Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Last weekend we visited Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Southern Arizona and had the best time. Read more
Lessons From Our First Backpacking Trip
We embarked on our first backpacking trip recently and chose White Sands National Monument as the location. One of the reasons we selected White Sands for this trip is because the backcountry sites are only 3/4 – 1 mile from the parking lot. You are walking through sand dunes but overall it is not a hard or long hike. We learned so much from this trip and I thought I would share our lessons learned in case backpacking is of interest or in case you would like to laugh at some of our silly mistakes. Read more
Backcountry Camping in White Sands National Monument
We spent an incredible two days in White Sands National Monument. The monument is incredible, but this is one that you really need to get off the beaten path to fully enjoy.
White Sands has been on our bucket list for years. Literally. We were planning to visit in 2013 and it didn’t work out, but I’m happy to report that this trip was a success! Not only was it a success; it is one of my all-time favorite things that we’ve done. Read more
Durango, CO with a side of Petrified Forest National Park
When we realized Moab was not going to work out we immediately got in the car and drove to the nearest wifi hotspot to look for someplace cooler to move to. It needed to be within a days drive home and the temp needed to be under 90. The entire state of Arizona was out, as was most of Utah, so we ended up in Durango, Colorado. Read more
Our day in Moab: 24 hours, 15,000 steps, & 100+ temps
We had planned to spend five days in the Moab area but ended up leaving after 24 hours. Please don’t take it personal, Moab. It wasn’t you; it was the weather. The hot, hot weather. But we’ll be back. Promise. Read more
Arches National Park
After Bryce Canyon we headed to Arches National Park. I love driving through Utah. The drive to Arches along I-70 was nothing short of spectacular. I find being on the open road so incredibly peaceful. I don’t know that I always enjoyed being in the car but I have come to love it. Read more
Bryce Canyon National Park
Well, summer vacation has come and gone. I’m always so excited for this time of year but it goes by too quickly. We still have months of camping left but our annual summer road trip is officially in the books. Read more
Grand Canyon National Park
We have made several quick trips to the south rim of the Grand Canyon in recent years but have not hiked into the canyon. We hope to do that in the future.
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Fall Break in Zion National Park
Last year our school district changed up the schedule and we now have a week off in October. I have come to love this break because it’s a great time to get out of town and explore someplace a little cooler. It’s still hot in southern Arizona in October and I am so ready for fall by this point. The desert does not start to cool down until after Halloween. It’s almost like clockwork. It’s hot on Halloween and November 1st starts the cool down. Read more
Field Trip to Saguaro National Park
One benefit of living close to a national park is that the likelihood of your children taking a field trip to the park is high. Both my kids have visited Saguaro National Park with their classes and I was fortunate to attend as a chaperone both times. School field trips are some of my favorite days each year. Read more