So we sadly left Moab, Utah and headed toward Zion Canyon National Park. We arrived in the Zion area on Wednesday, set up, and really truly set up camp since we are here for a whole week. After spending the first two and half months of our journey spending longer time place, we realized we aren’t going to see much else unless we spend shorter times at campgrounds and actively see things and move on. So, to be here for a whole week is long as of lately.
Our first night my romantic husband and I sat outside, cuddling, and watching the stars in the darkest state. I can not even explain the beauty you can see when you look up at the sky in Utah. I thought the sky in Eagle Lake, PA when I was growing up, hanging out on Leach Field was breathtaking but nothing compares to this Utah sky. Mainly we set up camp so we could chill, be comfortable and enjoy our time when our visitors get here…MUSHY AND POPPY! AKA my mom and Ronnie (step-dad but way more important and awesome).
Let me just quickly explain how much they wanted to be here, Ronnie is supposed to give 45 days notice before taking time off but they arranged to be here within two weeks. That’s love! And don’t be confused, it’s not love for me and Shaun but totally for the girls lol. In preparation I put together a very detailed and active agenda. They arrived Thursday, came straight to us, and we sat by the fire staring at the amazing stars and enjoying our time together.
Friday morning we picked them up and went to Bryce Canyon National Park. Again, and I’m sure you’re sick of hearing this, but the park blew me away. I expected a canyon smaller than The Grand Canyon and it was but totally different. This park has Hoodoos, which are amazing and crazy different from anything else we had ever seen. We hiked the Queens Garden with the Navajo Trail Loop and getting deep into the park and climbing back up gave us a real look at everything from top to bottom. The elevation change was more than I had expected but everyone hiked it like champs and we all really appreciated the drastic scenery. It was a total of 4 miles with a 1.5 mile 600 foot elevation gain. My amazing parents rocked this hike in their late 50’s/early 60’s like champs!
Saturday we surprised them with an off-roading 6-seater vehicle. We arrived at their hotel after they ate breakfast with the girls who slept over. Originally we just rented them for Ronnie and Shaun but my mom seemed disappointed so we changed it to a 6-seater. They were so surprised, excited and thankful! We arrived at the Coral Pink Sands State Park with the OTV in tow and hopped on. We ba-ha’d for hours and had the greatest time! After we headed into the town in Zion, Springdale and got Thai for lunch.
Then my mom took the girls for ice cream and a party in her hotel room while Shaun, Ronnie and I hit Hurricane for more OTV’ing. They had so much fun and we had even more fun, in my opinion. Ronnie, Shaun and I drove through the desert trails and really enjoyed every moment! Eventually dark clouds started penetrating our blue skies but we kept going. Eventually we stopped to talk to a dirt biker regarding the weather and they were unsure whether to go back or keep riding but told us to do if lightning strikes and that was enough for me to make the guys go back. I told them they could leave me at the safe, grounded car and they could risk their lives but we all headed back to safety and as we did hail started, lightning bolts struck and we followed dirt bikers doing the same. We arrived safely back to the truck loaded up and bailed out of there. We hit our favorite new coffee shop that brewed their own coffee and added it to an amazing stout beer and went to see mom and the girls. On the way home the sky cleared and the sunset was totally stop worthy and awe-some!
Sunday the rents and kids met us at the campground, we headed into Zion and hiked a bit. After we had a surprise planned and headed toward Antelope Canyon (if you’ve never heard of it, Google it). We arrived we checked in and got an earlier slot…winning! I was a little hesitant to be stuck in a slot canyon without the ability to get out (as I posted earlier about my agoraphobia). The guy working their eased my issues because it is only ¼ mile from start to finish and you can see the sky at all times. It was easy to get through and was one of the most beautiful, unique places any of us had ever been. We used the Navajo Tours company and our tour guide, Abraham, was AMAZING!!!! We could not stop talking about how we would have missed out had we not gone. GO!!!!
The girls slept over my parents again but had an early flight so they swung by early with them to say goodbye. My mother almost forgot to drop them back off…;) We were sad to see them leave! It was one of the best, fun, and memorable parts of our trip and we were so thankful they came to see us, my mom for the second time. After they left we hiked Zion for the next two day and did some recouping from all of the fun with them.
One week since we arrived, we will be heading out of Zion but be in Utah until Sunday. I am so sad to leave Utah but excited for our next stop here and for the resort we’ll be in after we depart Utah. Zion was good to us!
We arrived in Torrey, Utah ready to hike Capitol Reef and maybe some surrounding areas. The day after we arrived the weather turned colder and windier, then we received high wind warnings so we hunkered in for a rest/cleaning/chill/movie day to prep for hiking the next day. However, the winds were worse and it was colder the next day. Disregarding the weather and determined to see the park, we set off. Hitting the visitor center to get our Jr Ranger books we were informed that there were some fun kids activities happening. We arrived at the Nature Center and quickly made friends with another family there full-timing. We spent an hour there with them, went to the Gifford house for amazing, fresh, homemade pie, and proceeded to sit outside with them while the kids played, had handstand competitions, and played in the river.
Capitol Reef was also awesome because I got to see some more amazing Petroglyphs which I am slightly obsessed with. Like the cactus, tumble weed, and sunsets, petroglyphs are an amazing God preserved part of the past and I can not get enough.
As much as I enjoy just being in my happy bubble with my family, it was refreshing to my soul to touch base with our people and have a fun convo. We parted ways, returned home to pack up for the next morning, and get to bed early. Next morning, we depart early and depart from our beloved Utah. More of the US of A to see!!!
This is my new favorite pic that I found that I want to post and am deeply in love with! My next post is going to be one of those real, raw posts about how I feel after living in the RV, traveling with my family full-time for the past 3 1/2 month and only having about 4 months left.
Day 3 we woke to watch the sunrise. Running a little bit late, we rushed leading to a speeding ticket in the Grand Canyon by a Park Ranger. Buuuuut we made it for the sunrise and it was spectacular! After attending a fossil trek, the girls earned their Jr Ranger badges. MOM TIP: If I haven’t mentioned it before, the girls love earning their Jr Ranger badges at the National Parks/Monuments/etc… Not only do they learn so much while we are in the parks, Shaun and I learn a lot too. It’s a great way for the whole family to learn about the place you’re in, be engaged, and collect something memorable.
After the Grand Canyon we ventured out of Arizona to Utah. What did we know of Utah…NADA! No expectations, real bucket list items or high hopes. With that said we headed toward the MOAB area to check out Canyonlands and Arches. I’d seen lots of pictures of Arches and knew that our pictures would be epic but other that than that’s that.
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