moabites

When spring is merely an extension of winter, we have to drag our frozen bones south to check whether our summer clothes are still in style.

After our Disney weekend, we decided to get some hikes under our belt.  A couple of years back, we went to Zion National Park, and then to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Loved them.

So, this weekend, we went to Moab - the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Now, it was a bit too early in the season to be tent camping for me, but I found a great little campground with a pool showers McDonalds across the street cabins for rent.  And within a few minutes drive to the parks to boot.

I am amazed by how many people I know that have spent the majority of their lives in Utah and have never been to ANY of these parks.

People, C'MON!!!!!

On our way up to see the famous Delicate Arch, our first stop was a pit stop and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the benefit of having all boys.

I get to go to the bathroom all.by.myself.  Daddy takes them all with him.

YES!  I know other moms can appreciate the small pleasures, like peeing alone.

The hike to our first arch was 3.2 miles round trip and we really enjoyed the walk and the warm weather.

And the climbing.

Unfortunately, the most famous arch in the park was a mob scene that day, but we were still able to get a decent family photo to prove we were there.

After an amazing campfire dinner (kudos to the chef), and a dip in the pool, we all got some solid sleep.

Day two started with a hike to Sand Dune Arch.  This was a short hike through a slot canyon where we could enjoy the hot sand between our toes (shoes and socks were promptly removed upon entering the canyon).  Our goal was a hidden arch between the tall rock walls.

I didn't get a great picture of the arch, but the climbing in the canyon was so fun for our boys.

After a wonderful picnic lunch packed by yours truly, we took on our longest hike of the trip in an area called "Devil's Garden."  It looked like it was straight from heaven though with several beautiful arches and lots of breathtaking scenery.

Exhibit A:  Landscape Arch

These are rock "fins" that are actually part of the 4.2 mile trail.  Close your eyes Aunt Louie!  Kenyon did enough yelling worrying for all of us combined.

My little Rufus taught me the words to many preschool songs while we were hiking.  Oh, my heart swells around that boy!

At the top was an area called "Double O Arch."  We played there for a bit.

My man moved some misplaced rocks, and I had to get pictures for the life insurance claim.

Four boys in the lower "O."

Double O:  Can you find four faces?

My beloved found some shade with a view to rest in on the way down.

Day three was a quick trip through the northern end of Canyonlands Naitonal Park.

First stop:  Mesa Arch

It was straight down behind my men.  Take a deep breath.  You're about to stand at the edge.

We stopped for another gourmet picnic lunch and then we climbed a giant stone mountain called "Whale Rock" for our finale.

The rock really looked like a whale from the ground, but I was too lazy to take out the camera.  Here are the views from the top.

Don't mess with the brothers!

Too all my friends who said, "Let me know how it is down there."

GO!  These are wonders of the world and are worth a weekend.

We are heading to Zion National Park again next weekend for some more cabin camping to get away from the snow that still lingers here in Park City.

It will be a lot of work for this mama, but I can't wait.