Visitors

My mother and her husband, George, arrived on Thursday night last week. I took the day off from work on Friday and we headed up the canyon to drive the Alpine Loop which is gorgeous this time of year with all the fall colors coming in (plus if you tell them you are just driving the loop they won't make you pay anything at the booth).
We intended to hike the Timpanogas Caves, but the trail was closed. So, I settled for at little outlet shopping and we headed to Park City (I am now a professional- supposedly- and have to dress like one, but I lack very many professional outfits). My best find in Park City was some dress pants from the Gap outlet for $13!!! We also did the Alpine slide which I thought was fun, but maybe not worth $11. Oh, and I got to kiss a moose with my new step-father (well technically he held his coffee cup and I kissed the moose, but who's counting?).That evening, we had Derek's parents over for dinner for so they could meet George. We had great food which naturally leads to a good time as well.
We left the next morning at 5:30am for Zions Nation Park. This picture about sums up how I was feeling about the trip at 5:30 am.
My brother Nathan and his girlfriend met us at the park entrance. We grabbed some breakfast and got the best news of the day. It was National Parks Day, and rather than paying $25 per vehicle to get in, we all got in for free (WHOOPIE)!!! We parked, got on the shuttle, rode to the last stop, and started on the trail to hiking "the Narrows."
This hike rocked. You basically hike up the river through a rock canyon. You are usually hiking in 57 degree water that is up to your mid calf most of the time and at other times up to your mid-thigh. The water temp was actually great because it was a super hot day. I only slipped once which is amazing as most of you who know my "Amazing Grace" history can understand. But, that caused me to be completed drenched in 57 degree water, and at that point, I was cold.
We did one more quick little hike on our way to our place of lodging. It was worth it for the tarantula we found along the hike. It was supposedly tarantula mating season and there were signs everywhere saying that as a result, you could run into one. Well, we sadly thought we were going to miss out on having a run-in with a tarantula, but luckily, we found this little guy on the way back from the view.
We all spent the night in this cozy little cabin, and then in the morning, my little bro headed back to Vegas, and my mother, George, Derek, and I took off for Bryce Canyon. We were able to complete a neat hike through good portion of Bryce Canyon. My mother and I become one with the rock formations- literally. And luckily, we all arrived back at the car just as it started pouring rain.
We shipped my Mom and George off sometime this morning. Thanks for coming guys. It was great to explore Utah with you!!! I am now home, exhausted, and not looking forward to more driving this weekend. However, the drive will definitely be worth it to see all my Oregonian girls in Vegas, so girlies get ready to party!!!