Before I knew it, we'd scheduled three camping trips for our family in May alone. That's after two camping trips Ben took in April. Do you see a pattern here? Am I setting myself up for four trips in June?
I can't decide whether to be apprehensive or excited, especially when you consider our trip this last weekend to Southern Utah. It was a little bit more exciting than I like camping trips to be.
We went down Thursday night to camp in Goblin Valley. We drove out to the middle of nowhere and camped on BLM land. It got a little cold- somewhere in the high 20's, low 30's. Thankfully I bundled up Nayeli well enough and she pretty much slept through the night. Too bad I can't say the same for Ben and I. We're currently looking into 0 degree sleeping bags. Seriously.
Eating breakfast. The next day warmed up well and the weather was great.
Nothing like dirt and a toy car to make a little girl happy.
Nayeli loves toy cars. She even makes engine noises when she plays with them.
I think it makes Ben feel like a proud papa.
Nayeli's favorite activity on the trip? Placing rocks on the bumper. It kept her entertained for hours.
Our major setback came Friday morning when we packed up the car, got in, turned the ignition, and nothing happened. Our battery was dead. Luckily there was a guy camping about 3/4 mile from us who came and jump started our car.
Too dirty? Never.
However when we stopped at a gas station in Hanksville to make sure the car would start again if we turned it off, it didn't. We then realized that if we wanted to continue on our journey, we needed to find a new car battery in the middle of southern Utah.
To sum it up (and save you from hearing about the marital/family angst experienced) we drove to Blanding, Utah then 20 miles further to Monticello. Six hours later we had a new car battery.
We went to a Anasazi fortress called The Citadel. It's out on a peninsula of rock- a little bit of a scary hike to get there but amazing to see.
Their homes were built into the cliff. Please ignore the double chin caused by the camera angle :)
Family shot!
We camped on the edge of a beautiful canyon. Dinner was a pretty big bust (think freeze dried soup and bisquits on sticks- burnt on the outside, doughy on the inside). Nayeli had a large desire to play in the campfire, so it was an early to bed sort of night. And honestly, I think we all just wanted the day to be over as soon as possible.
Besides another bust at breakfast (Ben ... we forgot to bring butter or Pam to cook the pancake batter :) ), Saturday was a great day and made up for Friday. We packed up the car then hiked down the canyon by our camp. We went to see "Seven Kivas". They were religious dwellings for the Anasazi.
One of the kivas. We were the only ones at the site so it was great to take our time and look around. We even ate lunch right next to the kivas.
The top of the kiva
Ben and Nayeli. He carried her on all the hikes. What a stud.
Overlooking another kiva
This girl was so good for our trip, especially since she was confined to her car seat for so much time.
She was such a trooper and took great naps in our Kelty backpack. Best camping tip ever:
don't worry if your child eats dirt. We're a few days out and she's still strong and thriving.
She was such a trooper and took great naps in our Kelty backpack. Best camping tip ever:
don't worry if your child eats dirt. We're a few days out and she's still strong and thriving.
Before hiking back up the canyon. The weather was perfect that day. Not too hot or cool.
And just one more because she's so cute.
As we drove home Saturday afternoon Ben said, "Wasn't that fun?" I couldn't say "Yes" yet. Even now, I'm still a little traumatized from the eight hour search for a car battery in the middle of nowhere. But when I look at the pictures, I'm glad we went. Fun? Yeah, we had fun. But better said, it was a good experience. And good experiences don't always have to be fun to be worth your time.
Wow! It's amazing what a camper you have turned into! Once Darren and I move out West we will totally have to plan some trips together. Love the rocks on the bumper. LOL
ReplyDeleteThat does look fun--we are going to Goblin Valley when we are out there!
ReplyDeleteNayeli is so cute. You are a good sport! I don't know what I would do if Scott were a camper. But, it is kinda fun...in its own way. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha. This reminds me of the time that Tim drove us to the wrong part of Lake Powell when we went with the Pace's one summer. 12 hours later.... we ended up in the right area. Driving around Southern Utah is not as fun when you're mad at your partner :(
ReplyDeleteThis makes me miss southern Utah SO MUCH. I love camping. I think I'm addicted too. Tim likes it, but not as much as me.
Ben here. I'd forgotten about your wild adventure on that trip. I laughed and laughed when I heard that the first time. Typical Tim. Good to hear from you. Hope you guys are doing well!
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