I'm not a wake up early kind of girl, I need my sleep! However, with having the amazing opportunity to stay in the park for the night, I decided that it would be worth it to get up for the sunrise that was just a short drive away!
There were a lot of people that also hoped for a great show. Puffy and tired, but thankful!
A lot of clouds again, so we were not sure what we would get to see, but they did have some breaks in them.
My best bud was willing to get up with me as well. Thankfully, having teenagers who are trustworthy (and just slept anyway), we were able to sneak away just the two of us.
We serve an amazing creator and what a gift to see some of his work!
We then woke up the kids, packed the car and headed to our next destination in Page, Az. We had a few stops along the way on the Desert View Road Drive, seeing some more views of the canyon.
Somewhat awkward photo, ha!
Ezra loved finding a tree he could climb!
Sleepy girl!
It was busy at the Desert View Visitor Center & Watchtower.
I spy a little Ezra head poking through!
While we were able to go in the base of the tower, they were not allowing folks to go up into the tower itself while we were there.
We then continued on the beautiful drive, which I wasn't expecting so many amazing views all along the way. We made a stop at one one of the viewpoints. Shiloh's car sickness promops me to see where along routes we can take a short stretch break to help her.
Our next stop was Horseshoe Bend and it felt like we had landed on another different planet.
It is a flat sunny walk for the reward of some stunning views!
The landscape was so different and fun to explore. It was quite a bit warmer here, but not unbearable (although I'm sure I would not say the same had it been the middle of summer).
Shiloh looked so chill (she snagged Beach's sunglasses - it was so bright the girls took turns sharing) even when not trying, that I had to take some pics!
One last look before heading back.
A another short drive to Page and we stopped at the Wal-Mart there to stock up on water, food, some necessities we needed and travel hack: tourist T-shirts (from the National Parks that we were visiting). You can actually get high quality at a great price for finding surveners in this way!
Our next stop was the Glen Canyon Dam.
The Carol Hayden Visitor Center was a free site that had many interesting exhibits and gorgeous views.
The girls were a bit tired at this point and this was how they enjoyed the exhibits.
We also, walked over the bridge to get a closer look at the dam.
Next up we ventured out for one more smaller hike, and it ended up being one of Ezra's favorite. Just a short distance away we checked out the Hanging Garden Trail.
We had the whole trail almost completely to ourselves, a nice contrast from the National Parks.
The wide open spaces of otherworldliness was amazing. Can you spot the kids?
The kids enjoyed being able to explore a bit on their own, which we could see them and it was safe to do so, no sharp cliffs to fall off of just nature's playground!
Beach in the distance.
And closer...
and I made it to him...
The highlight of the trail is the namesake of the hanging garden in a cave like structure. There is very little green around so it is a stark contrast.
My plant loving boy especially found it interesting.
Holes, or really I have no idea what to call this, to fit in were fun!
The city of Page is not that big but we took my sister's recommendation and ate dinner at the Bird House.
Family size portions at good prices, we were all happy (just try not to have to need the restroom there).
The only place to stay at on Lake Powell was the Lake Powell Resort. It's beauty and decent prices were a go for me. My sister's family had, also, stayed there the year before and had to wait hours to check-in. Seeing that it was a whole year later, I thought surely that would not still be the case. However, they still had not gotten their act together and we could not check-in for quite some time (but did get some money back).
Another draw for the kids was the pool at this location. It turned out to be not so hot but Beach took the kids swimming while I walked the beautiful property until I could get us settled in.
Cold brother splashes were not appreciated. 😛
They tried out both pools there, but it wasn't until dark when our room was ready, and they were pretty cold at that point.
Another blessed day, though and all worn out!
