One of the kids had asked in disbelief why we were going on a hiking trip to celebrate our 20th anniversary instead of going to a beachy all-inclusive resort or on a pampered cruise somewhere. We smiled and explained that they wouldn't be with us to complain about the ridiculous amount of hiking we planned to do.
With thoughts of that unlimited "Whinese free" hiking in mind, we decided to get started right away. While we had researched several fine dining options in Cedar City for our first dinner, we ditched that plan to accommodate for a quick hike. Salads from Zaxby's were eaten in the car on the way to Cedar Breaks National Monument to catch sunset on the appropriately named Sunset Trail.
The trail itself was quite nice, recently paved to make walking back to the parking/camping area post sunset less dangerous with no roots or rocks to stumble upon.
We knew we were cutting it close and so we made that one mile hike to the canyon rim in record time, fueled both by our desire to see the sun seemingly sink into the canyon and also to keep warm...the temps up on the ridge were some 20 degrees cooler than the hotel down in the valley.
We may have missed a nice, sit down, relaxing meal to cap off a long day of travel. But we totally made the right choice with House "Zalads" to go and a hike to stretch our legs.
It set the tone for a glorious week of hiking and enjoying the stunning, expansive beauty all around us.
The lighting changed by the second.
We shivered at the canyon overlook until the last sliver of the sun disappeared from sight. It was a spectacular sight to witness!
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[Thank God I have seen an orange sky with purple clouds. How easy it is to forget that we have the privilege of living in God’s art gallery]. ~ Erica Goros
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And on the drive back, we spotted our first (of many, MANY) mule deer on the ridge.
As we drove it was as if we were chasing the last of the sunlight. Behind us was already the "dark sky" much of Utah is known for.
When we arrived back at the hotel, we were treated to free s'mores around the campfire in the garden. This is where we were introduced to "grown up s'mores," made with Reese cups or Rolos instead of regular chocolate. I've been ruined forever...
Bellies full and exhausted from a long day, we called home to check in with the kids and then slipped off into dreamland, anticipating our first full day of adventure...
**fitbit dashboard stats: 10,731 steps, 4.77 miles Not bad for a day mostly spent in air and then on the road from Vegas to Cedar City.
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