Thursday, September 24, 2015

Road Trip!

Well, we finally did it! After 5 1/2 years, we took Taylee on a road trip longer than 2 hours. Aren't we brave?! No, really, this is a girl who has hated riding in the car since birth. She screamed as a baby every time we drove, And it has only gotten marginally better since. But, alas, we decided it was time to brave the open road, so we organized a trip down south... to St. George! This idea originated around taking Taylee to Tuacahn to see "Beauty and the Beast."
We did get to attend the show, but happily, our trip turned out to be so much more! A virtual smorgasborg of family togetherness! After driving down to St. George (which went better than expected!), we arrived at Red Cliffs Recreation Area for some hiking. Kent had picked out a fantastic hike for us that ended up at a little swimming hole. It seemed it was a popular destination! Taylee enjoyed the chance to go "rock climbing" up and around the trail and the swimming hole. I was a bit of a nervous nelly watching her go, but she and Kent had a fantastic time. 

Family Photo Op!

A little hiking diversion

Posing in a cave!

The swimming hole!
We did get a chance to "relax" in the hotel pool before dinner that afternoon. Taylee made good use of her time, and practiced all the swimming skills she was learning. We may have a little fishy on our hands! 
The next day we headed out for more hiking (by Taylee's choice!). This time we went to Sand Hollow State Park, and spent a couple of hours hiking the red cliffs. Our little "leader" developed a system of "earning badges" during our hike, and put Kent and I through our paces! We all had a good time. :) 
Me and my girl!

Hiking buddies :)
After hiking and a little lunch, we were off for more fun in the sun! St. George townsquare has a fantastic splash pad available to one and all. It was wonderful getting our feet wet and cooling down a wee bit.  
Little poser

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On Saturday evening it was showtime! The natural red rock amphitheater is a fantastic backdrop, but of course because it is outside, the show starts late. A tough dynamic for a busy 5 year old, but we made it work. She loved the show, although she was a little freaked out by the beast, and some of the special effects. During the show, Kent and I both had a little snuggle time with our girl. 
The beautiful grounds outside the theater


Posing!
On our way home on Sunday we were able to make a little detour and check out my friend Adrienne's brand new house in Saratoga Springs. It was gorgeous! I am so happy for them! 
All in all, a fantastic weekend!

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

The Narrows

The Narrows is one of the most unique hiking opportunities in the world. I may have made that up, but I am actually pretty sure its true! You begin your hike at the end of the Zion Canyon Road, named the Temple of Sinawava, and head into the North fork of the Virgin River. The water is pretty cold, but we rented some fancy Water shoes and neoprene socks (as well as walking sticks!), so it was tolerable. And it was a beautiful day, so that certainly helps! There is no official end destination on this hike, so you hike as long as you want before turning around. Kent and I estimate that we hiked approximately 6 miles. 80% of the hike is in the Riverbed, with depths up to waist deep (while we were there). It was definitely an all day adventure, and one we won't soon forget!
Ready to hike! In my rocking Water shoes!


Kent, rocking the Narrows, sans Walking Stick
Taking a short break and an opportunity to dry my feet for a moment. 

So cool!

Angel's Landing!

Kent has wanted to take me hiking in Zion National Park for several years now. He and Skyler went a few years ago, and he has wanted to share this amazing natural wonder with me ever since. This spring proved the perfect opportunity, when our annual Moab in May trip was cancelled (or, not planned, in this case). So, the first weekend in May, we headed for southern Utah! We left Taylee behind because we knew we were going to do some hiking that was beyond her ability level. Good thing too, as the first hike on our schedule was Angel's Landing! If you have ever hiked it, you know what I mean. The story goes that they named it Angel's Landing because the only way to the top is on the wings of an angel. Turns out you can walk. But it's an intense hike for sure! Pictures don't quite do it justice, but I'll include some just for fun. Enjoy!


We made it!

Looking down over the switchback section of the trail

Climbing on all fours. And using the chain. I have no shame. 

Kent -- Tough Guy!
I couldn't resist posting this photo of the trail, which included a stern warning about the risk of death. Eeeek!

Kent stopped to take photos. I gripped the chain the whole way up.

Well, in the end, we felt like Angel's upon our landing on the summit. What a spectacular experience!