Monday, May 27, 2013

Arches over Memorial Day (Part 3)

Our last day of our trip.  We had already had so much fun.  Enoch and Kate declared this their favorite vacation so far and asked when we were coming back (already?  we haven't even left yet!).
Since we were driving home today we only had a half a day of fun.  Another early morning to fit everything in.  Before we left the KOA, I snapped a picture to remind us of the condo camping.
We drove straight through the park up to Devil's Garden.  Our destination was Landscape Arch.  Again, we were able to find a parking spot for our long motor home.  When we came back from our hike, people were parking 2 miles up the road.  There were a few very happy cars ready to take our spot when we pulled out.
The kids weren't thrilled about another hike, but we told them it would be worth it (and shorter than Delicate Arch).  They were troopers and kept going.
We can see it!  We're almost there!  Walking through the sand toward the end was tough, but the kids were so excited to see Landscape Arch up close.
Landscape Arch is amazing.  Enoch was particularly interested in the story of when the chunk broke off a few years ago.  He just couldn't believe it was still together.
On our way back, we took a short detour to see Pine Tree Arch.  What a fun arch.  You can walk all the way through it.  It was a great spot to relax in the shade and grab a snack.
There was one last arch on our list - Sand Dune Arch.  Neither Greg nor I had been to this arch, but it was mentioned as a must-do on many Arches lists.  It did not disappoint - it was so much fun.  A short, easy hike to a sandy spot covered in shade.  It wasn't too crowded and the kids were able to run.
 Guard was finally set free of his baby back pack and he made the most of it.  He had a great time in the sand - digging in it, eating it, throwing it.  He had a great time.
There was a sign clearly posted that said, "Do Not Climb on Arch".  So, of course, Greg, Jarom and Gavin climbed up to the top of the arch.  It was pretty high up but they were determined.
After the big boys came down, Enoch was determined to go up too.  I was shocked that he wanted to, but he didn't want to be left out.  He was so nervous, but Greg helped him up and he did great.  I was so proud of him!  He came running down and gave me a big hug.  What a kid!  Kate didn't want to go up, she was having too much fun playing in the sand.
We ended our trip with the kids being sworn in as Junior Rangers.  They worked hard to get their badges and we excited to get them.
We had such a wonderful trip!  The kids loved it and we will always remember it as one of our favorites.

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