My second day in Moab, Utah commenced with a satisfying breakfast at the Eklecticafe (Eklecticafe). The vegan-friendly cafe offers both indoor and outdoor dining with a casual and rustic ambiance. Prices are quite reasonable and this popular dining spot. I opted for the flavorful vegan breakfast burrito with a side of salsa.

A new juice truck recently opened in downtown Moab. Located in the same lot as the Backyard Theater, fresh and mostly organic juices are offered. I paid a visit to this new addition to the Moab scene.

My refreshing juice was a combination of pineapple, turmeric, cukes, lime, and local greens.

As I was in the town center for my morning meal, this was a perfect time to do some more perusing of the local gift shops and boutiques. I noticed an intriguing shop where visitors can find regional gems, stones, and local indigenous art and crafts.

Time flew by and before I realized it, the lunch time hours had arrived. Eklecticafe(Eklecticafe) was also my choice for my mid-day meal. A tile teacup sculpture, emitting steam similar to the actual hot beverage, stands near the front entrance of this distinctive restaurant.

I selected the delicious Indonesian tofu satay on a stick over rice, with a side of roasted carrot rhubarb soup.

After my wonderful meal, I met up with a local tour guide who had graciously offered to take me to Arches National Park, specifically to visit and photograph the ever-so-popular “Delicate Arch”. Although it is probably the most famous and most photographed arch, it is typically not included in the park tours, due to its location. I am so grateful to the guide that took me there during their time off.

As we entered Arches National Park, I looked up in awe at the towering geological formations.

Finally, we had arrived at one of the starting points for the hike up to Delicate Arch, as designated by a plaque in the park.

Visitors may either hike the entire three mile round-trip path from the base or do a much quicker walk up on a somewhat steep uphill path, located further away from the arch. I chose the shorter option “Upper Delicate Arch” viewpoint, due to time constraints. Gorgeous views of the park landscape surrounded me, as I ascended further and further on the path.

As my gaze veered upward, several of these geological structures came into view, including the infamous Delicate Arch.

My focus shifted toward the stunning Delicate Arch, the most renowned of these sandstone arch formations. It did not fail to impress. I excitedly snapped a barrage of photographs and headed back to my tour guide’s SUV, thoroughly pleased with my afternoon activity.

Back in town, I decided to dine at “98 Center Restaurant” (98 Center Restaurant) for my evening meal. The spacious vegan-friendly restaurant offers several vegan options on their menu. For those wanting a more “upscale feel” to their dining experience, this is the place to be. My delicious dinner was the vegan cheesesteak sandwich with portobello and shitake mushrooms, grilled onions, roasted peppers, and Parmela nut cheese, and a side of homemade chips.

One more activity remained on my day’s agenda: an evening jet boat cruise on the Colorado River, to experience the light show upon the rock formations at nearby Canyonlands National Park.

Once my tour group boarded the boat, our guide started informing us about the various landmarks, bridges, and rock formations that we encountered along the riverway.

He even used a light pen pointer to show us some of the rock formations that resembled particular characters or wildlife.

Closer to sunset, the panoramic scenes became even more spectacular. Rock formations reflected in the waters.

Evening turned into night and darkness had thus befallen the canyon. The light show had begun! White lights shone brightly upon the Canyonlands geological formations, while we eagerly watched from our jet boat. An audio recording echoing across the river, revealed the history of the region to us. From stories of the early settlers to the original indigenous peoples, our history lesson was complete.

As our cruise boat slowly maneuvered through the waters, our attention kept shifting to whatever rock formation was the focus of the changing light displays.

My day was a splendid introduction to the national parks and people of southern Utah’s Moab region. I looked forward to the following day’s more extensive tours of the spectacular Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.