Our Grand Time in Arizona and Southern Utah

Since moving to Utah seven years ago, Scott has wanted to see the Grand Canyon. The North Rim would be the most convenient trip for us.  Due to the 8,000 ft. altitude and resulting snow, the North Rim is only open from May until October.   

Upon arrival, a ranger gave us an overview of the park and what to look for.   

The North Rim is less visited than the South Rim, but the view of this natural wonder is still beyond description. 

Millions of years ago, the Rocky Mountains and the entire Colorado Plateau, which the Grand Canyon is part of, rose up from tectonic activity. The Colorado River grew powerful and began to cut its way through the ancient rock, leaving the stunning canyon we see today.

The landscape to the north (right) had been pushed up due to the forces of nature, much higher than the south side (left). Evidence of ancient water falls can be detected on the surrounding cliffs.

Binoculars helps take everything in.

We're glad we could finally see the Grand Canyon together.

As we were leaving the Grand Canyon, we noticed bison warning signs

...and, the bison did appear

...and crossed the road.

We stayed a couple nights at the historic Parry Lodge in Kanab, UT. Built in the 1930's, it became the place famous actors stayed while shooting Western movies and TV shows. (No, that's not our green car!) 

Kanab is in Kane County. It earned the title of "Little Hollywood" for it's spectacular vistas, perfect for movie backdrops of the Old West. 

After we left Kanab, we met up with Kathleen's two brothers and sister-in-law in St. George. We saw "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in the majestic outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheater, set adjacent to Snow Canyon State Park.    

The next day, Russell and Christy led us on an e-bike tour of Snow Canyon State Park.  

We took a break from our bike ride and hiked to this slot canyon on "Jenny's Canyon Trail".

To learn more about Jenny's Canyon trail click here.  

Check out Christy's production of our adventures on the trails!

You can also see the video by clicking here.  

The timing of our trip coincided with the first day of the St. George Temple Open House. Dedicated in 1871, this was the first temple built by the pioneer settlers of Utah of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

The St. George Temple has closed for renovation several times. This last closure, however, was for some necessary mechanical upgrades as well as to restore the interior to much of the original look. Because it will be re-dedicated in November, it is opened now to the public for tours.  

 

Temples do not exist merely as architectural monuments. Rather, we consider them the House of the Lord, just as they were regarded in Biblical times. Here, sacred covenants are made with God that empower our lives in mortality and keep couples and families together through eternity.   

To learn more about temples in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, click here. 

 

We very much enjoyed the time we spent with Craig, Christy, and Russell. 

Farewell, beautiful Arizona and Southern Utah!

Childhood Memories

I was telling my son-in-law, Dave, about some of my childhood memories I had with our Trailer Boat.  As you can see in this picture, it is a small trailer with a boat on top.  The inside of the trailer was a full size mattress.  The back of the trailer had a drop down tailgate that served as a table.  Behind the tailgate was storage area.  

During the summers we had the Trailer Boat, we would pull it to Utah from California and my Grandpa, Dad, and brothers would take it camping/fishing.  

In these pictures the Trailer Boat is being pulled by our Ford convertible.  How cool is that?  

My Dad was always looking for ways to have adventures when we spent our summer vacations in Utah.  As you can see in this picture, there is a mini-bike attached to the front of our station wagon and the Trailer Boat is hooked to the back. 

Imagine my delight when after Dave heard my memories, he sent me this link. 

It is totally worth the 3 minutes to watch this video.

You can also see the above video by clicking here.  

In the Youtube description, it says:   It is a 1962 Trailerboat built in California. Only 15 are known to still exist. The roof of this 9 ft. mini camper lifts off and is a boat! There is a fiberglass ceiling under the boat....  

Only 15 are known to still exist?!?!  To whom and why did my Dad sell our trailer boat???   I think he sold it so he could get this bigger camping trailer. 

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the many happy childhood vacation memories. 

This picture was taken on one of our yearly trips to Utah.