Our first 2 nights were spent in Goblin Valley. The girls really wanted to go there so that was our first stop on our journey.
Sunday, April 7th: exploring Goblin Valley State Park
playing horseshoes at our camp
reading in the tent
Monday, April 8th: breakfast
On this day, we did a 7-mile hike up Ding Canyon and down Dang Canyon. We didn't know why it was called Dang Canyon until we were in it...
going up Ding Canyon
There were plenty of water crossings...
...and scrambling up rocks.
lunch time
going down Dang Canyon
There was one place where there was rope to help us get down. Luckily, we brought our rope and harnesses, too.
We used our harnesses in about 5 different spots. Now we know why it is called Dang Canyon.
more water (Abby insisted on walking by herself.)
We made it! It was one adventure after another on that hike (and a bit more technical than expected.)
Andy and I were so happy to walk on a flat trail!!
The girls did amazing!!! Because of the challenges we encountered, our 7-mile hike took us 7 hours. We were all pretty exhausted.
Tuesday, April 9th: playing around camp one last time
getting ready to head out to our next location--Cedar Mesa
We made a stop at Natural Bridges...
It was about 25 degrees cooler than the day before.
Can you see the ruins?
Our campsite for the next 4 nights
Wednesday, April 10th: We did a 6-mile hike to see more ruins in (south) Mule Canyon.
"House of Fire"
Look closely in the upper left alcove. You will see another ruin.
That evening, some friends of our made it down to join us for the rest of our trip.
Thursday, April 11th: hiking to the Citadel
We hiked most of the way, and made it until we got to the land bridge you have to cross to get to the ruins at the end of the peninsula. It was a long way down and a fear of heights took over (it certainly doesn't help to be hiking with younger children), so we opted to take in the view from a distance and try again when the kids get a little older.
The ruins are located on the other side...It certainly gave the Anasazi a 360 degree view.
hanging out at camp
Friday, April 12th: Today we explored Arch Canyon.
The amount of snowfall we have gotten this winter have made for more water in our creeks, streams, etc... This hike was no different. We had multiple water crossings.
Unfortunately, our hike came to an end when we just couldn't safely cross over.
hiking back--Abby got a little help from Andy and our friend, Lindsey (who is about 31 weeks pregnant).
Then we ventured to Cave Towers.
Our final stop was to take a look at a dinosaur print.
It was another busy, active day of hiking and exploring!
These little explorers were still smiling after 6 nights of camping and about 30 miles of hiking.
