It's Wednesday night. Our time with the kids is coming to a close. It's been great to see them. We had a good day today here in Moab. It was very hot today. We did a little hiking to see the arches then we headed for the "Delicate Arches". We started a 1.5 mile hike to the arch however, we turned around about half way or a little further. It was so hot that I was having trouble breathing climbing up hills. There was a huge rock that we had to climb to get to the arch but I was unable to make it. We are over 5,000 feet above sea level here and the air is thinner. I am not used to the thin air and the heat really got to me. I had to stop often just to breath. Dan was so sweet with concern for me. We had plenty of water but I just had to give up. I was disappointed. I think I was getting dehydrated even though we had water. It was 102 degrees in the sun. Also on Saturday, I got a pretty good sun burn at Martin's Cove so I was worried about burning again. I was being very careful. The Arches are really magnificent! An amazing natural phenomenon. Everywhere you look there are different rock formations and arches in a red color. We are truly in the desert here. Dan absolutely loves it here! I hated to disappoint him when I had to turn back from the hike. All three of my guys were very sweet especially Dan. He insisted I sit in the front seat to get soome cool air in the car afterwards.
Saturday we visited Martin's Cove, Devil's Gate and Indipendence Rock. We climbed the rock and then walked to Martin's Cove and Devil's Gate from the Visitor's Center. I was surprised at Martin's Cove. I thought the Saints camped in a small spot where the mountain curves in for shelter. I was surprised they camped about 3 miles from the Sweetwater River up in the mountain a ways. It was very sad to contemplate the hardship they endured there. Many died from exposure. The cove is a grassy area where about 500 people took shelter up the hill at the base of the mountain. We also saw the area where the four young men in the rescue company actually walked the people across the Sweetwater in their arms so they wouldn't have to walk in the icy water. That act alone is an inspiration to me. They saved many lives and for the remainder of their lives the four young men suffered physical ailments due to that act of love and service. Because of them, many lived. We did alot of walking on Saturday. Probably about 6 miles in all. I got a nasty sunburn on my neck and arms. I was uncomfortable for a couple of days. That is why I was so careful today. I am always in awe when I read about the hardship the Saints had at Martin's Cove. The human spirit and the will to survive is an amazing thing. I have great love and respect for those who sacrificed so much for the gospel.
Tomorrow, we will view some more arches and go to a place called "Dead Horse Canyon". He said it looks like a small version of the Grand Canyon. Our eyes are starting to turn towards home. We are getting ready to head back on Saturday. We dread the drive.
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