Beautiful Moab, Utah

Setting off bright and early from the very cheapo Lazy Lizard Hostel in Moab, CandyPenny and I skipped breakfast and coffee, making a b-line to Arches National Park and its gorgeous collection of natural sandstone arches. We had planned to enter the park in time to view the hot rocks during sunrise but an alarm clock snafu had us rising with Pacific time and not the Mountain time we were actually in. Oh well. The early hour served us well as the expanse of stone formations was ours alone. It was spectacular. The rock resembled so many things: The cross-section of a thick and cold chunk of dark chocolate chopped slowly with a Chef’s knife, a Martian landscape, a primitive Earth’s floor, phalluses, yoni, profiles of chubby bald men… anything seemed feasible but the acceptance that this beauty was naturally-occurring and here all along.

Most impressive was the world-famous Delicate Arch, as seen on Utah’s license plates. I hiked a moderately strenuous trail up slippery stone in terrible shoes to be able to spend some up-close time with the impressive formation. One of many visitors and amateur photographers meandering about the steeply-descending cliff (think sandpit in Return of the Jedi) to catch its good side, I took a ton of shots of that delicate arch, 3 of which are below.  

Finally, hours after wake-up and a tiring hike in the hot sun, it was time to eat. We hit the only veg-friendly breakfast spot in Moab, Eklectic Cafe, for some brunch and coffee. The cafe was gorgeous and had outdoor seating surrounded by lush plant life and cocky begging birds. I had the tofu, potatoes and toast with soy butter. The scramble was very delicious! I was so thankful Eklectic Cafe was up and running, unlike the other several vegan option spots (Love Muffin, who was closed for July on vacations, and Peace Tree Juice Cafe, who was closed for renovations). We had also eaten at Moab’s only Thai restaurant the evening before, which was good but very overpriced.