Vacation 2015: Las Vegas & The Narrows
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So, it finally came! The trip we had been waiting, planning and thinking about for months has finally come and gone and it was everything we hoped it would be and more. We jam packed it with hikes, water play, visits and lots of adventure and now I think we are about to go into 'vacation to recoup from our vacation' mode. But, what with the millions of pictures and accompanying stories, I need to record our experience here while we still seem like somewhat remotely cool parents haha. Be warned though, there are a plethora of pictures and stuff, so because of that I am going to break it up into a few posts and we'll go in order.
On Monday, Lester came home from work and we immediately picked up the rental car, packed it up and hit the road. Our first destination was going to Zion's National Park in Hurricane, UT. This was our first big, long road trip with our littles so I took the advice of lots of friends and brought things to occupy them [I think aside from the snacks, the iPad and WaterWow were their favorite, so that's my advice if your going on a road trip any time soon.] They were angels, and the whole time we were amazed how engaged and happy they seemed. Because we left late, our first pit stop was in Las Vegas for dinner. We decided to go big or go home and so after driving down the strip we went to the buffet at the Bellagio for dinner, and then watch a bit of the water show afterwards. It was both delicious and beautiful, and we loved seeing all the gorgeous displays and fun they have their now!
After the nice [late] break we got back on the road, and while the girls slept we enjoyed hanging out and talking for the next few hours till we reached Hurricane. Because it was Memorial Day before, we had anticipated the camping to be full, which is why we wanted to get their early. Lester thought since their would only be a few hours in between night and booking time we would just sleep in the car. I was right when I said he wouldn't be able to make that work hahaha. But luckily, we happened upon a group leaving at the buttcrack of dawn [as Ray would say] and so we swooped in and set up tent with enough time to take a nice long nap. Mariah & Ross joined us later that morning and after they set up tent and we all ate breakfast, we got on our gear and headed out for The Narrows.
If you haven't heard about it, The Narrows is 3.6 mile hike [although you can connect to other routes, of go less] through a canyon, and through the Virgin River. A majority of the hike is in the water, anywhere from ankle to waist deep and you fairly difficult, considering that the rushing water hides the rocks for footing. For this reason, you have to use sturdy shoes that you don't care about getting soaked for hours, and walking poles to test out foot placement. This hike is actually rated as #5 in National Geographic ranking of America's Best 100 Adventures. While I don't have the experience National Geographic does, I would have to agree that it is one of the most beautiful, interesting fun experiences and places I have ever visited. We took turns backpacking the kids across, and letting Addy get out and play while we spent the entire day doing the hike [it may sound short, but with kids you have to be willing to take your time and be flexible.] Everything from the towering canyons over the head, the green at the top, walking and playing in the cool, beautiful river was perfect. We knew we would be exhausted the next day, but it was worth every second. There were times we almost didn't know where to look because everywhere you turned your head was another feast for the eyes. I can't recommend this hike enough-it was so fun, and while you DEFINITELY have to plan it out like crazy if your bringing kids, I know that we all enjoyed ourselves.
Several hours later, we made our way back to camp via the free shuttles they have at the park and got our foil dinner and banana boats ready. We all hung by the campfire catching up and enjoying the chance to be together as family. It was so wonderful to be able to spend this time with Mariah and Ross, getting to know each other more as adults and solidify family relationships. After we all inevitably crashed [hours after our girls did] we got ready for our next big day, since we knew we had another massive, but fun hike to tackle the next morning. And I'll save the rest for the next post..
On Monday, Lester came home from work and we immediately picked up the rental car, packed it up and hit the road. Our first destination was going to Zion's National Park in Hurricane, UT. This was our first big, long road trip with our littles so I took the advice of lots of friends and brought things to occupy them [I think aside from the snacks, the iPad and WaterWow were their favorite, so that's my advice if your going on a road trip any time soon.] They were angels, and the whole time we were amazed how engaged and happy they seemed. Because we left late, our first pit stop was in Las Vegas for dinner. We decided to go big or go home and so after driving down the strip we went to the buffet at the Bellagio for dinner, and then watch a bit of the water show afterwards. It was both delicious and beautiful, and we loved seeing all the gorgeous displays and fun they have their now!
After the nice [late] break we got back on the road, and while the girls slept we enjoyed hanging out and talking for the next few hours till we reached Hurricane. Because it was Memorial Day before, we had anticipated the camping to be full, which is why we wanted to get their early. Lester thought since their would only be a few hours in between night and booking time we would just sleep in the car. I was right when I said he wouldn't be able to make that work hahaha. But luckily, we happened upon a group leaving at the buttcrack of dawn [as Ray would say] and so we swooped in and set up tent with enough time to take a nice long nap. Mariah & Ross joined us later that morning and after they set up tent and we all ate breakfast, we got on our gear and headed out for The Narrows.
If you haven't heard about it, The Narrows is 3.6 mile hike [although you can connect to other routes, of go less] through a canyon, and through the Virgin River. A majority of the hike is in the water, anywhere from ankle to waist deep and you fairly difficult, considering that the rushing water hides the rocks for footing. For this reason, you have to use sturdy shoes that you don't care about getting soaked for hours, and walking poles to test out foot placement. This hike is actually rated as #5 in National Geographic ranking of America's Best 100 Adventures. While I don't have the experience National Geographic does, I would have to agree that it is one of the most beautiful, interesting fun experiences and places I have ever visited. We took turns backpacking the kids across, and letting Addy get out and play while we spent the entire day doing the hike [it may sound short, but with kids you have to be willing to take your time and be flexible.] Everything from the towering canyons over the head, the green at the top, walking and playing in the cool, beautiful river was perfect. We knew we would be exhausted the next day, but it was worth every second. There were times we almost didn't know where to look because everywhere you turned your head was another feast for the eyes. I can't recommend this hike enough-it was so fun, and while you DEFINITELY have to plan it out like crazy if your bringing kids, I know that we all enjoyed ourselves.
Several hours later, we made our way back to camp via the free shuttles they have at the park and got our foil dinner and banana boats ready. We all hung by the campfire catching up and enjoying the chance to be together as family. It was so wonderful to be able to spend this time with Mariah and Ross, getting to know each other more as adults and solidify family relationships. After we all inevitably crashed [hours after our girls did] we got ready for our next big day, since we knew we had another massive, but fun hike to tackle the next morning. And I'll save the rest for the next post..
