Before getting to this weeks desktop, I want to fill you in on why the last weekly update is around 20 months late, I do think any one checking here deserves it.  First, the afternoon I sat down to do the July something 2006 update, a freak storm blew through here, 100 mph straight line winds, lots of damage, and for me, four days without power.  Three weeks of doing necessary repairs, then three weeks on a vacation out west, followed by two months with a medical issue along with completing repairs I left, and finally 16 months of procrastinating pretty much puts us right here, March 2008.  I think the break has cleared my perspective on displaying my photography, I know the site started to be a real grind back in 2006.  I am confident the regular weekly, Wednesday update will be appearing as it should, every week, and I hope you come back here weekly to experience the new Semi-Charmed Life.  Enjoy!

Above is this weeks free desktop.  Back once again to a place which has been featured here many times, Arches National Park.  Located just outside Moab, UT, Arches NP showcases amazing erosion sculptured rock with the main formations being in its namesake, arches.  I no longer give the "how an arch is formed" speech, but for those interested, this info can be found at the Arches NPS site which is the featured link in the Links section (they do a much better job of explaining also (; ).  As has been the case with most of the offerings from Arches, this weeks photo is from the Devils Garden section which has a large number of sandstone fins and is home to some premiere arches.  This September 2005 shot encompasses two of my favorite arches, Landscape Arch and Partition Arch.  Landscape, located to the left here, is one of the more famous formations in the park as the 306 feet from base to base makes it the longest arch.  Couple this span with just how slender it is and you have an amazing sight.  Partition Arch is to the right, under that shining celestial body know as the moon, and is reached by trekking another 1/2 mile up the trail then backtracking on a spur.  Your view through Partition is awesome and well worth the walk.  The trails in Devils Garden are really great as they take you right to some truly beautiful arches, while giving you a wonderful experience of walking through (and on) the fins and other rocks formations!  At about 7 miles round trip with all the side trails, Devils Garden is a fairly easy hike with close to half of this being on well maintained gravel paths (passed Landscape Arch the trails do get a bit tougher), but it is well worth the effort by giving you the opportunity to experience this area as it needs to be seen, close up.  This is really a beautiful park and has more wonders than can be experienced in a single day.