Bryce Canyon & Drive to Zion (Day 8 - part 2)

After a morning drive and short hike, we went to see how my prayers would turn out. One of the things Shiloh was looking forward to the most was trail riding on a horse. I had booked our ride months in advance, only to realize the day before that I had been off by a day.  I couldn't believe it, and on Beach birthday of all days. So after several very early morning phone calls, I was able to get through to the stalls. I was told that we could show up and be on a standby waiting list, so that if anyone didn't show up, there might be a chance.

There was hope!  This was nerve wracking to me, but we made sure to get there on time in the chance that we could still ride.  We enjoyed meeting the horses as we waited.  We had a ranking order of who would get to ride (depending on feelings about it), if they did not have enough spots for all of us. 

Such a beautiful day and friendly fellas!

Zoe connected with a horse that repeatedly nodded its head for her to pet it.

We had to wait until the last minute to see if anyone would not show up. They had a very odd way of assigning horses; you would come up to the head ranch fella and he would look around and point out a horse that he would deem a good fit.  As we got closer, I was feeling a bit hopeful.  Then the result: 4 slots. I had put myself on the bottom of the ridding list (the kids would need an adult with them and it was Beach's birthday - so there was no way I wanted him to miss this for my mistake), so I would sit out.

I was so glad that they got to go (and we didn't lose that money from the reservation).  Zoe even happened to get the horse that she had connected with.  

I took some pictures and they apologized that there was not enough space for me.  However, I totally understood, it was my mistake!  What I didn't expect, though, was how sad I would feel, it was just a wave to wash over me and made me feel so emotional (although I did try to hide it).

There was nothing I could do, though, but pray that God would watch over them and comfort my heart or somehow make a way for me as well.  After a few more minutes of them getting settled before heading out (which I later learned that they were just waiting on anyone that may change their mind after being on a horse), the head huncho called out to me.  My response, "Did you find a miracle (meaning somehow a way for me)?"  He nodded, smiled, and brought me into the pin to a weathered older staff member. "Boss man said I had to give you my horse," as he got me set up on his own ride.  I couldn't believe it but KNEW it was a gift from God and in my heart I responded, "That was because My BOSS MAN led him to do it."  

I was elated that our waymaker made a way for me in this precious gift to be with my family!

After walking a bit, our guide made sure everyone was good and gave us more instructions.  Our group was twice as large (I think because I had another guides horse).

The first part of heading down into the canyon had very narrow steep drop offs (and turns called "Wet your sattle), which made me very nervous, as my horse did not seem to know to stop and not keep walking off the ledge - no photos of such, just lots of prayer. However, that was the scariest part and it was more relaxing after that.

Thankfully it had not snowed that day but there was still some left over from the previous day, and the temperatures were so much better for all of us!

Seeing all the hoodoos again was so fun!

Zoe was right in front of me, so a lot of photos of her!

Couldn't stop smiling that I got to do this!

This was our favorite activity of the whole trip!

Headed back up and thankful for our awesome guide!!!

Before heading out of the park, I wanted to do one more short trail in a separate area, the Mossy Cave Trail.

We went over a bridge, as much of the trial was along the river.

The water in these pictures just seem to blend in!

It was a quick hike to end our travels in Bryce!

We then headed toward our next adventure and last national park, Zion. Ezra had spotted a rock stores that he wanted to visit and since we were headed back in the same direction for a bit, we did stop there.

However, they were already closed for the day, so he just took a couple of photos.

Meet the Flintstones!

There were very few options for dinner but we lucked out at this classic diner type restaurant.

The decor was entertaining, the food not to bad, but what really stood out was the very personable and fun waiter.

Steak (with horrible lighting) for the birthday boy!

The waiter took our photo, including some individual shots (his idea) of the kids which they liked.

And he brought Beach double desserts (don't worry, he shared).

Best hospitality experience and glad to make my man smile!!!  

The drive wasn't to much further until we reached Zion National Park.

Unlike the other parks, we seemed to enter in the valley and the enormity of all around us was so beautiful.  We had to stop for a photo!

After going through a long tunnel, we had some more spectacular views before heading out a another entrance to our small cabin outside of the park.

It took us a bit to get settled and it was after dark, but we were thankful to make it!  A birthday Beach will never forget for sure!