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Delicate Decisions (64)
Evelynn Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2053 W: 704 N: 3001] (13269)
Because my last post was taken near this spot I had decided to post this image next... not knowing that Markus(Heaven) had the same idea.

This well known arch is called "Delicate Arch." We ended up hiking up to it four times. It is a fairly good walk and we had several decisions to make. 1. Did we want to go the same way everyone else was going... generally no. So we hiked up the ridge on the opposite side twice and on this side twice over the course of several days 2. Were the clouds going to clear for the famous sunset lighting on the arch...We hoped so, but were wrong for three of the visits. 3. Which lenses to lug along... ended up with the lightest weight one. 4. How long to wait for the light...? We almost missed it. We got there early enough and claimed our spot. By the time sunset rolled around there was almost a party atmosphere. People were moving around the base of the arch like ants (the arch is much bigger than it seems.) I suppose there is a certain comradery among photographers because as the light changed all at once they started yelling at the people to GET OUT OF THE WAY #@$%! .. which they did! : ) I had visions of doing a series of photos documenting the changing light so I kept the tripod set etc. and clicked every minute or so. The light ended and we started to leave and then... wouldn't you know it... the light returned setting the arch afire and I got those shots from a different point of view! : P
Bob Shannon noted that a large number of Utah arches have fallen this year probably due to drought conditions? ? I'm glad this one so far has been spared.

For a view of the arch taken from the opposite ridge see the workshop photo.
Altered Image #1

Evelynn Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2053 W: 704 N: 3001] (13269)
reference photo
Edited by:Evelynn Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2053 W: 704 N: 3001] (13269)
This is delicate arch taken from the opposite ridge. We couldn't tell until we got up there just what angle the sun would shine. There was no advantage to the sunset from this side. I suppose that is why everyone was going the other way!!! Duh! We just shun crowds. I like this view though, as the arch looks even more delicate. It is unique in that it is free standing and probably not long for this world. Just in my life time several arches and balanced rocks have fallen.

I cloned out people in this shot... they looked like ants against the sky and around the base of the arch.