JJ

Made an early start, got to the park around 5:30 and decided
it was way too early!!  So, I parked at a
convenient pullout and just sat and watched the stars and watched the barest
sliver of a moon come up over one of the rock formations.  Arches has been officially designated an
international dark sky park which means it has exceptional “quality of starry
nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its
scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment” according
to an article by Michael Matthes in the Visitor Guide.  I know that I haven’t seen so many stars since
my last hunting trip to Pagosa Springs, Colorado.  It was awesome to just sit and watch as the
sky became lighter and the stars began to disappear.  How can anyone seeing such a sight doubt the
existence of God?  The traffic increased
at a rapid pace as the sky lightened and I decided it was time to get on with
the business of the day, photographing Arches National Park.  Based on the traffic today, I can only
imagine how crowded it must be in the summer. 
Everyone was polite and willing to share the trail, masks
notwithstanding.  At times it was hard to
maintain 6 feet of distance, but no one seemed to mind. I feel sort of sorry
for Jake, though, the park isn’t very pet friendly.  The delicacy of the environment means that
dogs are not welcome on most trails so he was mostly confined to his crate
today.  I was able to walk him around the
parking lot at a couple of stops so he could stretch his legs a bit.  I did overhear a conversation between a couple
of older gentlemen and a park ranger as to why they were initially greeted with
a sign at the entrance indicating that they should return in 3 hours.  She explained that, due to Covid restrictions,
they have to limit the number of vehicles in the park at any given time.  The wait time was required in order for
vehicles to exit the park before allowing more to enter the park.  It isn’t a problem if you arrive at
5:30am.  ^_^

“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 NIV                                                                                        SDG