Tag: 2013

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Jolley Gulch

For Mountain Dad’s birthday, the whole family went on vacation at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. While we were there for a family reunion in August, Mountain Dad fell in love with the off roading Utility Vehicle we rented and thanks to that, decided to buy a UTV of our own (it arrives next week).
So when a blogging opportunity for Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort came up, we jumped at the chance to visit again. Mountain Dad was eager to get more off road time, and I was eager to enjoy the fall before it got too cold in the mountains.
The great part about off roading is the access to wilderness that would be difficult to reach otherwise. Mountain Dad and I took the tots to Jolley Gulch in Zion National Park, a thirty minute UTV ride from our cabin suite at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. To hike to this beautiful overlook with two small tots would’ve been very difficult, but in the UTV we could ride out together, walk a few hundred feet and take in the view without too much trouble.

 

 

Back at our cabin, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset and looked forward to exploring Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in the following days.

 

 

Zion National Park in Autumn, Utah

Zion National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the west. Mountain Dad and I have visited several times over the years, but we had never gone in Autumn until now.
What brought us to Zion National Park was an exciting blogging connection. In August, we stayed at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort for a big family reunion and afterward I was invited to blog for them. If you’re ever interested in a cool place to stay in the region, it’s great. Just read my previous post.
At Zion National Park on this occasion we loved seeing golden leaves set against a backdrop of red rock cliffs. Rock climbers ascended precarious peaks, while hikers journeyed along Angel’s Landing. Our little mountain family was content to play beside the stream.
There are lots of hidden places in Zion National Park, and this one, just beyond the street parking near Canyon Junction, was our favorite. Big E dug in the warm sand while little g plopped rocks in the water. The gurgle of the stream could be heard from the road, enticing us to get off the beaten path for a while. Warm weather made the trip perfect, and we all enjoyed playing together in a beautiful place.
I’ve been to Zion National Park in the Spring, Summer and Autumn and Autumn was my favorite.

 

Motherhood Moments: Happy Belated Halloween!

I know Halloween was last week, but our family had so much fun I just wanted to share a few photos. I hope your holiday was filled with spooky treats and laughs too!

Big E was Jengo Fett from Star Wars. Here he is at a Trunk – or – Treat at his preschool. Although fun, I’m not sure I enjoyed how easy it was to get a pumpkin full of candy. If I have to pay for his cavities for the next fourteen years, I want them to be well earned.

Mountain Dad and I at a Halloween party. I think someone was trying to steal his cookie. Bad idea, he was packing heat.

We’re big Lego and Angry Bird Star Wars fans at our house. On occasion Big E will ask for “a Star Wars story from your mind”. It’s a good thing Mountain Dad and I have seen all six episodes.

 I hope you enjoyed your Halloween holiday. This last photo was my favorite because of the beautiful light on the mountains in the background. It’s hard to believe how awesome the mountains can be. Thank you sunset!

Great Horned Owl Release, Great Basin Wildlife Rescue

The tots and I are lucky enough to live in Great Horned Owl country.  I know that, not because I’ve seen the animals flying overhead, but because we were able to attend a Great Horned Owl Release just down the road from our home.
The group behind this event was the Great Basin Wildlife Rescue, a non profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of birds of prey and black bear cubs.  Thanks to them, we were able to meet some spectacular birds before wishing the Great Horned Owls well.
Volunteers from the Great Basin Wildlife Rescue introduced us to a barn owl, screech owl, golden eagle and Peregrine Falcon, all of which were beautiful to behold. Patti, the Rescue center’s director, was on hand to explain the habitat of each animal and how the Great Basin Wildlife Rescue works to return them to their natural home.

After playing in this private park, exploring the tee pee, waterfalls, and giant swing, it was time to see the main event – two Great Horned Owls ready to be released back into their natural habitat!

The owls were held talons out and thrown into the air by some eager volunteers. They soared briefly before perching on a nearby pine tree to try and figure out where they were. Patti explained that this was their first free flight, so they were probably confused about what was happening. When they finally got their bearings they flew off again in search of food and shelter.

I’m excited to have these new neighbors in my area and wish all the volunteers at Great Basin Wildlife Rescue luck in their future rescues. This experience was awesome!