Week 2 of Van Life

Week 2 of Van Life.

Another incredible week full of memories and hiking. I am realizing I need to start a key word outline in my notes throughout my days so I can remember everything I want to write.

We left The Grand Canyon and started our journey to Utah. On the way, we made an effort to visit Horseshoe Bend! It was amazing! I would recommend seeing it, especially if you're traveling out west and passing by. We loved it!

By that evening, we made it to St. George, Utah. We camped the first night on BLM land with our friends from Texas, Lydia and Mitchell. They were in town for Mitchell to run the Ironman! We were also in town to cheer him on, but also to explore St. George and Zion National Park.

Alright, Zion. WOW!!!!! I did not know what to expect, and man, it was beautiful. This might be in my top three favorite national parks. We enjoyed our first day driving the 12 mile route through the park and back. This is a cool way to see more of Zion, and we saw a family of billy goats hanging out on a cliff. That was sweet to see.

Angels Landing. We were fortunate enough to get the permit to hike Angels Landing. They are now requiring you to request your group in a lottery to receive the permit to hike the intimidating trail.....Angels Landing. It's annoying, but this helps with the trail being less crowded, which is more safe since it's very narrow and steep towards the top of Angels Landing. This is why you need a permit. The hike was pretty challenging with all the switch backs leading to the climb. I would not say this is an easy 4 mile hike, but it is rewarding. The climb. I was not so sure if I would do it. I love to climb, but I like being strapped into a harness, not hang on to metal chains. My hands instantly starting sweating as we walked close to starting the hike/climb. I was nervous, but you know what? The billy goat in me kicked in, and it was FUN! I loved every minute of this part of the hike. The part that's most scary to people, turned out to be my favorite part of the whole 4 miles. I even shocked myself with how much I enjoyed it. My biggest advice is, anyone can do this, just listen to your body, drink a lot of water, rest when you need too, and eat a snack when you need too. DO NOT hike this trail without water and food. You gain elevation on the last 1500ft and you DO NOT want to feel dizzy or unsure with your foot steps on this last part of Angels Landing. Other than that, it is an incredible experience and I highly recommend it. We even saw a guy carrying a child on this part of the hike, now I would not say that is safe, but it was impressive. Lydia did join us, as Mitchell was resting for his big race. Hannah, who is also from our church in Texas, joined us. I loved having friends experience this with us. I told them," This hike was my Ironman." haha.

The Narrows. I actually wanted to sit this hike out. I was exhausted and at this point from everything we have accomplished...but... as I saw Robby get his gear from Zion Outfitters...I started getting FOMO! So, I got the gear to hike The Narrows. We met with Jenny and Jackson, who are on Robby's side of the family, to hike with us. Jenny is Jacksons mom. Her husband, Marshall, was also resting, because he too, was racing in the Ironman. We all loved The Narrows. This hike is must!!! It was a hot day, so hiking through water, was refreshing. This hike is easy/moderate. Anyone can do it!

We loved Zion and hope to visit again one day. Congrats to Mitchell and Marshall for completing what I hear is the toughest Ironman ever held. St. George hills are no joke. We spent all of Saturday cheering these guys on!! It was emotional and motivational to watch over 3,000 humans compete in this insane race, but even more motivating when you are cheering on two people you know. It is so inspiring.

Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon was beautiful. We went in with no expectations and of course loved it. It was one of the less busy National Parks I've been too. It was quiet and honestly refreshing in a way. We hiked the Navajo Loop Trail that lead us to the famous most iconic photo spot, Wall Street. The short 1.7 mile hike was unique, and I think that is why we loved it. There was quite a bit of photo opportunities throughout this trail, which was perfect for me. ha!

After visiting Bryce Canyon for a few hours, we continued our journey as we made our way to Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City is just another world. You are surrounded by mountains. I can't even explain the beauty. We spent one day at a coffee shop, catching up on work, editing, and writing blogs, and spent the rest of the day..........shopping. We love shopping a little too much... it was fun. We ended the evening eating Chick-fil-A and watching the NBA.

The very next day, we traveled about an hour west to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Just one amazing place after another. The Salt Flats are so cool. I have never seen anything like it. We spent a few hours out there and loved it!! That evening, we heading over to Robby's previous co-worker's house, who we knew from Texas, and now lives in Salt Lake City, to make pizza and visit with his family. We enjoyed our time being welcomed into a home and having great conversations.

The next place we visited is the ski town Park City. I loved it there too! I just need to pause and tell you, that there is so many cool places in our country. I am so grateful to travel and experience this with Robby. I wish everyone could see and do this. It is just so cool. And all the different people too. Just crazy. We did go into the Burton store with no intentions of walking out with snowboards, boots, and bindings. It just happened to be a great deal we couldn't pass up. So here's my advice on this, if you're looking at buying ski gear or snowboard gear, go after the season is over and you should be guaranteed and great deal. I am a pretty ok snowboarder, but not enough to justify buying myself brand new gear. I think this was a smart move for both of us. After we did the math, it was almost as if we saved over 75% off. So please....check on that before you spend way too much $$$ on gear.

I have pretty much caught you guys up. We head back to Memphis, TN on Sunday for our cousins wedding. After that.... I guess we continue traveling? haha! We have been talking about a home base, but praying for wisdom on that, because we can almost see ourselves living everywhere! Yes...we are those people.... which is why this traveling thing is dangerous for us. haha! We are excited and despite my health issues, this has been such a memorable experience.

I hope you enjoyed this blog today! Thank you for reading, let me know your thoughts and comments.

-Georganna