Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Utah is Rocking










Pictures of the four Cashmans in the Colorado, Bryce Canyon Hoodoos, Window Arch at Arches NP, and John and Bowen near Balancing Rock.


Bryce Canyon in Utah was an awesome display of God's handiwork. We took the shuttle throughout the park, apparently more environmentally friendly, and hit a bunch of the overlooks that are most popular. We watched the movie first at the visitor center so that the kids and adults both could understand what caused this amazing park. If you don't know what a hoodoo is this is where you find one. They are found in these deep amphitheaters filled with these flame colored rock formations called HOODOOS. At this campground we had a little glitch in our water system, as some plug broke and caused a temporary water shut off. But my amazing husband found what he needed at the local car repair shop and had it up and running before I could finish the laundry. This was even on a Sunday in the middle of nowhere Utah. What a guy.
From Bryce we drove the three hours in order to get to Moab, Utah where Arches and Canyonlands National Park is located. Moab was one of our favorite spots when we traveled on our first trip so it was great to bring the kids to this beautiful small town. This whole area with its red rock canyons and towers of rock formations is just to difficult to explain. Another one of those you gotta see it to believe it places. And if you have been reading this blog for any length of time we have had quite a few of those. This being one of the many reasons we wanted to share this American countryside with our children. Pictures just don't do these places justice.
Last night we visited Arches National Park. This place has the highest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world. This area is known to many people whether they know it or not by the over 500 movies and 1000+ commercials that have been filmed here. Think Thelma and Louise, City Slickers and John Wayne movies and many car commercials. We went went the sun was setting so it really provided dramatic light effects on the rocks.
Today we went white water rafting. We reserved our spot last night for a half day tour down the Colorado river. The kids thought this was the best and really liked riding the rapids and getting splashed over and over. They even got to get off of the raft and swim through a rapid called TRASH COMPACTER. I watched from the raft and did notice some looks of panic but overall they enjoyed it and John made it back in the boat after a short time spent UNDER the raft. This raft trip was a gift to Bowen for his fifth birthday coming up in a few days.
If you love to mountain bike, off road with a 4x4 or go rafting Moab is the place to be. There are even trails right from our campground to ride your dirtbike or ATV soooo, Gabe has been antsy to get that 65 out is these here dessert trails. Next we are headed south toward AZ in hopes of seeing some more of the beautiful southwest.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

WOW! Those are some amazing pictures! I bet they are phenominal in real life. White water rafting looks like alot of fun, definetely something to try in my lifetime. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOWEN!!! What a great birthday present. I am sure that no one will be able to top that. I can't belive you will be five already.
Enjoy the rest of Utah.
Keep living the dream guys. We love you!!!

GLADFELTER said...

100 DAYS ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO WOULD OF THOUGHT
OF THIS IDEA ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO.

SOME PEOPLE LIVE IN THE HO HUM WORLD,
AND OTHERS SUCH AS YOUR SELF, LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST.

I AM SO PROUD OF WHAT YOU BOTH ,AS PARENT HAVE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN.

WHAT MORE COULD YOUR DAD AND I WANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN. TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE UNITED STATE FIRST HAND.

YOUR CHILDREN WILL FOREVER HAVE THIS IN THEIR
HEARTS AND MINDS. BEING ABLE TO SEEING THE BIG PICTURE. WHAT A GREAT ADVENTURE AND EDUCATION PLAN. THIS ISN'T YOUR BASIC CLASSROOM.

KISSES AND HUGS FOR YOU ALL
OXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

MAM AND PAP