MaMaLiRZ

We drove the two hours drive from Bryce Canyon to Capital Reef. The drive was quiet both in the car and the surrounding panorama. The stillness echoed around us, encapsulating our movement. As we got nearer to Capital Reef, wildlife started popping out to say hello from the woods along our route. Beyond the car we saw deer, both doe and buck, move across the road. Eagles swept around us in the breeze of the mountains high above the Colorado Plateau.

Rocks weren’t grey here, they were near black. The dirt, red. Evergreen and deciduous trees stood in reverence of all that have come before. Without warning a small out cropping of hotels appeared as we exited the two-lane mountain pass, and just as quickly disappeared in the rearview mirror. 20 minutes later, the welcome sign to Capital Reef National Park appeared on our right as the sun was descending on our left.

The first seen of our then seven National Parks was a selfie stand in front of the entrance. I’m shocked that there aren’t more of them at other NP locations. The maker understood the average number of visitors to the sleeper park may need an extra set of hands to get their classic photo. To give a frame of reference, Capital Reef on average receives 1.2 million visitors in a year while Zion (only an 1.5 hours away) receives approximately 5 million.

Do Not Miss Capital Reef National Park

Do not be among the 3.8 million that miss or bypass this park every year. It surprised me in a very positive way. From the welcome selfie stand to the homemade pies and cookies, to Cassidy’s Arch and the Scenic drive, this park incorporated a feeling of home in everything it offered. Even the visitors were friendlier.

My intention for Capital Reef was to complete the scenic drive and junior ranger books then head out to Zion National Park. Both fortunately and unfortunately, the rain that we experienced at Bryce Canyon had clearly passed through Capital Reef and closed a major portion of the scenic drive. We drove near the Gifford House and thought due to the volume of cars, it would be better to stop back on our way out of the park. We went up to the road closure on the scenic drive and parked like 20 of our closest friends and hiked a bit.

Bring Water and Snacks: even on the 30 minute hikes…

The boys are always the most adventureous in the first 30 minutes of every trek, this one included. Off the beaten path, shoes covered in mud, we explored the uranium mines’ openings (don’t worry, little to no uranium was ever found here) and traveled up the Grand Wash. Our intentions was to walk the 30 minutes or so exploring then head back to the car and Gifford House.

Unfortunately for our sweet tooth, the Grand Wash beckoned us on. Then, the challenge of hiking from 5400 feet above sea level to 6350 above sea level pulled the boys interest which then turned into sheer determination to reach our destination of Cassidy’s Arch only another .5 miles away. We were now in the jaunt that was expected to last 30 minutes, 7.5 miles or four hours. Guess what MamaLiRZ didn’t bring on the 30 minute walk?…water and snacks. Wowza! [I know Tara, it sounds familiar! Difference was about 50 degrees in temperature though. I know, no excuse.]

Water, Please.

Three-quarters of the way to the Arch we passed another hiker who stopped to chat. Berin used the opportunity to do what neither Benjamin nor I would dare, he asked the gentleman for extra water. Now to put it in perspective, yes we had hiked several hours, however, it was a beautifully cool day, and no, we were not in any danger.

Kindly the man pulled out his extra Nalgene bottle and handed it over to which we drank more than half. Later at the end of the hike as we were going over the day, I asked Berin why he asked for water when his brother was telling him NOT to. His response was simple, “he looked like a nice man that would have water”. I do not worry about this young man’s survival. When he has a need or desire, he makes it known and is not put off by potential embarrassment. Now, getting into a van due to the promise of a cute kitten or candy is another story…but we’ve talked about this.

Cassidy’s Arch

Cassidy’s Arch was a wonderful snapshot I will hold in my mind’s eye forever. It was worth the hike with or without the nice man’s water. More than just being a nice hike, we learned about determination, doing what we set out to do, and managing our internal voices of frustration and anger.

The Arch 6300+ feet above sea level with the backdrop of such beautiful surroundings framed our trips, encapsulated our quest, and taught us life lessons.

Life’s Lessons

As we finished the pictures and were about to start the trip back down, Benjamin asked me for a few minutes to get right in his head. And so, while he collected himself and managed the inner voices, Berin and I explored the nearby area.

Benjamin lain on his back, eyes closed, took charge of his inner negative demons at the Arch. He struggled on the walk due to it being a bad day for him. He had several trips and minor falls, overall unsure footing. His shoes were covered in mud, his new black pants now had red mud up and down the legs, and the altitude took his athletic breath away, causing major frustration.

Benjamin was at peace by the time we returned. I’m grateful for all that I am learning about my children. How they work. What they are afraid of. What encourages them as well as what discourages them.

Parenting Decisions

To my readers: I never force the kids onwards. Each step or decision point is made collectively. Do we choose to go on or do we choose to turn back. We reason it out until the decision is unanimous. And I honor their decision. However, once the decision is made, and because they were each a part of that decision, there is no quitting. We must continue to the next decision point.

Perhaps some will think that it is a harsh way of parenting. Perhaps others will see it as I do, life’s lessons being taught. My intent is to give them a voice and opinion to participate in our adventures at every step. By the way, I am also learning about myself in each trip. I, just like my boys, am learning to battle the same inner voices, only mine are highlighted by parenting failures and overall ‘adult’ concerns. How am I parenting? How can I do better with my kids and in life? How am I conquering the negative voices? What are my life lessons?

The Strength of our Minds

The junior ranger badges teach them about the park and conservation, but the talks we have in the decision points and how they are managing their inner demons, take each trip to a higher level. I hope that they continue to grow and learn that our minds are our biggest strength. Our minds can convince our bodies on our ability or inability to complete tasks. Which voice will they listen to? Which voice do you listen to reader?

I love each of you, and I hope that you will learn to take the bad with the good and convince your mind that you are invincible! We only have one life to live. Live it to your fullest.

**Gifford House: get there early so you get a pie. We missed ours, they were sold out, but the chocolate chip cookie were to die for!