National Park Stop #2: Zion NP

Hey, there!

Welcome to our new blog. We're glad you made it over here! If you know us well at all, you know we like to blog about stuff...life, fostering, photography, etc., so the idea of blogging about our adventures in our Little Guy camping trailer just seemed fitting.  

We've been planning our ten-year anniversary trip (AKA #bearfood2016) since August 2015, yes, almost a year ago. At the time, we didn't really know where the trip would take us, we just knew we wanted to explore the western half of the U.S. I always joke about how I've never been to the Grand Canyon or California because my family couldn't stand to be in the car long enough to make it that far. Brian's family, on the other hand, made car trips work (despite traveling with THREE boys, God bless my mother-in-love.) 

We embarked on our trip on Saturday, May 28th from Dallas, TX. We spent our first night in Albuquerque, NM (post below), and the following two nights at the Grand Canyon (post below.) This post covers our first day at Zion NP. Enjoy!

This "elk deer" came super close to our site this morning. They're beautiful in person. 

Here he is right next to our site as we were packing up to head to Zion. 

One more...this one ran across the road on our way out. 

This super discrete gas station was located right inside the Grand Canyon. We filled up on our way out of the park. We were fascinated by its unassuming awesomeness!  

We had to stop at a few lookout points to take some final shots of the Grand Canyon. 

We love taking these side shots of #thehillsmobile! On our way to Zion National Park!

Don't worry, we were safe!

In front of the Desert Watchtower near the eastern side of the Grand Canyon.

It took us twice as long to get to Zion than the GPS said it would, but it was worth it to make stops like this - the Colorado River in Arizona in Marble Canyon. Several people asked for tours of #thehillsmobile while we were at this tourist stop, and we're always happy to show off the Little Guy trailer. We love it so much! 

Another stop we made along the way was in Cliff Dwellers, AZ to see these awesome rock formations. The hubs got really excited to climb some rocks. 

One more stop!

After making a million stops, we finally arrived at our campsite at Zion Canyon Campground. This is our backyard for the next two nights. The photos just don't do this place justice at all!

Gelato just tastes better in Zion.

Over dinner, we came up with a new word to describe things in life that are as awesome and magnificent as Zion...the word is "Zionic" and we won't be using it lightly. This place is breathtaking and incredible in all the best ways. 

We parked our car on the side of the road and went off to explore. We came across this awesome ravine and decided to pull out the GoPro!

We couldn't believe that this was just one tiny part of this massive park. It's simply amazing here. We talked about how the Grand Canyon was interesting, but this place is just incomprehensible. The beauty and incredible views are found at every turn. 

After dinner, we rented shoes for our hike tomorrow. 70% of the hike is in the water and it's a 4 hour hike, so I decided I definitely needed the right footwear for the occasion. We can't wait to see what's in store for us tomorrow. 

Stay tuned! 

National Park Stop #1: Grand Canyon NP Day 2

We got our hike on today! And naps. :) Here's what we did today...

Good morning!

We made it to the shuttle around 7:00 to head towards the beginning of the South Kaibab Trail. 

This hike was fairly easy on the way down, but it was extremely challenging (at least for me), on the way up to the top. 

The views were beautiful!

Eeek!

We made it halfway! By the time we made it to our stopping point, I needed to use the restroom so badly that I cried a little bit by the time I was able to go. I don't think I've ever needed to go so badly! I contemplated going behind a tree on the hike, but couldn't bring myself to do it! 

Yeah, 65* in the shade. Most of the hike up was in direct sun with no shade. It felt more like 90*. 

As I'm unable to go to Pure Barre for 2+ weeks, I decided to keep practicing some of the exercises so I don't forget how to do everything! 

Break's over! Starting the walk back to the top. 

Some crazy views!

We saw some pack mules several times throughout the hike. They were very impressive! 

Almost to the top!

We made it! It took about 5 hours, but we hiked the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon! 

There's nothing quite like napping all afternoon in #thehillsmobile after hiking all morning. 

This stud helped a little, old lady find her husband today. They were somehow separated at the Grand Canyon and the wife came back to the campsite to see if the husband had driven there. Bry drove her back to the GC and there he was, one of only three cars in the parking lot waiting in his car! The lady was so sweet and to say thank you, she made us Korean Chicken Soup. It was so delicious!!!!

National Park Stop #1: Grand Canyon NP

We made it to the Grand Canyon in Arizona on Sunday afternoon. We spent some time at the main view point - Mather Point. It was another great day making memories and spending time together.

We found an Einstein's bagels! 

One of our stops between Albuquerque and the Grand Canyon - Navajo Travel Plaza. 

He was even more excited to find an REI than he was about Einstein's! 

Even our snacks are excited about our trip! 83 miles from the Grand Canyon. 

Beyoncé was with us most of the way!

We made it!

We entered at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, as the majority of visitors do. 

Our first look at the Grand Canyon! 

Dinner night #2 - chicken tacos with avocado. 

The first of many s'mores on this road trip! 

Night cap before heading off to bed. We have a long hike tomorrow, so we'll need our rest.