Arches in Arches

October 19, 2011

Today the plan was to wake up and ride.  We were headed to a nice 15 miler for the afternoon when we noticed that we had a flat tire and bent wheel on the Airstream.  Even though I am well aware that “nothing makes the great spirit laugh harder than a man’s plan”, I’m still working hard at rolling with the punches.  I’m getting much better at it.  I like plans though, even general ones, and my chest flutters and I get a bit anxious when they change unexpectedly.

We spent all day dealing with the wheel situation.  As the guys focused on the tasks at hand, I watched the sun creep steadily from East to West.  The closer to the Golden Hour we got, the more anxious I felt.  I continued to take deep breaths and remind myself that no matter what happens we will be, as Mati likes to put it, right on time.  

Finally, around three ‘o clock we landed at our new campsite on the Colorado River.  It was too late for our ride, so we decided to head into Arches National Park for a late afternoon walk. 

After a beautiful drive through the unique landscape of Arches, we parked at the Delicate Arch Trailhead and walked the 1.7 miles up to one of the most incredible natural features I have ever seen.  Delicate Arch glowed bright orange in the light of the setting sun.  It was no surprise that I had the sudden urge to backbend, to conform to the shapes of the earth around me.  I took my shoes off to feel the sandstone beneath me. 

We ran around, explored, snapped photos, moved our bodies, and finally sat down. I rested my head on Mati’s shoulder, and watched the sun set slowly over the horizon.  We were right on time.