All three kids enjoyed striking a pose framed within one of the windows and I enjoyed the challenge of setting up the shots. Although we saw a lot today the grandeur of these windows were not lost on the kids who enjoyed them all the more for their ability to combine climbing with viewing.

As the afternoon was coming to an end we headed into Arches National Park where we spent a few hours in the Windows Section. As evening approached the temperature decreased and the crowds abated. Pictured here are the North and South Windows taken from Turret Arch with the kids posed in the foreground on a large outcrop. The perspective conceals the fact that the window openings are easily 30-40 feet tall.

Before leaving the park, we stopped at the visitor center just in time to hear a naturalist speak about the indigenous animals. We were able to handle the skulls pictured here, which included a long-horned sheep, mule deer, coyote, and raven as well as a bobcat and a mountain lion.

Mesa Arch offers a beautiful window into the canyon below and is embelished by the beauty in front.

It is easy to understand why the Anasazis favored this location, which offers naturally carved enclaves in the side of the butte. The temperature within is moderated, and the views are spectacular.

Our next stop is the Canyonlands National Park where we climb the Aztec Butte to explore the Anasazis built granaries located around the perimeter just below the mesa top.

After spending the night in Moab, we make an early morning trek to Dead Horse Point State Park, which offers a spectacular overlook of the Colorado River.

See if you can locate the baby elephant among the goblins. Given enough time, you begin to see faces and animals at every turn, and if temperatures were not so extreme, we could have easily spent the entire afternoon here.

The 105-degree temperature does not dissuade me from descending into the valley in search of great photo opportunities.

This park could easily pass for the surface of Mars and one could spend hours walking among the thousands of goblins created by the forces of water and wind.

Our next destination is the Goblin Valley State Park whose entrance is guarded by the Three Kings.

Prospectors and other travelers passing through the Capitol Gorge in the late 1800s left their names on a wall of rock that came to be known as the Pioneer Register. This is but one of several dozens of inscriptions that appear on the very distinctive wall.

After taking the scenic drive, the girls and I set out on a short hike into Capitol Gorge. Maya seeks refuge from the sun in a waterpocket that seems perfectly sized for her.

This little gal was walking right down the middle of a dirt road we were on and eventually pulled over to let us pass. Jeanine says it is a quail.