Out West! July 20, 2020

 Grace and Glen are very proud of the many junior park ranger badges that they have earned during this trip.

Out West! July 19, 2022

 Out West day 8: Moab to Zion

Today we made the long journey from Moab to Zion National Park. On the way we were able to drive across Capital Reef National Park and do a few hikes there.

Then we drove to Bryce Canyon National Park where we had a very welcome hike. It was great to get out and walk, especially in nature with the beautiful views.

We got to our hotel a bit later than we we expected, but it is nice to relax with supper and hopefully a swim in the pool.

Out West! July 18, 2022

 Out west day 7: Arches

Today took us to Moab, and Arches National Park. The red stone here is shockingly tall. The various structures were impressive, and everywhere.

We took a trail to go under the double arches, and enjoyed the view from the shade.

We saw the fossilized sand dunes, which seems a contradiction, but there they were. Waves of sandstone that looks just like sand dunes.

Most of the park is reachable by car, but some of the more breathtaking views that we did see required some hiking.

It was 103F. Water never tasted so good.

Drinking water, we have done a lot of that this trip

Filling out junior ranger packets, we have done a lot of that this trip

Sheltering in the shadow of the double arch.

Out West! July 17, 2022

 Out west day 6: Farmington to Moab

This was a crazy day of travel and quick tours. We started in Farmington, NM. We first went to Mesa Verde National Park. Then we went to the four corners monument, where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona all connect. Finally we went to Hovenweep National Monument. We did not get to spend enough time at any of the stops.

However, they broke up our driving. They taught us new things. And we had fun at each location.

Finally we made it to Moab in time for supper and some time in the pool.

Out West! July 16, 2022

 Out west day 5: canyon de chelly

Canyon De Chelly was a place where I did not know what to expect, I just knew that it was on our route to our next destination. Wow, it was a great surprise!

Green and red landscapes everywhere. Vast canyons to look at. Dizzying cliffs to experience (all with a safe guard rail, but still).

We talked to a local who was selling jewelry and little models of the historical houses. She gave us a little glimpse into the people who lived there.

My favorite place to see was spider rock. Probably because I love places and things that are tied to stories.

“According to Navajo legend, Spider Woman lives at Spider Rock in Canyon De Chelly. She was first to weave the web of the universe. She taught the Navajo how to weave, how to create beauty in their own life and to spread the "Beauty Way" teaching of balance within the mind, body & soul.” -this was found somewhere on the internet.

A stunningly beautiful place.

Spider Rock

Out West! July 15, 2022

 Out west day 4: petrified forest national park

We found lots and lots of pretty rocks. Lots of beautiful scenery. Fossilized tree trunks (they are large, smooth, heavy and beautiful!). Lots of them. Reds and browns and blacks with hints of blue and white. Amazing stuff.

We managed to call it a day and start to drive to the next thing when we got hit by a massive thunderstorm. Complete with heavy rains and hail.

We finished the day by completing the kids junior ranger packets, lovely soup, and a relaxing bit at the pool.

Out West! July 14, 2022

 Out west day 3: Williams to Holbrook

After a relaxed morning (or as relaxed as you can be with two kids) we packed up and headed to Montezuma’s castle, an unbelievable 5 story structure built into the cliffs.

Then we visited Meteor Crater. A meteor hit 50,000 years ago. One of their advertising lines is, this is where space meets the earth. We learned a lot about space, layers of the earth, and NASA training. On the road to the meteor site it had a speed limit sign ”cars 50 miles per hour, meteors 26,000 miles per hour.”