Trip to Southern Utah: August 2003

In August 2003, my parents and brother visited me in Salt Lake City, partly to make sure I was still alive, partly because they all needed a vacation, partly to see me participate in the Utah Marching Band, and partly to see southern Utah. So, we went to southern Utah to visit some national parks, in particular Arches and Canyonlands.

Above: Turret Arch, right: Delicate Arch.

It's always nice to get out of Salt Lake to take a break. Too bad that it happens so rarely, usually when other people visit me. I should have people visit me more often! Either that or I should get off my lazy ass, get out of the lab, and drive a couple hours to really enjoy my surroundings, instead of pondering how I might do it in a few months...

On the left, you see my Mom posing in front of Balance Rock in Arches National Park. At right, you can see Delicate Arch in its natural habitat, instead of up close and personal.

On the left, you can see me posing under the span of Delicate Arch. I somehow convinced my family it would be fun to walk up to see the arch up close. I wanted to do it the first time I visited Arches, back in 1998 when I was crossing from Minneapolis to Los Angelos, but time was of the essence, and I never got around to it. I think my parents enjoyed the hike.... After they got to the top to see the sights.

Above: The sun sets over Arches National Park

Above: Canyonlands, right: Family posing in front of an arch

Anyways, it was good to see my parents and my brother for a few days, even if I did have to deal with them in close quarters during the drive. Why is it always more relaxing to drive by yourself?

Anyone who has not visited any of the national parks in southern Utah (Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Zion) is missing out on a lot, and should really take a vacation and visit them all. It really is amazing how different 4 parks can be when they're all within a couple hours drive.