This month we wanted/needed to take a mini vacation. We went to Arches in the spring and loved it but it was time to see something new and since we love checking out America's National Parks (they are always amazing) we decided to do 3 parks in 3 days. J and I love a good hike (we even met while we were hiking R Mountain back in good old Idaho) so hiking around all day and taking in the scenery was just what we needed after finishing another busy tax season. Plus J needed a reintroduction to nature after being cooped up in an office for months.
We went to Bryce Canyon, Zion and The Grand Canyon (north rim) National Parks in that order. We also stopped at Cedar Breaks National Monument which we sort of stumbled upon on the way home.
There were very few children at these parks while we were there and most people who saw us gave us either a disdainful "are you crazy" look or a look of pity. In all truth, I loved having the kids with us. R had lots of fun and as always was good at walking along with us. L wanted to be carried a lot of the time and didn't want to be in a stroller or any other contraption. He also wasn't a fan of taking the shuttle bus from place to place around the park (they don't let you drive through at Zion). But for the most part he was good and we didn't have much trouble carrying him which we did in shifts. He even slept through a couple of the hikes and since it was hot we felt like we were carrying a little heating pad around but at least he was a happy little heating pad.
At the Grand Canyon while L was sleeping on my shoulder I was able to
sit on a bench and take in the breathtaking scenery. There was a cool
morning breeze blowing, it was quiet and peaceful. It was such a
difference from my everyday life which is filled with distractions and
noise. I could actually sit there with no worries in my mind and no
place to hurry off to. I think I was able to just unwind. What a treat, I
think I need to do that more often.
These were at Bryce Canyon
Driving into Zion there was a huge tunnel built through the side of a canyon.
Water was trickling down from the rocks above us.
Pictures don't do this place justice.
