Biking Zion

In today's ultra-charged political clime, society feels very polarized.  We are plagued by artificial divides that pit us against one another.  So often, it feels like if a person thinks differently than another, the "other" must be wrong.

I long to return to an atmosphere where alternate perspectives are appreciated.  Personally, I love to camp.  Many others don't.  Despite differences of opinion, we can both be right.  I can see where non-campers are coming from: it's dirty, a heck of lot of work, and a bit uncomfortable.  

Plus, spiders.

Yet there is still no place I'd rather wake up on my birthday than in a tent.

This is my happy place.  And it's okay if it's not yours.

Fortunately, our kiddos seem to enjoy camping nearly as much as I do.  Over my birthday weekend at the end of September, we headed back to Ponderosa Grove campground in southern Utah.  Even though we'd been there in mid-June, the campground looked extremely different.  They are expanding the place from nine sites to forty.  While we understand the need for more sites, it's a little sad to see our secret spot become more popular.  In the end, our campsite was so newly developed that the firepit still had its tag.  The site was also sans-picnic table, so we had to lug one over from the pile of old tables waiting to be discarded.

Breaking in the firepit with a hot dog roast.

As dusk fell, we could hear coyotes yipping all around.  I had no idea how noisy they could be, especially during the middle of the night.

The coyotes didn't disturb the slumber of these tween/teens.  After so many years of camping with little ones, I really enjoy sharing a tent with older kids who go to sleep by themselves and snooze well into morning.

Speaking of morning, we started off the day with a France vs. Germany bake-off between the Kanab Creek Bakery and Forscher Bakery in Orderville.  With this much sugar, butter, and flour, everybody won.

No tastier way to celebrate a birthday!

As luck had it, they were hosting an old car show in Orderville as well.  So sparkly!

Minion alert!

Annika's taller than the lamborghini.

The Chevy behind Grandma Susie was similar to the one her family had growing up.

As for our family, we had a slug bug.  Minus the giant wheels.

The main reason we headed down to southern Utah was to bike Zion National Park, per Aunt Christy's recommendation.  Transporting bikes is a major endeavor for our family, especially since we are still in the process of getting set up with a bike trailer and hitch.  There's no way we could have done it without Grandpa Charles and his truck.  At several points I wondered if it was worth all the hassle.

Totally worth it.

Ben and Christy drove up from Phoenix, and we shared an incredible ride through Zion, beginning at the Pa'rus Trail.

To be honest, I was kind of nervous about fighting car traffic, especially with my kids.  I needn't have worried!  The main canyon is only open to shuttles and bikes, so we essentially had the road to ourselves.  Brilliant!  I've never experienced anything like it.

Even Grandpa Charles is smiling.  (Biking isn't his favorite gig.)

In the dozens of times I've been to Zion National Park, I have never felt as connected to the canyon as I did cycling through.  Viewing the three patriarchs from a small shuttle window simply can't compare.

Plus, let's be honest.  I was pretty proud of myself for getting comfortable enough on my new bike to ride and take a photograph at the same time.

The ride was a bit of a challenge for Eli, but he made it!

Christy, Jason, and Annika enjoying the day.

When we arrived at the Temple of Sinawava, we were shocked to find hundreds of bicycles already parked there!  While we didn't run across many other cyclists as we peddled through, there must have been all sorts of people who biked to the end to hike the Narrows.  For those who prefer an easier ride, we saw many rented e-bikes as well.

A few more photos from the trip back.  

Handsomest gentleman on the trail.

All in all, it was a birthday ride to remember.  I can't wait to do it again!

We stopped off at the Mt. Carmel junction on the way home to explore the half mile Belly of the Dragon hike.

That's one giant dragon!

Generation photos are my favorite.

Back at the campsite, Aunt Christy made us some phenomenal dutch over chicken marbella.  Filled with prunes, olives, and capers, it was seriously sooo tasty.

Annika and Grandma Susie, hard at work making apple cake to go with it.  Yum!

The stacked dutch ovens were so pretty with their glowing coals!

Nearly as pretty as the sunset.

Add some homemade bread, garden veggies, and bon appetit!  The setting may have been casual, but I guarantee you won't find tastier fare in the finest restaurants.

Our happy dining adventures continued the next morning with breakfast burritos.  All the yummy food might be real reason my kids like camping so much.

That, and the outdoor playgrounds.  With sand to dig and trees to climb, Annika was in heaven.

And there you have it!  My perfect September birthday--spent in a tent.