower Arch. Tower Arch is located a little over 7 miles off the main road. The road is gravel all the way. When we arrived, we were the only car in the parking area. As we set out over the first ridge, we noticed the terrain was a bit more difficult than that at Delicate Arch.

  Once we made it over two ridges, it was relatively easy going to the arch.

Unfortunately, as Bob went to get our camera off a rock after this picture, he bumped it and it fell on the ground. The lens cover didn't want to retract and we thought there wouldn't be any more pictures this hike. After working with the camera for a bit, turning it on and off many times, the lens cover started working correctly!
 
Then it was on with our hike to Tower Arch.  Little did we know when we stopped for this picture that Tower Arch was near! The tall spire with the boulder on top stands behind Tower Arch.

 To get to the arch, we had to walk between the fins. Once through the fins, there was Tower Arch!

You don't realize how big the arches are until you stand under one and have your picture taken.

 Bob and I had the arch to ourselves for about ten minutes, then another couple arrived. We talked with them a bit and found out they were from Gaineseville, Florida! What are the chances of that? Well, we talked for a while, found out her parents live in Deltona and she attended Timbercrest Elementary. It is definitely a small world.
While they were with us we searched for the carving at the base of the arch and finally found it. It was made by a man instrumental in having Arches declared a monument.

 Time for us to head back. Bob took a picture of the view from the top of one of our original ridges. We could see Devil's Garden in the distance.

 After we got back to the rv, we had some lunch and a little down time. Then it was off to explore the rocks behind our campsite.

 

We had fun goofing around. This is a great area to camp.  So far the days have been warm and the nights just right, but according to the weather reports, that is about to change.

Later that night, after we were in bed, Bob heard 'someone' getting into his chips. He checked to see if I was still in bed, I was, and then he headed into the kitchen to find the culprit. It was a mouse! He set out traps and finally caught the critter. A trip to the store was put on the schedule for Saturday. We needed more chips and a big covered plastic container to keep them safe from other little critters. DON'T MESS WITH BOB'S CHIPS!