Bryce Canyon {5.27.16 - 6.5.16} Road Trip

The next day {5.29.16} of our epic road trip we traveled to Bryce Canyon National Park. This place is truly one of a kind! To start out our day we went to church in Tropic, Utah, about a 15 minute drive from the entrance of the park. Once in the park we went walking on all the beautiful trails and just took in everything we were surrounded by. It was stunning and I can't wait to go back!

Big rattlesnake. Let's just say he was not happy! 

Don't mind the little person I am about to eat! ;) 

Canyon De Chelly {5.27.16 - 6.5.16} Road Trip

I can't believe it is already July! Time flies by when you're having fun! Life isn't always fun, but for the most part everything is great! Back at the end of May and beginning of June we went on an epic road trip! We went across 4 states and did something worth while in each state. We drove through New Mexico {5.28.16} first on our way out of Texas and stayed at El Malpais National Monument and visited the La Ventana Arch. We didn't get to stay very long because we drove another 3 hours to Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Northern Arizona. Canyon de Chelly is famous for their ancient Indian ruins, and the beautiful red cliffs that open up into great valleys with fertile soil throughout the canyons. It was absolutely beautiful!

Our first campsite out of the 9 nights that we camped under the stars! 

La Ventana Arch at El Malpais

Ancient lava flow (~3,000 years old, which is not very old in geological terms!)  in El Malpais National Monument

The first of many beautiful overlooks in Canyon de Chelly National Monument

White House Ruins

Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly National Monument

A conglomerate fluvial channel that flowed through ancient sand dunes of the de chelly sandstone. This is my "why is this taking so long" face. I can only point for so long. This is how I am reminded that I married geologist. 

More geological pictures! 

The Mummy Cave Ruins from a far. 

And now a little closer....

and now closet! 

Antelope Ruins

Antelope Ruins from a far! 

Colorado Bend, Longhorn and Pedernales State Park {5.19.16 - 5.22.16}

For our next weekend trip we hit up some Texas State Parks. It was busy, but fun. We made some great memories and I am grateful we have so much beauty that surrounds us that we can enjoy! This weekend was full of lots swimming, hiking to beautiful waterfalls and walking through a cave that wasn't cool for it's beauty, but history of the people and how it was founded.

Colorado Bend State Park

View from our campsite :) 

I love the wildflowers in Texas! 

Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park

Spicewood Springs was very refreshing in the hot humid weather! 

Finally found our next place to camp!! All the other free campgrounds were closed! 

Longhorn Caverns State Park

They used the caves during prohibition and had luxurious parties and weddings underground! 

Pedernales State Park

Intense rapids when the water rises! No one is allowed to swim or even sit in the water in case of a flash flood in this particular part of the park. 

Further down the pedernales river we could swim : ) 

More wildflowers in central Texas!! I love it!