Before getting to this weeks desktop, there's a couple of things I wanted to remind you about.  First, expect the next update to be on time, January 21st.   Second, the previous weeks wallpaper is always still available by clicking the preview to the left found on this page.  Enjoy!

Above is this weeks free desktop.  Back once again to a place which has been featured here many, many times, Arches National Park.  Arches NP is located just outside Moab, UT and showcases amazing erosion sculptured rock with the main formations being what it's named for, arches.  An arch is formed by erosive actions (these mainly being frost, wind and seeping moisture) on the free standing sandstone fins found here and though the process sounds reasonably simple (just give erosion millions of years and the right kind of rock, and poof), the number (over 2,000) of this wonders found here is just amazing.  For those interested in a detailed explanation, info can be found at the Arches NPS site in the Links section and quite honestly, they do a much better job of explaining than I ever did.  This weeks photo was taken in June 2007 and features a lesser known arch here, Broken Arch.  Located at the end of a .7 mile trail from the park road or in the center of a 1.5 mile loop trail if you're staying in the campground (I was), Broken Arch isn't the longest, tallest, widest, narrowest or anything like that, it is simply a wonderful arch with an interesting crack in its middle (it was featured in ad I saw in a magazine, so it has gotten some lovin' (; ).  There's really not much to point out this shot other than where the trail from the road starts, which is just past that large fin you see through the arch, on the right.  Also, there is a short (few hundred feet) spur trail between those find to another arch, Sand Dune Arch.  There are some truly great opportunities here to experience this park the way you need to see it, close up.  Numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulties take you right to some truly beautiful arches, lead you through (and on) the sandstone fins and other rocks formations, and allow you to enjoy the wonders of erosion found here!  This is really an intriguing, beautiful and very entertaining park that contains more sights than can be explored in a single day.