Tantalizing Torrey

This year the Wheeler family gathered in Torrey, Utah for our annual summer get-together.  Due to everyone's busy summer travel schedules, we postponed our reunion until Labor Day weekend.  On the way out, we stopped off in Teasdale to see this awesome solar obelisk that Jason designed.  If you peer through the tube at night, it points to the North Star.  It also functions as a great sundial/jungle gym.

We arrived in Torrey just as the sun was setting.  Susie had found this fantastic triangle cabin that not only house us all comfortably, but also had gorgeous views.

Plus, who doesn't love a ping pong table?  Here we have Eli, Ruby, and Annika playing with Lance's partner Austin.  This was Austin's first time joining us for a Wheeler family summer reunion.  He indulged our chaos remarkably well, and we loved getting to spend time with him.

The kids were particularly thrilled that Austin brought his VR.

Back outside, we gathered to enjoy the sunset.  Here we have Ben, Jason, and Brianna, followed by Austin.

Charles captures the view as the sun slips behind the horizon.

Early the next morning the sunrise was just as spectacular as we watched the dawn spread to the East.  I took this photo while out on a run.  I was surprised to discover how plentiful the BLM camping in the area.  If you can't reserve place to camp in Capitol Reef, just bring your tent and some water and enjoy the outdoors anyway!

A view of our cabin from a distance.

Here's Jason catching up on some work before we head out to Capitol Reef to purchase some homemade pies in Fruita.  Yum!

Only challenge is deciding on peach, mixed berry, or apple.  We solved the problem by answering "all of the above."

After purchasing pies we set out on a hike up to Cassidy Arch via the Grand Wash.

A pleasant "Peace Out" from Lance.

Brianna and I are enjoying the scene as our youngsters scramble through the rocks.

Annika may not love hiking, but she sure loves the outdoors when we get there!

Eli looks super happy as well.

At last, Cassidy Arch.  Pretty spectacular!  I just noticed how it matches the scenery on Eli's T-shirt.

Christy looks like she is in her happy place as well.

Violet thinks Christy needs a different hat.

Talia looks happy too, although I bet she'd love this place even more with Brooklyn.  Brooklyn, let's come back all together!

Justin and Co., followed by Jason.

Cousin and sibling fun.

Last but not least, a full family photo.

Clockwise starting top left: Violet, Brianna, Justin, Jason, Susie, Charles, Austin, Lance, Ben, Christy, Eli, Talia, Annika, Kara, and Ruby.

Bye bye!

That afternoon, Jason, Christy, and Justin all went for a bike ride.

Whee! Awesome jump, Justin, and awesome shot, Jason!

Later we all went for a drive to a nearby overlook.

Relaxing back at the cabin.

Wrapping up the day with some firepit s'mores. 

Smiles for miles from Violet.  This gal's the cutest!

The next morning Jason and I set out nice and early to explore Cooks Mesa. 

 I never expected to find such a cool climbing rock!  This one reminds me of a hippogriff or a giant pigeon.

Perhaps we'll name this one Isosceles.

The petrified wood was pretty cool too.

Afterward, we headed into Capitol Reef to see some petroglyphs and work on the kids' Junior Ranger program.

Lance and Austin

Here we are at the Behunin Cabin.  This one-room structure housed a couple and their thirteen children, albeit only for a year.  At least the surroundings were beautiful for sending the kids outside to play.

We also hiked a bit through Grand Wash.  Completely flat with plenty of stone hideouts, this hike was a favorite of Annika and Ruby.

Plus, goats!  If you look carefully, you can see both Mama and her kid here.

We like these kids too.

Christy made a gorgeous loaf of sourdough bread that was large enough to be a child.  Carbohydrate bliss!

The conclusion of another gorgeous day in Torrey.

The only thing to make it better is grilled steak and asparagus a la Austin and Lance.  Amazing!  They are both great chefs, but apparently Austin is the grillmeister.

Bidding farewell to the sun.

On our final morning in Torrey we headed back up Cooks Mesa.  This time Jason ran it with Justin while I hiked it with Christy and Susie.

After getting back, we all went for a final rendez-vous to Panorama Point.  

From up top, we could see the river carving its way through the park.  Having heard how amazing the trail, we were tempted to venture on the six mile hike through Sulphur Creek but decided it would take too long.  Next time!

Thanks to all for such a fun family reunion!  It bridges the gap until we meet again.