Sitting atop Jug Rock was exhilarating. Though I was only 30 feet (9 m) above the ground, I felt as though I were on top of the world. Delicate Arch is about a mile away and directly over my head, hidden by shadowy formations. I hiked past the arch on my way here. At upper right, in the distance, is The Windows Section of the park. From here I continued west to the precipice at the edge of Salt Wash canyon.
I listed the location as "Arches National Park," but technically that is untrue. Jug Rock is not in the park, but rises out of the ground about 40 feet (13 m) north of the park boundary. The boundary fence is out of view below and in front of me. This location deception on my part is based on the fact that the only reasonable hiking access to Jug Rock is via the park, the most direct route taking off from the trail that leads to Delicate Arch. In this photo, everything you see---except for me and Jug Rock itself---is in Arches National Park.
My assistant---Joe Tripod---knows no boundaries when it comes to camera support and concentrated on a firm stance for this photo.
|