Travel with Sherpa

I started early this morning to get in the park before the timed entry stuff started, and went straight to Wolfe Ranch to hike up to Delicate Arch. It was overcast and breezy to start, but up at the arch it was downright cold and high winds. And then the rain started. I didn’t hang around very long before heading back down in the drizzle.

Once u got back to the RV I made eggs and hot chocolate for breakfast while listening to the now-heavier rain. It didn’t really seem to discourage people, as they continued to head up the trail to see the arch. After breakfast I drove around a little and ended up at the parking lot for Devil’s Garden, though it was still raining. I sat for a little bit, then decided to get my rain gear together and give it a try. By the time I actually got out the door the rain had stopped, so off I went. I ended up doing the full primitive trail loop, about 8 miles with all the spur trails. Good thing I had the All Trails app, s it asked me a couple of times if I was of course. Yes, yes I was. Anyway, that trail was no joke, but the views were unbelievable, so it was worth it in the end.

I sat in the RV for awhile after that hike grabbing a little food and listening to my legs question my decision-making skills – they hurt – before starting to drive around a bit. While I was at Panorama Point I got a storm warning and got to see a pretty nasty storm move through the area before deciding this poor RV may not be able to handle any more traumatic weather, so I headed down to the visitor center. Next up after that was laundry since it was absolutely pouring and my body was done after the 12 miles of hiking.

I wrapped up the day with meatloaf at Dewey’s, which absolutely did not disappoint!

I am sitting in a side street (in the rain again!) writing and posting these before I head back to the campground to fold laundry and go to bed. Another early morning tomorrow so I can get in the park without any issues.