Arches National Park, Utah
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Eye of the Whale Arch Arches National Park, Utah |
October 12, 2019
Today's arch-hunt continues. Having just visited the Crystal Arches for the first
time, there is time for more exploration. The amount of walking to be done here
is dependent upon the quality of the access road. A signpost at its beginning
is not encouraging.
An ominous warning
Having driven part-way up here previously, I stop at the same place as before. The upcoming hill climb includes a section that is rough enough that I choose not to continue driving. My Outback surely could handle it, but I am not yet willing to risk beating up a nice car that is only two years old.
The trek starts here
The possibility of walking the rest of the way was anticipated, and it's not that far to the destination. Not surprisingly, the place where I stopped seems to have been the only major obstacle. Go figure.
Except for some sand, the rest of the route isn't bad at all
After just a mile or so of walking, a window appears ahead. I'll venture over there first.
Peek-a-boo
An unusual formation
There is a trail of sorts
Leaping Arch, about 50 feet wide
Now it is time to hunt down the main attraction, which the GPS says is 3/10 of a mile
distant. Trying to shortcut the route, I find myself temporarily stymied by a
50-foot dropoff.
Cliffed-out
Back on a friendly slab
Getting close
Finally:
Eye of the Whale Arch, 37'×12'
Neat view
The slab directly in front of the arch is too steep to climb, but there is a nice ramp around to the right.
Piece of cake
Inside the arch
According to my research, some hikers continue through the arch and down the slickrock
on the other side. The slab looks too steep for me, however. Even a
butt-slide could be problematical; for if one were to begin sliding for real,
it would be quite a ways to the bottom.
Heading back out
After opting for the long route, it takes 15-20 minutes to trudge around the big rocks to the other side of the arch; but the effort is more than worthwhile. Now it is clear as to why there is an "Eye" in the name!
This is why I go hiking
Nice contrast
That's it. Although more adventure is available in this rocky area known as Herdina Park, I have had enough excitement for today.
So long
Cutting cross-country at an angle to save some walking distance connects me with the road at the top of the rise.
Trudging back
What's this? More hikers? Four young women approach and pass me, chatting all the while.
Unexpected company
I'm not the only crazy one around here.
The Fiery Furnace to the north
Mission accomplished
§: Well, I did it and I'm glad. Because it was fairly cool today, the walking
wasn't bad at all; sometimes, one simply needs to do what needs to be done. The Eye
of the Whale deserves a good rating, but I must detract something for the dull and boring
approach route.
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