Tanya at Zion These days most people may be know me as being an adventurer of sorts. Having backpacked my way through a few different continents, skied down some the most world famous olympic slopes, did my share of swinging on vines, walking tightropes, and various other "out" there type activities!
Well, I haven't always been so ready and willing to get "down & dirty".
In fact I still don't really enjoy getting dirty at all! And yet since I love all the fun that comes with getting dirty, I do it anyway!
Yea, I know I'm kinda like a living, breathing, walking, talking conundrum!
Taking a break at Weeping Rock
I've also actually always hated camping. But what it has really always been about was that I always hated "car-camping". I just don't see the point, still don't. Why?! If you're gonna do something, do it all the way... get out there into the depths of the wilderness - be prepared, hire a guide, but get out there! No running water, no electricity, rough and tough it!
 Virgin River  Lizard at Zion |  Tiny little lizard at Zion  Landscape at Zion  Landscape and Wildflowers at Zion |
In May of 2012, I planned a trip out to Zion National Park. Having been there couple of times myself along with friends, but never with the likes of Dave B. or the kiddies.
So, I decided that we would go camping, though not exactly to "rough it", because it would be Cosette's first ever experience at camping whatsoever.
And I had a blast doing exactly what I've always hated - "car-camping".
So, I decided that we would go camping, though not exactly to "rough it", because it would be Cosette's first ever experience at camping whatsoever.
And I had a blast doing exactly what I've always hated - "car-camping".
 At Weeping Rock |  Hiking at Zion |
Plans we're that we'd do some hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding, etc. We'd be out there with lanterns, cooking on a camping stove, and we'd pee behind bushes!
I knew that Dominic looking very forward to spending some time in the great outdoors! Climbing rocks, and making cairns (that's his thing). Cosette on the other hand absolutely hates hiking (I literally need a trail of cookies for her to follow), she has never pee'd in the outdoors, and complains A LOT!
Bribery was gonna be in full force!
I knew that Dominic looking very forward to spending some time in the great outdoors! Climbing rocks, and making cairns (that's his thing). Cosette on the other hand absolutely hates hiking (I literally need a trail of cookies for her to follow), she has never pee'd in the outdoors, and complains A LOT!
Bribery was gonna be in full force!
 About to ride a mule  Kids having a blast on the mules!  Giddy-Up! |  Fun ride through the Zion Canyon  Look at that Blue Sky! |
Designated in 1919, Zion is Utah's oldest and most popular national park. Located in southwestern Utah near St. George & Springdale. Zion was created by millions of years of work by forces of Nature. Quite possibly the most spectacular of all the so very many geological wonders in Utah, where sheer sandstone cliffs tower up over 2,000 feet above the North Fork of the Virgin River, and then gradually become closer together until a mere 30 feet (or less) apart in certain places. It's no wonder that Zion National Park is enjoyed by more than 2 million people visiting it each year. Offering amazing geology, breathtaking views, climbing and hiking trails that offer endless possibilities to get out there and explore!
 My little sleepy heads! |  Driving to Zion |
Being a 6.5hr drive from SoCal we took off bright and early and headed for Zion National Park, driving past Las Vegas along the way. I actually even made dinner plans for Sinatra for our return trip back!
We arrived at the park, checked in, found our site, set up our tent (keeping in mind that I only have a backpackers tent - aka tiny, and something for Cosette to complain about). We took in the amazing blue skies (no smog here). Did some hiking, enjoyed the fresh air, attended few Ranger-led evening programs, and definitely snuggled like a few bugs in a rug at night!
We arrived at the park, checked in, found our site, set up our tent (keeping in mind that I only have a backpackers tent - aka tiny, and something for Cosette to complain about). We took in the amazing blue skies (no smog here). Did some hiking, enjoyed the fresh air, attended few Ranger-led evening programs, and definitely snuggled like a few bugs in a rug at night!
 At the top of Watchman Trail  Lower Emerald Pool  Adorable little doe on the lawn |  Ready for the day!  Time for some ice cream!  Let's go climb a rock! |
Sleeping under the eye of the Watchman, hiking the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, Weeping Rock Trail, Riverside Walk, and the Watchman Trail, riding mules under the Three Patriarchs and taking the shuttle bus tour from the Zion Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava, all made for a very memorable and thoroughly enjoyable visit. Even for Cosette!
 Standing above the Virgin River |  Shuttle bus tour of Zion |
Then as we were on the drive back and nearing close to the Las Vegas strip, we had pulled over and all changed our duds (in the truck) and put on some proper clothes for a proper dinner. Where a 9 year old Cosette while eating her bread, said in relief "this is so much better than camping!"
And then on the actual drive home, after a wonderful Italian Sunday night dinner, served by the fabulous staff at Sinatra, little Dominic claimed "I felt like a gentleman after all of that service!"
And then on the actual drive home, after a wonderful Italian Sunday night dinner, served by the fabulous staff at Sinatra, little Dominic claimed "I felt like a gentleman after all of that service!"
 In front of the Encore & Wynn Resorts  Striking a pose at the Wynn |  Dinner at Sinatra  Dinner at Sinatra |