I really can't believe how much we fit into three days! Upon our arrival Friday afternoon, we promptly made our way to the pool to wash away that "tired-achy-restless-numb-bum" feeling you get while traveling. Swimming was insanely refreshing and then we were ready for dinner. To our delight and surprise Jake's Mom (Susan) had fixed a feast! - Grilled Steak, Lime garnished Salmon, pasta salad, and watermelon. mmmmm! Can I just tell you that I have never had better salmon in all my life!? Susan and her husband Wayne accompanied us to the movie theatre where we watched the new Robin Hood. I was actually pleasantly surprised and really liked the new version - (although I will always love "Prince of Thieves" the best.)
Saturday morning we got a pretty early start as an attempt to avoid the blistering heat of mid-day. We drove to Zion's National Park (about an hour away) and began hiking. The trail we chose is called "Angels Landing" and is absolutely awesome. Jake and I have been on it several times before, but we really wanted to share it with our friends. Not only does it have an amazing view at the top, but the hike itself is incredible. The last quarter of the way you actually have to hold onto chains while climbing because there are cliffs on either side of you. It is like no other hike I have ever heard about! Google it, cuz it is so neat!
This is Jake livin' on the edge. You can see the trail that we are about to follow up to the peak.
This is part of the trail that requires a chain - you can see it going up through the middle of the picture. There is literally a cliff on each side of you and there are some intense moments let me assure you.
This is at the top! Awe inspiring scenery towering on all sides - and it's a long way down!
A picture of our feet as we lounge about at the top of Angels Landing. You can see what we saw as we ate our granola bars and guzzled some water.
By the time we were back down the mountain we were all ready for lunch, so we grabbed our cooler and found a nearby park. I love how good a sandwich can taste when you are worn out!
After eating we had planned to do another hike up the river, but the water was too high and it was closed until later in the season. We opted to ride the shuttle down the canyon and admire some of the scenery, and then head home and catch another movie. Two movies in one weekend - aren't we just spoiled!? The boys thought they NEEDED to see "Prince of Persia" so the girls gave in. :) I was nearly ready to fall asleep, but the guys were all sorts of excited about it. In the end, everyone agreed that Robin Hood was better. While we were out and being spoiled we spotted an In-and-Out Burger place. That's where we ate dinner. By the time we made it home I could hardly keep my eyes open. All my muscles were in denial and protesting my every step. None of us stayed up too late.
Sunday morning we slept in, and then woke up to the smell of homemade pancakes. I think Susan should have made us eat cereal - but I won't complain :) We ate our fill, and more! In our laziness, we had missed church so we decided to take a drive up around the St. George temple.
It was gorgeous and exceptionally white. I learned that it is actually made of sandstone and covered in white plaster.
The grounds were beautiful and it felt so good to sit in the grass, stare up at the building, and listen to all the sounds going on around. Jake pointed out a Dad and a little girl walking up the sidewalk both eating suckers - hahaha, so cute!
Just up the road a little bit was a place called "Pioneer Park" where there was miles of Red Rock formations. We explored them for the next 3 or 4 hours!
Caverns and Caves to crawl into - Deep Chasms and cracks - Large layered pillars, etc.
This was my kind of playground!
Jake kept jumping from one cliff to the next, but my legs were too short.
There were all sizes of lizards running around that we kept an eye out for.About the time we were melting under the sun, we heard the faint jingle music of an ice cream truck - Genius! They sure know their target buyers! We could not resist the tempation and each got an orange cream ice cream bar. Just a bit longer spent climbing on the rocks, and then we made it back. We cooked some frozen pizza and put in a really old VHS movie called "Lady hawk" ---- hahaha. So weird.
Monday morning came quickly and we had to pack up the car. So we actually spent Memorial Day driving home. I spent some of the time reflecting, and saw many cemeteries covered with flowers. I truly am grateful for anyone and everyone who has ever served, is serving, or will serve in the U.S. military. I am thankful that the country takes a day off to remember. We made a few stops for gas and stretching and also set aside an hour to wander around Cabela's - of course the boys walked out with quite a few treasures. We made it home at a decent hour, jumped back into the daily work routine - And now, it is good to be home tending to our sunburns and looking through our pictures.
For more pictures check out my Lots of Red Rock photo album on facebook!
Here's to hoping you had a great weekend too!
1 comment:
Fun! We went to Zion's last year, but I had just had a baby and was not feeling up to Angels landing :) Someday though :) Looks like you guys had a blast!
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