Plan B brainstorming and exploration was fun. If spending X why not go to California, Iceland, London, and we did look into Florida to see family. The reality is we only wanted to spend Y, not X and found our destination- Las Vegas. Never say never- Joe said he would never go to LV with his family and I resolved I was never going. We embraced what so many had advised for years- get to Zion and Bryce and that became our plan.
It really was a fantastic selection. Our kids have been to Africa and India but never west of the Mississippi. What a treat to discover southern Utah's majestic beauty together. Our National Parks are indeed a treasure. I love how much we learn about one another, our country, science and knowledge. Sally was the teacher, transferring recent geology lessons and taking the lead as we made plans to probe the landscape. We challenged ourselves with hikes and took full advantage of the mother nature's playground created by erosion! Clare recalled a great song and we had a kid choir every time the word was mentioned. The infamous Narrows was not accessible due to snow melt/water levels, and Angel's Landing didn't make the list but so many other trails delighted us with fantastic views and endorphin producing activity! The favorites:
- Sand Bench Trail- a friend encouraged us here, giving us a launch tip and the permission to follow a smaller trail beyond a fence further into the smaller canyon. What a treat- Sally's favorite. We heard the turkey and then found quite flock. We saw only one other group early and then we had the lush space to ourselves.
- Canyon Overlook Trail- top rated by Joe and me- I didn't really know what I was getting into- I thought it was a quick jaunt to a fenced observation point. The half-mile ascent from a high point to take one higher for extraordinary views circles along rocky walls challenged my fear of heights and was worth every step. You access this by car, not the shuttle. I noticed it on our trip to Bryce and am grateful I did! It was part of Clare's idea and favorite activity:
- a picnic off the road Rt 9- past the tunnels going east- again giving us a time to find quiet time. The sand, sun and water (that mighty but small Virgin river) provided the perfect picnic backdrop and time to chill. Clare wanted to use her hammock and she made it work.
- Peter loved the Watchman trail taking us up to another fabulous view of the Park, providing exercise and a great sense of accomplishment. You start out saying- how are we going to get there, are we going there? You keep walking and then indeed you are there.
- A highlight for me was the arrival of Spring in the canon and the incredible colors- soft and shaded. Living greens, whites, and grays framed by the layered reds, pinks, and whites of the ancient walls, moving, changing, evolving from the sand base. It was all softer than I had imagined and so very much alive.
Time in the car was worth the view at Bryce- incredibly different and just as majestic and beautiful. We called this Spring Break- the trip to see different worlds and these parks are just that. Snow prevented us from really hiking but the views of colors and hoodoos and this different terrain made it worthwhile. We were able to return to Zion and enjoy an afternoon hike. Oh did we love and value the shuttle service in Springdale. Our Hampton Inn was our perfect home base- breakfast and 5 pm cookies delighted the kids, hot tub, and pool a welcome end of day cocktail site for us. Restaurants were all wonderful. We enjoyed family favorites: pizza, noodles, tex mex, and a pub, saving our Asian craving for Los Vegas time. We are already planning how and when to return- maybe with another family, probably in the fall to access The Narrows. Happy to share insights if you are making your own plans.
Our Las Vegas time fit the theme- we found another world and launched our fitness spring! I walked 11 miles on our last day finding well-known locations: The Bellagio, The Venetian, Ceasars, The Wynn (my favorite from a design point of view). We rode the NY NY roller coaster looking for under 21-year-old thrills. We took in the pool at our hotel- The MGM Grand-my one Vegas to-do. We were all wowed by Cirque du Soliel's LOVE. Our meals were delicious, restaurants are a Vegas treat. I'm glad I've seen what I've only imagined or accessed from pop culture and did so with my family. I took a break from work, not accessing my phone for days at a time- shocking the kids. We took a break from laundry and cooking, homework and friends- we were a family on spring break in a different world. We kept track of declarations from the kids that made us smile. I'll share them here for prosperity and because that is what I do here: share.
- Peter- in Zion- oh my- this is all so beautiful, almost not real- like a green screen. He would take in and share thoughts like this often- usually as the light changed on the canyon walls contrasting with the cloudless blue skies.
- Clare- Vegas- this is just Chucky Cheese for adults- commentary on the unending casino spaces.
- Sally- well know I know what marijuana smells like. Then, Thank you for letting us live in Granville!
It is so good to get away, oh I love captured family time and travel but Sally captured it so well.
I ist good to be home and back to our busy, full, comfortable, challenging different ways life on Newark-Granville Road. Our trip provided the break we need to launch into Spring and all it brings for our family.
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