July 13 Thursday Arches National Park

Dave and I showered before we woke the girls - we thought they might appreciate a little extra time sleeping.  We went to breakfast and then all hopped in the truck for another foray into Arches.  Dave was feeling much better today so he opted to go with us.  I was feeling badly that we couldn't sign up for a ranger-led tour into the Fiery Furnace, so we stopped at the Ranger Station and I signed up for a back-country permit so I could take them in.  When we got to the parking area, we left Dave with a book, while the girls and I loaded up with water and started our hike.  We had a hard time getting started as the trail was not obvious, but we finally saw an arrow painted on a rock and we were on our way.  There was quite a bit of rock scrambling, but the girls were great and either waited for me to catch up or stayed to help me with advice or a hand on the most difficult parts.  We saw a few lizards and hoof prints of big horned sheep.  We finally came to a series of very narrow fins and I allowed the girls to go through a few of them while I waited for them.  I love that they are so responsible and come back in the agreed upon time.  I did want them to experience the fins, but had no desire, myself, to scramble through.  We started back and stopped to take a picture of our own personal balanced rock, finally getting back to the parking lot - very hot, tired, thirsty, but happy with the accomplishment.  Fortunately, the temps were only in the low 80's, but there was no shade on the hike except in the fins where the towering rocks on both sides shade the path.  We went back to Sand Dune Arch as the girls wanted to revisit their favorite spot from yesterday.  I'm glad I took them to the park yesterday as there was a rainstorm last night and the road to Delicate Arch was closed due to flooding.  We drove back to town and had lunch at Denny's.  We were marveling at a Chinese family at the next table - mom, dad, 3 late teen or early 20's kids - all on their cell phones - no one talking to anyone - just completely mesmerized by their electronics.  We all agreed it was very sad.  We are now back at the motel and I am watching the girls in the pool while Dave is catching a nap.