Zions National Park- Mystery Canyon

This was one of those really really good weekends.  I got to run away for 24 hours to St George/Zion.  Good friends made the 4 hour drive seem quick.  We slept for a few hours at Katie's parents house and away we went to Zion to do Mystery Canyon.  Storm clouds were coming so we had to haul!  We hiked up a hike I have wanted to do for a very long time.  observation point trail in Zion. 4 miles one way.  4-6 hours

That 4 miles one way was a really steep four miles straight up.  As soon as we got to the top we stepped over to the edge and started going down a really really steep ravine.  But no worries, the Rappels started after about a mile of straight down.  

Fun Rappels, Some good stemming, breath taking views

Water makes it all exciting.  We didn't want to get soaked and cold too quickly.  One of the last rappels was the spectacular.  Long and into water(which we tried to avoid) and moss and plants growing all over the walls.

We didn't want to set up a rappel for this small impossible down climb so I was the meat anchor.  Which means the rope was tied to me and they all lowered on my body weight.  Then I tossed my bag and cannon balled into the water.

The birthing canal was really tight to squeeze through.  But we finally made it almost out to the rock slide.  Beautiful rock.  Had some lunch and still saw some storm clouds coming in.  but we were out of any flash flood area now.

The last rappel was straight into the Narrows.  We had a huge audience applauding us as we lowered down.  Spectacular.  We stopped to get lunch, send a million pictures back and forth to each other and then the torrential rain storm hit.  It flooded parts of St. George.  We were sure glad we were out.  The drive home was racing away from the storm.  

Savage Lagoon Day 2017

My kids live for Lagoon Day. And we are sure glad Darren's Company pays for it!  Abby was finally old enough to go on almost all of the rides with us... or at least a lot more!  We stayed late this year.  She sat down to rest for 5 minutes while T and E went and did the Cannibal and she was a sleep right away.  It was a success. 

Kings Peak Last Day- Day 4

Day 4- 7.6 miles.  We all slept good that 3rd night.  We were all tired.  Hauling out lots of garbage at that point.  But ate some good breakfast and headed out.  Darren took off with a few boys who made it out about 45 minutes before the last slower group.  

We all loved the little diner down the road.  Good food!  Shakes, cold water.  TOILETS!!!  Amazing to see what Tyler and Ella could do.  They were amazing.  We have hiked our whole lives and so they were prepared... no problem!

Kings Peak Day 3

Day 3- 10.1 miles... broken up.  

We woke up early while it was still a bit dark to head up to the summit.  It was just under 3 miles to the top.  The sun coming up was spectacular.  This is the day we had talked about for two days... the day we wouldn't have to carry our heavy pack for 6 miles.  It was cold as we headed out.  It got warmer as we kept going up and up and the sun came up and up. 

We made it to Anderson Pass all together.  Had a break and then we just naturally all split into groups.  Tyler and Jordan were first up the mountain scrambling the .8 miles to the top.  Ella and Darren were hot on their trail.  Michael, Isaac, Spencer, and I were close behind.  Jenny had chosen to not go to the top and stay back with Miles and Soren.  Probably a good call.  It was a heck of a hike that last mile.  

We got back down and soaked our feet in the river, filtered water, played game in the tent, ate, laid in the sun, reveled in the fact we had just made it to the top!!!  Then had to pack up and head to dollar lake.  Back over the Gunsight pass.  Painters Basin is one of the most beautiful places I have been.  Absolutely breath taking.  

The hike out wasn't bad.  We had to hike up over Gunsight again, but that wasn't too steep... and then down down down to Dollar lake.  I loved the Zebra rock.

Jenny took Soren and Miles and hiked to Dollar lake at a nice pace.  Playing along the way.  

Kings Peak Day 2

Day 2. 6.8miles over Gunsight Pass.  We passed Henrys Fork Lake and a tiny cabin that was used by sheep herders.  Really beautiful territory.  Everyones backs and hips were a little more sore.  but everyone carried their packs amazing.  

We were so excited to see Darren hiking towards us on Tuesday.  He got to us right in time to get to Gunsight pass.  Getting to the top of Gunsight pass was steep and long.  And when we got to the top it started getting really cold and wet.  We all covered up and headed into the meadow to find out camp spot.  You can see the Pass very well in the tent picture.