Moab in 106* heat

We had a lovely trip to Moab in 106 degree heat.   We managed to do lots of things to help us cool off but it was just still HOT!  

We hiked in on Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon.  There was water the whole 4 miles in.  We had to cross it many times.  After about a mile and a half the canyon walls started to go up which gave us shade.  At the waterfall we left Valree, Evelyn, Gwen and Abby.  We headed up the side slot canyon and had to go over several big boulders.  It was super fun to see all the kids working together to figure out how to get over the obstacles.  Once we got out of the side canyon we were on top, fully exposed to the sun.  It was about a mile and a half following the GPS to the drop in spot.  It was hot.

It was so happy to drop in and see the river again.  I just sat in the water and cooled off for a while.  Ella found tadpoles.  Everyone was happy!  We had some great sandstone slides to go down.  A swimming hole or two.  Then we finally made it back to the waterfall.  The little girls had left with Valree long before.  We rappelled over the big boulder and right into the water.  Standing under the waterfall and getting soaked felt amazing.  

Then we started out hike out.  4 miles back out.  For a total of 11.5 miles.  We were exhausted.  We did make it out for dinner both nights.  The waiter sang Darren Happy Birthday and fed him some whip cream.  Darren was sure surprised.

We headed out to the river the next day.  The water was so low instead of taking 3 hours to float the river it was 5.5 hours.  Kids were hungry and done with the heat by the time we got back to the condo.  They still wanted to swim and hot tub!  We had a lovely church service all together on Sunday.  My kids call it Brittany church.  She makes it extra special.  Love our Dowland and Larkin friends.