Today we took Anooj to Arches National Park. We left our house by 9:30. The kids were enchanted with Anooj and his gentle and joking personality (he told Ammon that his name was also Ammon). Lily and I had a great time talking to Anooj on the way to Arches. We arrived around 1:50, which was just in time for our reservation. On the way down and in the park we were blown away by the mega bloom of orange flowers. We’ve never noticed the orange flowers before, and that is because there has never been so many of them when we visited. I’m sure the bloom was due to all the moisture Utah got over the winter and into the spring.
First we went to Park Avenue for a quick viewpoint. Then we went to the Windows and Double Arch. The kids had such a blast climbing all around the rocks, especially at Double Arch. Here is video of Ammon giving me a tour of their cave house (which has a slide):
While we were at Double Arch, a lady I met effused at Ammon and Clarissa’s imaginative play. She gushed and told me that watching them be so excited and imaginative with nature was a highlight of her entire trip to Arches. That sweet comment was a very nice counterpoint to man who only 3 minutes earlier yelled at Ammon and Clarissa to be quiet (which they didn’t hear because they were loudly absorbed in their play).
After Double Arch, we saw some viewpoints, including the lower viewpoint for Delicate Arch (so that Anooj could see the Arch that is on Utah’s license plates).
Then we went to Pasta Jays, and it was so delicious as always (and they were extra fast and friendly this time!). Then we got ice cream and drove home. We hope this day left an impression in Anooj’s heart for the natural beauty and warmth that we have found so inspirational in Southern Utah. He was the most gracious guest and a true joy to have with us for the day. The kids were also very well-behaved for our guest and we were so grateful for that. They were also very well behaved for pictures yesterday, and we are feeling especially grateful for all of them lately! We got in around midnight after dropping Anooj off in Salt Lake. What a great day!
