Monday, June 9, 2008

Zion National Park

The Dampiers...Adam and I in the park.
Mom and Dad.
Grandaddy and I at the Virgin River.

Today, we went to Zion National Park in Utah. It took almost 3 hours to get there, but it was truly worth the trip. The scenery is really unique and beautiful. We rode the shuttle busses around the park and got off to make a few short "hikes." We then said "goodbye" to Dad, Mom, Grandmother, and Grandaddy who were heading north towards Salt Lake City. Over the 4 day visit, we saw lots of amazing scenery and Mom and Dad have now caught our "hiking bug." Here are a few photos of the day...

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Mt. Charleston Hiking...

Adam and I at the Base... Dad and I About to Climb this Peak...
The three of us at the waterfalls...

Yesterday, we went to Mt. Charleston for some hiking and cooler weather. From the Vegas valley up to the mountain, there was a 30 degree temperature change! We hiked and enjoyed the natural beauty. Adam, Dad, and I killed ourselves to reach the summit of Cathedral Rock. The views were spectacular, though the hike was brutal! Mom and Grandaddy made it up the mountain quite a way, but not quite as high as us. Grandmother enjoyed the scenery from a comfortable seat in the picnic area. Here are some photos...

Friday, June 6, 2008

Red Rock with the Family

Me, Grandmother, and GrandaddyMom and Dad
Dad Taking a Break
Me, Grandaddy, and Mom on the trail...
Dad cooling off at the springs...

Today, Mom, Dad, Grandmother, Grandaddy and I ventured up to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This is one of the few places I'm going to miss once we leave Las Vegas as the hikes are great and beautiful in a "dry," "sweltering," desert kind of way. We had a good time and Dad and I actually made it all the way up to La Madre Spring. The hike was brutal, but well worth the sense of accomplishment in the end. Here are some family photos....