Bryce Canyon

    We were sad to leave Zion and see the last of it’s epic beauty, but we were on to our next destination: Bryce Canyon. On the way to Bryce we had no choice but to stop at the sign that read Shaved Iced. Little did we know that it was a family run farm operation to attract tourists to partake in every activity you could think of, including fishing and riding their homemade zip line. Sarah was quick to say no thank you and run back into the car. On our drive we noticed all of the effects of the Utah wildfires. We were both really excited to get to the Bryce Canyon Resort, but upon arrival we realized that in Southern Utah language “resort” loosely translates to “shithole”.  Even though it wasn’t what we had imagined, the air conditioning, bed, and warm shower was exactly what we needed. We went to dinner at the Bryce Canyon Lodge inside the park and had a delicious meal that was served to us and we didn’t even have to clean up the dishes afterwards.

            That night we grabbed or headlamps and went for a night hike to check out the sunset over Inspiration Point. The views were amazing. Since there was a wildfire in the distance, the smoke created an even more colorful sunset. Quickly after the sunset a full moon appeared over the canyon. It was fun being the last people up on the dark trail but also got a little scary for Sarah as I was taking pictures “too close to the edge”.

            The following morning we went for a hike through the lower portion of the canyon. The views from the bottom up were even better. It’s like being trapped in a giant sandcastle. You shouldn’t leave Bryce without seeing both perspectives. Overall Bryce was beautiful, but still hasn’t topped Zion. 

Zion: The Narrows

After renting our canyoneering gear the night before, we were all set for a day of hiking the Narrows. Zion Adventure Company has a great deal where you can rent a hiking stick, hardcore water shoes, and little sock booties for $21. When you put the shoes on, you feel as if you are an astronaut, but they are well worth it after a few hours of hiking in the water. Also, they are good about giving you some pointers and letting you know if it’s a good day to do the hike (and no flashflood warnings are present). We also made sure to use dry bags so that we could get our backpacks wet for the inevitable swims that we would encounter.

The Narrows isn’t like any hike we have done before… It is actually walking, wading and swimming through the Virgin River down an amazing 1,000 feet deep canyon that is only about 24 feet wide at some points. I have done this hike once before in October, but I was looking forward to seeing the differences in temperature, water level, and amount of people. It was even more beautiful than I had remembered. Zion was about 100 degrees that day, but in The Narrows it was much cooler which was nice to have a break from the sun. Along the way we were surrounded by hanging gardens, various colored sandstone rock walls, waterfalls, creepy narrow caves, and gorgeous green and blue water. Scotty’s favorite parts of the hike included: Lunchtime when he finally got to eat his PB & J sandwich and Gushers, exploring Orderville Canyon (a side slot canyon, where we had to climb a old log to get up and over a waterfall), and floating down the river on the way back. 

Zion: Angels Landing

    After an exhausting 2 days in Vegas we were relieved to set up in our quiet campground.  Here is a few things we have learned about Utah so far.  1. Campfires are not typically allowed this time of year, but that was ok with us as it stayed 100 degrees out till around 2am.  2. At 2am the temperature drops 40 degrees and the winds get ferocious.  3.  Apparently Utah is on mountain time and it doesn't get dark till 9pm.  4.  You will see some of the most beautiful views of your life here.

Today was our first full day in Zion so we decided to wake up early and tackle Angels Landing.  Sarah tried to do this hike before but wasn't able to finish the last half mile of the hike due to her inherited fear of heights.  The route to Angels Landing involves hiking up a series of steep switch backs which leads to narrow ridge where support chains are anchored intermittently for you to hang on to for dear life.  Round two was a success for Sarah as she stared at my boots and refused to look down or stop the whole way up.  The views at the top were well worth the 1500 ft of elevation gain it takes to get to the finish.


We finished the day with a swim in a nearby creek and  battle with the local squirrels. 

View of Angels Landing from the bottom

Switch Backs

Scotty climbing the chains to the summit

Sarah using her death grip on the chain

We made it to the top!!

Checking out the views

Las Vegas Lights to Utah Sites

Sarah and I were fortunate to meet up with my parents, my brother and his girlfriend in Las Vegas on the way to Utah. We decided to start the trip off with a classic Vegas buffet. After stuffing our faces with mass amounts of mediocre food we were off to the pool of the gods. Nothing beats 7 pools and a hard lemonade in the 104 degree heat. After a relaxing day at the pool we got some amazing sushi with my parents for my "birthday dinner". Next we were off to try our hand at gambling. Sarah played roulette while I reaped the benefits of the free drinks. We ended winning a few bucks and decided to celebrate by going to Margaritaville. A few brightly colored slushy drinks loaded with shots later we were dancing to the music of a live band. Vegas was fun but now we are both ready to see some beautiful sites and breath fresh air. To Zion we go!

Viva Las Vegas!

Vegas Bound!

After several trips to many grocery stores, target, and Scotty's second home (REI), we were all set to head out on our trip. We were shocked that we squeezed everything in the car the first time, so we figured we would just jump in and head to Vegas a day early. Immediately I started thinking of all the things that I forgot. After a coffee stop Scotty announced "I feel really confident about remembering everything". Since then he has rattled off about five things that we left behind. The most disappointing being his "Mexican hat". I think we will survive. Since this is my first official time going to Vegas I am excited and also terrified of the 108 degree heat. At least I remembered my hat!

-Sarah

Planning: A Camping Trip Through Utah

For the past month or so, Sarah and I have been planning a road trip through Utah.  After going back and forth about where we want to go and how much time we have, we finally have a plan!!  Although Sarah has been to a couple of the parks before, it wasn't hard to get her to agree to go again.  We will be spending most of our time camping in the upper 90° weather with the exception of Vegas and Bryce Canyon, where we will stay in hotels.

Here is our plan:  
Thur 28^th - Prepack Cars

Staying at home

Fri 29^th - Drive to Vegas and party/ relax

Staying in vegas hotel

Sat 30^th - Drive to Zion

Staying at Watchman Campground

Sun 1^st - Go explore Zion and the area, maybe mountian bike 

Staying at Watchman Campground

Mon 2^nd - Hiking The Narrows, all day like a boss

Staying at Watchman Campground

Tues 3^rd - Angels Landing, then drive to Bryce

Staying at Bryce Canyon Resort

Wed 4^th - Explore Bryce canyon

Staying at Escalante Petrefied Forest SP 

Thur 5^th - Drive to Moab and check out awesome places on the way  

Staying at Devils Garden Campground

Fri 6^th - Arches/ mountian biking or Colorado River Raft

Staying at Devils Garden Campground

Sat 7^th - Moab/ mountian biking

Staying at Devils Garden Campground 

Sun 8^th – Check out moab/ Driving home

I have been doing a lot of research about hiking, camping, and biking in Utah and have learned some very important things so far.  1. You don't have to worry about any bear attacks, but there are coyotes, foxes and snakes to worry about.  2. Bring your booze in with you.  The Mormon population makes it hard to get alcohol.  That brings up a good question.  Do the Mormons in Utah have awesome full suspension bikes to ride around on?  3. Make sure to bring lots of water and a knife on your hikes with you (I knew I shouldn't have watched 127 hours). 4. Stay away from anything that even resembles poison ivy/oak/sumac/poodle dog bush. It took a week and some strong drugs to get Sarah to stop itching from her last run in. 


Sarah and I are both extremely excited about this trip and cant wait to switch up the scenery.  We will be taking lots of photos, and documenting cool tips, and advice about the area we are in.  If you are planning a trip to Utah soon and have any questions let us know!!  If you just came back from a trip and have some tips let us know in the comments below!! 

New Poisonous Plant in the Angeles National Forest

Look out!!  The pretty flowers that Sarah and I were frolicking though at the Chilao Campground are poisonous.  The Turricula Plant AKA Poodle-Dog bush usually springs up after a wild fire.  They give off a poison similar to Poison Oak.  I some how came out not getting a rash but Sarah wasn't so lucky.  It seems you will break out with a rash or even hives and it's supposed to last 2 weeks.  Also, people hiking the PCT should keep an eye out for this plant.  Read More Here

The pretty (evil) purple flower all over near our campground.  Don't be scared, just don't touch it.