Sycamore Canyon on a Rainy Winter Day

A warm winter rain came our way filling the canyons near our house with waterfalls as it melted the snow.  Bursting with energy from being stuck inside for last couple of days we put on our rain gear, dusted off our only umbrella and explored Sycamore Canyon near Williams. It was beautiful and wet!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S.  I daydreamed that I was hiking in Oregon with Summer and her family and imagined that the past few days is what winter looks like there. Miss you, friend.

Rock Climbing and Cliff Dwellings

In between days of record lows and warm winter rain we caught a weekend of sunshine and a visit from my Dad. 

We did some rock climbing in Sedona then headed to some cliff dwellings near Camp Verde.  

The sunshine felt so good on our skin and warmed our bones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adventure in Zion National Park

After weeks of planning and preparation (on Gary's part entirely--I really just showed up) we headed out with Billy and Lyndee, our nephew CJ and his friend Colton for a winter backpacking trip.  We were headed to Observation Point in Zion National Park then in to the wilderness area to camp.  We were the only back country permit (I'm guessing it's because it was January--with snow--and below freezing temperatures--but who really knows). I have to admit I had a fair amount of anxiety about the shin dig, but followed my man into the wilderness trusting that we would have a fabulous time, that I would have the right gear and it would be a trip I would always remember (and maybe be able to brag about a bit).

After hiking 4 miles up switch backs, icy trails, frozen slot canyons, and breathtaking views we arrived at Observation Point. We then hiked a bit longer to the area where our camping permit was legit. We padded down at least a foot of untouched snow to have a "dry" place for our tent, set up camp and snuggled in for the night. Gary did not disappoint with the tent, sleeping bag and all the arrangements. It was pretty lush for backpacking (I think he's done this before).

Our weather was beautiful. I was never once cold (except and 2 am when I had to pee). The starry winter sky, the orange rocks dusted with snow, and warm sunshine left me in awe of Creation. Certainly a trip to cherish.

PICTURES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PICTURES FROM ANGELS LANDING:

After we returned to Christa and Rick's Gary, Billy, Coton, and CJ day hiked to Angels Landing. This hike didn't disappoint either. (I stayed back snuggled my boys and nursed my sore muscles.)

 

 

 

 

 

While we adventured in the wilderness the boys enjoyed a cozy weekend digging for dinosaurs and playing with their cousin Rigin at Aunt Christa and Uncle Rick's.

Sleeping Bag

I sewed Gary a sleeping bag liner on a whim. Well, he had the idea and picked out the fabric and bought it.  I just had to turn his vision in to reality. After a month of crafting and sewing I wasn't in the mood to take on such a project at 8:30 pm after the kids were asleep. But we are headed out on a backpacking trip, in January, in Utah (Zion to be exact) and I guess the thought of my husband freezing trumped my desire to sleep. We pinned and trimmed and folded and sewed together into the wee hours of the night and our end product was rough, but good and totally functional.  And will hopefully keep him warm

 

Adventure Day: Winter Hiking in Sedona