Bryce Canyon and Capital Reef (04-07 September 2009)

In September Jordan, Laura the kids and I all went camping. Our first destination was Bryce Canyon. We left our house early Friday morning and got to the park around 2:00. We were lucky enough to find a pretty nice camp spot right inside the park.

As we got camp setup Nathan wasted no time at all finding the fire pit and neatly spreading ash over his entire body! I guess getting dirty is what camping is all about, right!?

This was my first time visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. I was awed by the rock formations. It was simply amazing! I couldn't stop taking pictures... Between Jordan and I we have over 500 pics from a 4 day trip!

It was a bit chilly the first day there and we got some rain as well but it dried quick and the sun soon came out.
Jamie and Nathan had so much fun. Jamie got into a "picture" mood and wanted me to take a picture of her at every tree, rock, and overlook.

Nathan on the other hand just wanted to "Go on other hike!!!"

As we made our way down into the canyon it was a bit scary trying to keep the kids from getting too close to the edge. I guess we did all right as we still have two kids though Laura came away with some extra gray hairs as well.

 

At the bottom of the Navajo Loop Jordan volenteered for the daunting task of escorting the kids back to the top so that Laura and I could continue on to the Peek-a- Boo Loop trail.

The fomations and views were amazing... I'm surprized I made it back alive as hard as it was to watch where I was putting my feet. I couldn't keep my eyes on the ground surrounded with all this beauty! Wouldn't you agree that she is a stunninng sight!

Laura and I had a good... long hike. It was great to get some time together just the two of us. Thanks Jordan! The vistas were amazing as well.

Meanwhile, Jordan and the kids made thier way back to the top of the trail and back to camp. He had to play games with Jamie and Nathan to keep them from getting too close to the edge. It was a good thing he had plenty of treats to bribe them with.

We spent our last day at Bryce driving to all the lookouts and seeing everything we could. Of course Jordan found a nice big cliff to temp fate from.

What an amazing work of nature Bryce Canyon is; the work of Gods hands... Truely "all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it"

Sunday we made our way to Capital Reef National Park. On the way we stopped in Escalante for Sacrament meeting.

After a few days of camping at Bryce we were glad for the chance to stay at the Best Western right at the enterance to the park.

It sure was nice to have a shower and nice soft bed. The pool and hot tub were great too and the view from the room was incredible! We had a nice evening swiming in the cold pool and soaking in the hot hot tub. It was pizza for dinner and a cozy bed.

We started out our day with a nice hike to the Hickman Natural Bridge, about a 2 mile round trip. I was impressed at how well the kids did. We only had to stop for drinks at the top and bottom of each hill. Luckly it was pretty flat and easy going.

 The views were great and everything was so vast!

 We had great weather and it wasn't too hot.

 Nathan was very independant during all of our hikes. He wanted to do everything by himself, even the big steps. I only got too impatient once or twice and picked him up, kicking and screaming, and ran him up or down a hard part.

We found the bridge just where it was supposed to be and yes indeed it was pretty big.

Jordan and I decided that the surounding cliffs were just too good and high to pass up. I found a way up and we took turns capturing our stupidity on film (if you can call digital pictures "film") for the whole world to see. All the while Laura was cursing us under her breathe as she prayed that she wouldn't have to take the kids home fatherless. Of course I didn't want to disappoint her so we made it down safe again.

Dave                                                           Jordan

After the hike we had lunch at a lovely park with a great view! Nathan, as usual had his mouth full of food.

Well, the trip was coming to an end. We had time to pick some apples from one of the orcards in Fruita and take a snenic drive through the back roads of the park.

It was a great trip and we were all tired. The kids finally had enough hiking and we took tons of pictures! All that we had left now was a 3 hour drive to get home.