Our family seems to keep losing track of spouses. Papa Kay and I have been hanging out for the last week since NomiAnn wandered off to Seattle and Jason is back in Salt Lake. Over Memorial Day, NomiAnn and Grandpa Charles had to work, so Papa Kay and Grandma Susie joined us for our adventure. Mix and match grandparents!
As the trip organizer, we owe a thousand thanks to Papa Kay for researching a great place for us to spend Memorial Day. We headed to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a stunning national park in Colorado that is only six hours from Salt Lake. Truth to be told, I hadn't even known it existed. Papa Kay drove out several days early just to stake out a good campsite that could accommodate our group. Thank you!
The rest of our crew headed out early Friday morning. Given the amount of gear we needed, it's a good thing Jason's a skilled packer.
When we arrived at our campsite, we found this deer waiting for us.
The big girls were super excited to try out Brooklyn's new backpacking tent for the first time.
Talia's new hammock was equally appreciated.
Eli thought the bear box made a great hiding spot.
As for Annika, she immediately broke out her watercolor paints and started to decorate every rock she could find.
Shortly thereafter, she became best buds with Finn, a boy from the campsite next door.
Last but not least, she got really really dirty.
Seeing as to how the water at Black Canyon must be hauled in from fourteen miles away, a shower was not an option. (By way of information, neither were flushing toilets.)
At least the skies were clean and beautiful.
Its beauty took my breath away. I felt bedazzled by this relatively unknown gem.
We spent much of our time atop the south rim of the canyon, exploring the many overlooks.
Here's a view of the Painted Wall. It's hard to believe that a few daring souls have actually managed to climb it.
Hiking out to Warner Point. Papa Kay's hat is perfect for wildflowers.
As does this one. How did I get such beautiful girls?
Feeling contemplative. The immensity of the canyon certainly provides perspective.
Later that day, we drove down East Portal Road to the bottom of the canyon. While it's possible to hike down, the trail is extremely steep and best undertaken with a bit of preparation.
The river landscape has changed a bit since they tunneled through the mountain and constructed a diversion dam to irrigate the valley on the other side. Decades ago during construction, this area was actually a thriving little town. Now it's the perfect place for a snack.
Jason, meanwhile, broke out the the Toxic Slime.
These went right along with the Brownie Caramel Cream we tasted the night before.
The next morning, Jason and Alan, our camp neighbor, arose early to brave the strenuous hike to the bottom.
Meanwhile, the rest of us enjoyed a leisurely morning around camp...
...including dutch oven popeye pancakes.
Three cheers for Grandma Susie!
After breakfast, Papa Kay broke out the stepping stone painting.
Colorful enough to brighten anyone's day.
Of course, this stone's pretty spiffy as well.
When Jason returned from his hike, we all hopped in the van for a long drive to the north rim of Black Canyon. When carsickness threatened, we paused for lunch at Curecanti National Recreation Area.
The north rim was spectacular--absolutely worth the drive.
Talia thought this picture looked photo-shopped. I promise, it's totally real.
The cliffs on the north side are even steeper than the opposite rim.
It's pretty dizzying, even for those not afraid of heights. The girls loved seeing all the swallows swoop and dive below.
Happy campers.
We stopped for a short loop hike along the Chasm View trail, then continued our drive home, making a giant loop around the canyon.
Once we got back to camp, it was time to start dinner. I found willing hands that were eager to make banana boats...
...and eager mouths willing to eat them. Num num!
Most mornings I got up early and went for a short hike/run. The canyon was stunning in the early morning light.
It was a little bit scary too. One morning I could hear a bear snuffling noisily in the thicket nearby. I couldn't see it so I can't tell you exactly how I knew it was a bear--the snorts were so big that I just knew. The next day I heard more loud trampling. It was obviously more than just one animal, so at first I thought that perhaps I'd run across some very noisy deer. That is, until I saw brown furry ears poking up through the bushes. I went back later that day with my family to show them exactly where I saw the ears and how close the bear was to the trail. Fortunately, the black bears at Black Canyon aren't really aggressive.
Other highlights of our trip included the ranger programs. Eli, in particular, gets very engaged by the Junior Ranger activities. Here he is receiving his night sky patch. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is actually recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. We happened to be there during a full moon, so it would be fun to go back when we can really appreciate the stars.
Eli's enthusiasm was contagious, inspiring some of his siblings to earn their Junior Ranger badges as well. Annika was willing to abide by the Junior Ranger oath, right up until the point where she was asked whether or not it was okay to take rocks from the park. Not wanting to leave her large collection of painted rocks behind, she coyly responded, well, yes and no. Papa Kay said she was on track to become a lawyer.
Finally, Memorial Day. Papa Kay may not have worn flag shirt, but his glasses made up for it.
Besides, NomiAnn got Eli a flag shirt as well.
Thanks to Susie for taking this picture of our crew.
...and went climbing! Their rock wall was super fun.
Even Annie got in on the action.
Plus, fussball!
So many thanks to Papa Kay and Grandma Susie for making this Memorial Day so special.
Every year is a unique adventure, and this was one that we will never forget.
1 comment:
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a lesser known, recently established, and stunning beautiful National Park. I really appreciate our memorial day excursions and hope this tradition can/will continue.
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