Saturday, April 3, 2010

Arches National Park!

I had Spring Break for school this weekend, so my parents and I went down to Arches National Park. It was so beautiful!

I learned a lot about the arches while I was down there. Did you know that in order for a hole to be considered an arch it has to have an opening of at least 3 feet? I asked my dad why they called them "arches" instead of "holes" and he said that "Delicate Hole" just wouldn't sound as cool. He's so silly.

The arches are made by erosion caused by water, wind, ice and extreme temperatures - both hot and cold! I didn't think the desert could get so cold, but in the winter the park can get below 0 degrees. It was really windy while we were there, which made my hands really cold, even though the sun was hot.

It was a lot of fun to go hike up to the different arches. You have to be careful to stay on the trails so that you don't bother any of the plants or animals. The hike up to Delicate Arch was the hardest one, it was so steep and long!



I actually stopped to rest a few times.



But finally made it!





I decided to help hold up Delicate Arch for a little while. Someday the erosion that made the arch will also make it fall down. I hope not anytime soon!



Spring is coming, can you see the little green buds on the tree?



My trip was so much fun! Did you do anything fun for Spring Break?