The first thing the kids wanted to do when we got to our motel was swim. As usual they would have been happy to eat, swim and watch TV the entire break. We stayed at Days Inn in Hurricane, Utah. I guess you get what you pay for because our cheap room was very old. The paint was peeling, the ceiling leaked water in the bathroom, the hallway stunk and breakfast was sketchy. Our room was clean and didn't smell so we stuck it out but we won't be staying there again. We had a a great trip even though we didn't have the best room. Scott and I really needed to get away. I like the idea of stay-cations but responsibilities have a way of sneaking their way in when we stay at home. We love southern Utah in the spring, the warm temperatures are heavenly!
Some pretty White Primroses we found on our evening hike in the Babylon area of the Red Cliffs Preserve. Scott and I liked this area the best of all the places we visited. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Best of all we hardly saw anyone! We saw lots of birds and as evening approached we spotted some of bats. On the hike back Bethany scraped her foot and kept saying "My wound! My wound!" She definitely provides the drama in our family. We stayed too late and when we got back to our car it was already dark. Bethany was so worried that we would get lost in the desert. We made a wrong turn and she started hyperventilating. We assured her that we weren't lost and we would be fine. After driving around in circles for thirty minutes we started to get a little concerned. We could see the lights from Hurricane about 5 miles away, we just couldn't find the road back to the freeway. Ryan was incredulous that his parents got him lost. He's a true teenager. We said a prayer and a few minutes later we found the right road. We're thankful for answers to prayer!
The Babylon area of the Red Cliffs Preserve
We loved playing in the sand dunes.
Tired after our late night the day before. This is a picture taken at the Red Reef trail at Red Cliffs. This is a fun hike for families. The trail follows a stream and has lots of places to wade and climb. I had to chuckle at all the kids wading while their parents were staying safely dry. The water was cold, brrr!
Scott and Bethany climbing the "moki" steps to access the next pool on the Red Reef Trail.
On our last day we visited Zion National Park. We saw lots of cute squirrels like this one. It took all Carter's self control not to pick them up!
"Scampers"
Riverside Walk - The trail ends at the Narrows where the canyon walls close in. We waded up the river a while but it was so cold we didn't get very far. Scott was sick this vacation so he just waved and enjoyed the shade while we ventured out. He was a real trooper to go on adventures with us after coughing all night.
Carter and Bethany had to wade up to their knees to climb this big rock in the Virgin river.
