On October 20, we made an escape to the Beehive State, otherwise known as Utah. This wasn’t our first encounter with beaUTAHful countryside, but this time around, the GPS was programmed for Kanab instead of Moab, just north of the Arizona state line.
We traveled over 23 hours and across 1,572 miles before we finally arrived at the Airbnb that I carefully selected for the family. Because, let’s be honest… even though dad’s hunting tag was the driving force behind the trip, the ladies were only coming along if there was a hot tub and fire table to enjoy.
Somehow, we did manage to convince Mom and Genesee to leave the premises and come hunting with us a few times so they could experience the difficult, treacherous, and exhausting lengths we go to to provide meat for the dinner table.
Luckily, there was a grocery store in town because those mule deer kicked our butts in a fierce battle of hide-and-seek.
And even though we weren’t able to harvest venison, hunting with Dad teaches me how to be patient, how to respect nature, and how to appreciate the quiet moments in life (which are much quieter when Genesee doesn’t tag along).
Besides, who would have time to enjoy a delicious venison burger anyway, when so many national parks and other family adventures await!? So, instead of sulking around the kitchen, famished, we decided to explore the cute little town of Kanab!
Then, after playing in some parks and doing a little shopping, we crossed over the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge to make our way to Horseshoe Bend in northern Arizona, “a geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River.”
The hike to the overlook was 1.5 miles round-trip, and it was a stunning site to see! Not as magnificent was mom’s anxiety. Since the overlook’s viewing platform was the only part of the landmark that had railings, mom’s shaky legs and worst-case-scenario brain lessened some of the enjoyment, but at least I’m alive to tell this story (said my mother).
After working up an appetite, we found a fun place to eat, called The Barnyard…
…before we set out on our next big adventure: touring the Lower Antelope Canyon, operated by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. This was one of my favorite parts of our trip; It’s amazing how this slot canyon was formed by wind and water. It was truly awe-inspiring!
Another memorable moment was visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Since we checked off the South Rim last year, we wanted to be part of the 10% of park visitors who actually travel to the remote, uncrowded “other side.” Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim is not open year-round and offers more panoramic and less obstructed views of the Grand Canyon.
An unplanned highlight of the trip was when we stumbled upon Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. After learning more about their mission to “bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets” and to have all animal shelters in the USA reach no-kill status by 2025, we booked an impromptu tour and I immediately decided that I will volunteer there someday and also donate money to the cause. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is 3,700 acres large and home to 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and other animals!
To round out our 2023 trip out west, we made plans to peruse Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Belly of the Dragon, and Red Hollow Canyon on our final full-day in Utah.
Despite its many flaws and the depressing stories I overhear on the news, this trip reminded me that we sure do live in a beautiful country! And so, even though we will likely return home to another scary letter from the principal for our 7-day absence from school, I am quite certain a traditional classroom could not teach me the life lessons I am privileged to learn through travel. Plus, every kid deserves an occasional whipped cream and sprinkle covered pancake, which is a luxury that the typical school morning rush just doesn’t allow for.
Thanks, parents, for forcing us to slow down, turn off the electronics, and learn about the wonderful world that surrounds us!