Hopkins 4K for Cancer

July 10, 2006

Day Off
If you know anything about Moab, you know that it’s home to Arches National Park, and it should not surprise you that we took time to explore it during part of our day off. I went with a group that actually hiked to the Delicate Arch, unlike the lazy group that drove to the lookout point. Everywhere I looked on our way up I wanted to take a picture- to capture the beauty of the landscape: beautiful, red rock formations in most directions, and more mountainous, semi-green areas in others. The surroundings were almost as impressive as the arch itself.

After reaching the arch and taking pictures, a few of us watched Derick and Garrett bouldering on some of the unnamed rock structures. Lauren, Eric, and I even tried a little climbing of our own… though it soon became clear that we have a lot to learn. Walking back down I paid more attention to the vegetation and animal inhabitants, or lack there-of. There was a sign that talked about six or seven species of fish that are found in the park. I’m pretty sure we saw every one of them in the little stream we passed over.

Before dinner I helped run a few errands in preparation for the exceptional heat we’re meant to hit soon. Katie Young and Joe spent time gathering donations from all of the very generous stores in Moab. It was exciting to know we’d have food to eat the next day! Derick and I decided on the Italian restaurant for dinner. It felt odd to be in an Italian restaurant, complete with music, décor, and other attempts at making it feel like Italy. I’ve gotten used to those kinds of things in Baltimore’s Little Italy, but in Moab, Utah? Come on now… Looking out at a town filled with outdoors stores, banks, and a red rock skyline just didn’t create the kind of atmosphere for the Italy scene to be pulled off quite right. But the food, service, and company were excellent, so I have no complaints!

So far this trip has not only been amazing and lots of fun, but it has also helped me to learn things about myself and other people. During our time in Moab I reflected on some of the more prominent experiences I’ve had this summer and was able to realize the importance of truly listening to my heart, and not always following my impulses. Sometimes instincts make sense, and sometimes a little more thinking is necessary- luckily there’s been plenty of time to think this summer, while riding for hours each day. Seeing places like Moab (and every other state we rode through- I loved each one for a different reason) and interacting with generous community members reminds me that there is so much beauty and goodness in our country. It tempts me to move to a place where I can readily access these diverse landscapes and enjoy the opportunities to bike, hike, ski, camp, and explore constantly in a peaceful, friendly environment. No offense, Baltimore, but you’re a little loud and don’t have much grass!

~Erin