We have been suffering from a severe case of Spring Fever. When April suggested taking a camping trip to Arches National Park, Kevin said to "go for it" even though he would be unable to make it due to his teaching commitments. After asking a couple of different families if they would like to accompany us and being turned down due to their previous commitments (we lack the skill of planning our spontaneity in advance), we packed up our camping gear and a lot of food and took off Monday, 11 June.
Two hours into the drive, just past Provo, when Erin was screaming to get out of the car, April wondered if she had perhaps been a bit too ambitious in thinking she could attempt this solo. However, we found a lovely picnic spot near Utah Lake (known to us from our BYU birding days) and appeased her for a little bit.
A few hours later (after minimal fussing on Erin's part due to entertainment provided by Megan and Ian as well as her taking a nap), we arrived at our destination. Our first priority was to find a camping spot before dark, so we drove along Highway 128 and found room at the first BLM campground, Goose Island. Our tent was too big to fit underneath the tamarisk trees, so we set it up next to the picnic table.
After a quick dinner, we drove through the park for a brief overview. We stopped to see the famous Balanced Rock, drove around the Windows area, and looked at the trailhead to Delicate Arch, which we wanted to hike in the morning. During the night, it sprinkled a fair bit, but our tent was dry by sunrise.
The morning was pleasant and overcast. We stopped at the Visitor's Center on the way in, and then headed to our big hike for the day.
The trail to Delicate Arch is 3 miles round trip. The children were full of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm--even Erin walked for a good portion at the beginning. Once in the pack, Erin attracted much attention from a group of Japanese tourists who acted as though they had never seen a cute curly-haired little girl riding in a backpack on her way to an arch. Unfortunately, our nice cloud cover dissipated before we arrived, and consequently the heat factor increased. Nonetheless, we made it and the children were impressed with the arch. As we sat across from it and ate our lunches, we watched people taking turns being photographed beneath this famous landmark.
We returned to camp, cooked some dinner, then went for a walk to see the Colorado River. We watched some bats come out at dusk, which Erin thought was really neat. All three children fell asleep without any fuss that night.
(to be continued...)
The morning was pleasant and overcast. We stopped at the Visitor's Center on the way in, and then headed to our big hike for the day.
The trail to Delicate Arch is 3 miles round trip. The children were full of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm--even Erin walked for a good portion at the beginning. Once in the pack, Erin attracted much attention from a group of Japanese tourists who acted as though they had never seen a cute curly-haired little girl riding in a backpack on her way to an arch. Unfortunately, our nice cloud cover dissipated before we arrived, and consequently the heat factor increased. Nonetheless, we made it and the children were impressed with the arch. As we sat across from it and ate our lunches, we watched people taking turns being photographed beneath this famous landmark.
After lunch, we walked around the bowl to get closer. Megan and Ian only wanted to sit at the side--they were not comfortable walking all the way under it due to the drop-off. April then carried Erin underneath where she promptly sat down, got into position, then pointed her finger across to the other side and said, "Mom, go take my picture." April explained that she couldn't leave Erin all alone sitting under the arch to go take a picture, whereupon Erin pointed again and started yelling insistently, "GO OVER THERE!" She ended up in a full-blown tantrum over the situation, much to the amusement of other hikers and the embarrassment of her mother, who carried her away kicking and screaming. This is the only picture of Erin under the arch, taken by her mean mother who wouldn't leave her alone next to the drop-off.
On the return hike, enthusiasm had waned somewhat and the heat became more of a discomfort. Overall, the children did a fantastic job hiking and finding critters (see Part 3).
We next drove to Sand Dune Arch to cool off and rest. It is only a 3-minute walk from the parking spot, and there was plenty of shade and cool sand, in which we all enjoyed digging.
We spent a good hour playing in the sand and recouping from the morning's exertion. April was lying back watching the sky and noticed clouds starting to gather again. She suggested to the children that it might be a good time to leave, but they begged to stay longer. Within a few more minutes, the wind began to blow hard and we were caught in a sudden sandstorm (due to the sandy location). Erin started screaming, and April grabbed her and carried her to the car. We got sandblasted pretty good--sand was everywhere, in our noses, ears, hair, etc. Mom emphasized that consequences occur when children do not obey immediately...
The wind continued blowing and soon the rain followed. We drove over to the Windows section and the children wanted to see Double Arch, (the arch featured at the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). We walked over to it while all the other people were leaving due to the sprinkle of rain. We had the place all to ourselves while waiting out the storm.
On the return hike, enthusiasm had waned somewhat and the heat became more of a discomfort. Overall, the children did a fantastic job hiking and finding critters (see Part 3).
We next drove to Sand Dune Arch to cool off and rest. It is only a 3-minute walk from the parking spot, and there was plenty of shade and cool sand, in which we all enjoyed digging.
We spent a good hour playing in the sand and recouping from the morning's exertion. April was lying back watching the sky and noticed clouds starting to gather again. She suggested to the children that it might be a good time to leave, but they begged to stay longer. Within a few more minutes, the wind began to blow hard and we were caught in a sudden sandstorm (due to the sandy location). Erin started screaming, and April grabbed her and carried her to the car. We got sandblasted pretty good--sand was everywhere, in our noses, ears, hair, etc. Mom emphasized that consequences occur when children do not obey immediately...
The wind continued blowing and soon the rain followed. We drove over to the Windows section and the children wanted to see Double Arch, (the arch featured at the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). We walked over to it while all the other people were leaving due to the sprinkle of rain. We had the place all to ourselves while waiting out the storm.
We returned to camp, cooked some dinner, then went for a walk to see the Colorado River. We watched some bats come out at dusk, which Erin thought was really neat. All three children fell asleep without any fuss that night.
(to be continued...)
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