Cross Country Journal Days 7 and 8: Bryce Canyon
We would have been content to remain in Springdale, near Zion National Park, on the Virgin River FORVER. No one wanted to leave.
Alas, we knew that our check out time was approaching, but we procrastinated. I started my procrastination with breakfast by the river with one of my favorites.
Then we swam while soaking in the gorgeous view.
Then it was time for more playing in the river.
Before we knew it, it was time to check out.
Springdale had lots of great lunch options and we filled up on a delicious meal before heading out of the National Park area.
“Good-bye Zion. We love you! And we WILL be back.”
Our next destination was Bryce Canyon and we were eager to see the hoodoos. We spent our evening taking in various view points on the scenic drive.
Our next morning was spent hiking among the hoodoos. This was a fantastic experience.
Walking behind my boys, listening to their chatter while hiking, was a fantastic moment in parenting. 
I was able to watch their relationship grow right before my eyes, without the typical distractions of home and life.
Hiking with your kids is an experience I highly recommend. It doesn’t matter WHERE you go hiking, though these locations out west are incredible, but just GO hiking together.
Conversation comes easy as you hike. The time spent together deepens relationships and your knowledge of one another. It is a beautiful thing.
Of course, picking out hikes that are interesting, challenging, and include scenery that is very different from home is helpful too!
Our hike out of the hoodoos was particularly memorable. It is called the “Lombard Street” of hiking.
Crazy, fun stuff.
Then we headed a little ways out of Bryce Canyon City and grabbed lunch. Our diner choice got an A+ in my book simply based on the HUGE mason jars that they used to serve iced tea!
We returned to the “Wall Street” section of our morning hike again that evening. The kids wanted to walk around and explore this crazy hike a bit more.
After a good night’s sleep, we stopped briefly at a local playground. The kids needed some time to run and play while I picked up a few groceries for a picnic lunch.
Then we said goodbye to Bryce Canyon, wearing all of our Zion Canyon T-shirts…
And we buckled down for the next big drive.
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
- 5 Simple Ideas to Encourage Creative Writing With Young Kids - May 3, 2023
- 24 Creative Ways to Have Fun with Your Family in May - April 27, 2023
- The Ultimate Guide to Poetry Collections for Kids - April 10, 2023