A weekend getaway...

For Mother's Day, Jeff made me a note out of chocolates (good thinking!) that said, "Let's get away". In years past, Jeff and I have tried to have at least one fun, out of town vacation every fall. Since it was the boys' fall break this week, Jeff and I took advantage of the fact that they would be home to watch Jonas and took off! Yup, it took me 5 months to cash in on my Mother's Day gift. However, we couldn't have picked a better weekend to enjoy St. George. The weather was gorgeous!..and allowed us to do all the activities we'd hoped to. We left on Thursday (10/19). Our first stop was the temple. I have always loved seeing this blinding white edifice set against the deep, coarse red rock of southern Utah. The temple is truly a beacon to all who see it. I enjoy going to the temple. I enjoy the sense of peace and hope I find inside. I can set my burdens at the door and somehow when I pick them up again, they seem lighter. It was the best way to start our weekend.

After we finished at the temple, we had a quick bite to eat then headed to the Tuacahn theater. It was our first time going. Each year they put on three musicals that rotate throughout the summer/fall. This was their last weekend of production. The theater is an outdoor amphitheater nestled in a red rock canyon. It is genuinely amazing! We were so impressed with the facility itself and the show hadn't even started yet! We watched Mama Mia. It probably wasn't Jeff's top pick, but it worked with our schedule and I liked it. Actually, I even saw him crack a smile or two throughout the musical. I am determined to return next year!

Friday (10/20) morning we woke up and went into St. George to eat breakfast at the Bear Paw Cafe. This is another place I'd been aware of for many years but had yet to eat there. Everyone who has eaten there has given it high marks. It did not disappoint! I had the pecan crusted french toast. I loved every sickeningly sweet bite! It was a good thing we were early risers because by the time we finished our meal there was a crowd of people waiting outside to get in!

I needed to walk off my breakfast and we had a bit of time to kill so we walked a couple blocks away to see Brigham Young's winter home. St. George is rich in LDS history. Brigham Young would retreat to St. George in the winter during his latter years. It was a beautiful two story home in the heart of St. George. We enjoyed learning more about Young's legacy and touring the beautiful home. It was like stepping back in time.

Jeff picking some cotton...one of the reasons Brigham Young sent early saints to settle this area.

The Young family china.

B. Young's bed

Finally, we left St. George to spend the rest of our weekend in Zion's National Park. Again, this was a first for me. I have always wanted to go but never made the time to do it. This weekend we made the time. I have to admit I was a little disappointed it was so crowded, but Jeff and I were still able to find quiet moments to enjoy the incredible beauty that surrounded us. Friday afternoon, we just had enough time (and energy) to hike the Emerald Pools and Grotto Trails. We shoved our way onto the overcrowded shuttles and rode up the canyon before getting off to see why it is that everyone wants to come to Zion's. The fall colors were out in force! The bright yellows and reds contrasted with the deep red and white hues of the canyon walls. I loved seeing the clear water coming off the canyon walls and pooling at various locations, but I loved the Grotto trail even more because there weren't many people on it. It may not have been as breathtaking, but I loved walking alone with my best friend in such a beautiful place. It is amazing what God has created! We called it an early evening because we knew we were going to get up early to hike the Narrows the next day.

Saturday (10/21) was by far my favorite Zion's experience! It was a chilly morning, but we braved the cold temperatures to brave the even colder water! We got to the park early enough to find an uncrowded shuttle to take us to the River Trail that led to the start of the Narrows. This hike is literally done in water! They call it the Narrows because of the narrow canyon walls that the Virgin River cuts through. Luckily, Jeff and I had rented dry pants and water boots so we were quite comfortable and warm during the hike (although a bit wet). I don't know how to describe this experience - magical? breathtaking? unforgettable? all of the above? There were a few other people scattered up the river but Jeff and I were largely left to ourselves to explore this river and the canyon walls. We watched waterfalls cascade down the red canyon walls, navigated through the rapids, explored the small finger canyon, and simply sat in awe at this wondrous place. It took us 4-5 hours to hike. I'm not sure what was more difficult - going up the river against its flow or going down with the water rapidly pushing you. I think the mild intensity of the hike made it all the more worth it. It wasn't a leisurely stroll. We made it almost all the way to Big Springs where we would have had to turn around. We were stopped by a very large boulder surrounded by chest deep water. Until that point, the water had only ever reach thigh high. We tried several ways to try to get around the deeper water, but were unsuccessful. We just knew it wasn't worth getting wet in the 45 degree water so we turned around and headed back. We felt we had seen most of the beauty this trail had to offer, and we knew we had to drive home so we were satisfied with our decision to turn around. The hike back was much more populated. We were so glad we had started early. It is an experience I'll never forget. I am so grateful to have Jeff. I love that he loves my desire to travel. I love that we get to see and experience so many things together. I can't imagine sharing my life with anyone else. Thanks for my Mother's Day getaway in October!