Westward Ho Days 11 & 12: Mishaps, Magic, & Memories!
We're okay! Got a bit behind on updates after some adventurous twists (mechanical & medical sagas!). Glad to be back sharing our journey!
Day 11: Zion Ups & Downs (feat. a Cactus Culprit!)
Our sweet Lorna woke up a grumpy toddler, beautifully rerouting Zion plans! An attempted family bike ride on Pa'rus Trail was... brief. So, some shopped while she napped. Lunch quest led to Deep Creek Coffee Co. – what a find! The amazing oldest sister barista crafted unique drinks & gifted us a delicious hibiscus lemonade! True highlight.
Lorna's mood dipped again; older kids played in the Virgin River while we weathered the storm. Then, dinner took a turn: she ATE A CACTUS SPINE! Evening Emergency rush to kind National Park staff. (Pro tip: Dad's wallet + cash = instant toddler smile, even with a sore tongue!)
Day 12: Zion Farewells, Bryce Beauty & a Camper Flood!
Lorna woke up much better! Packed "Buzz," waved goodbye to Zion's blooming cactuses (from a safe distance!), then a vital stop: kids proudly earned their 2nd Junior Ranger badges! The drive to Bryce Canyon was STUNNING – iconic red arches & hoodoos like nothing we've seen! Checked into Ruby's Inn. Rain foiled our bike-ride-into-the-park, so we drove. Bryce is an instant family fave – such a strange, captivating landscape with incredible rim views! Dreamt of an early hike... only to find WATER GUSHING from "Buzz" the RV!
Sink left on = overflow & flood
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Frantic cleanup, more laundry. So much for that early start!
Phew! These days truly tested our "embracing challenges" motto while still "finding joy" (hello, coffee & kid resilience!). All part of the story. Grateful for health, helpful strangers & continued beauty amidst the chaos.
