Dave and Jan were contacted by daughter Alissa (Crandall) and family about the possibility of meeting them for some camping and adventure as the Crandalls made their way to California on an ambitious road trip with their four boys (2,4,6 & 8).  It had been some time since the Crandalls had been to California and since Alissa had seen her brother Stephen and family – both families with a 2-year-old neither family had met yet.  Dave and Jan welcomed the plan, so they drove to Moab, Utah to join the Crandalls for a camping stay at Slickrock Campground (private) on the edge of Moab and close to Arches National Park.

Rainy weather made the camping experience a little challenging (especially for Andrew, Alissa and the boys who were tent camping on the wet ground).  Dave and Jan were a little more comfortable in their tent trailer.  On the day between the two-night camping experience the family toured Arches National Park – a beautiful part of God’s creation, even in the rain!

L to R: Ephraim, Alissa, Levi, Andrew, Elijah (back), Silas (front), Jan & Dave

Alissa, Jan and Silas at the “Delicate Arch” at Arches National Park.

After two nights of camping the family headed southwest (on the 70 and 15 freeways) to Duck Creek Village where Alissa had made reservations to stay at an Airbnb “cabin” on Cedar Mountain east of Cedar City at around 9,000 ft. elevation.  The drive took us through rain and hail and sleet and snow to a surprisingly white place!

It was nice and cozy inside even if it was a “winter wonderland” outside.

One day trip took the family for a drive through (crowded) Zion National Park.

Kolob Canyon is a separate western section of Zion Park (along I-15)

We also enjoyed a day-trip to Bryce Canyon National Park.

The family took a hike and stopped for a picnic on the Arches Trail at Red Rock Canyon.

And the day-trip included a stop and exploration at Mammoth Cave lava tube.

Good times, of course, were enjoyed around the cabin’s dining room table.

As you can clearly tell, the family enjoyed a very cool trip to Utah!  And then there were California adventures.  But that will be another blog.  Dave and Jan are very grateful for the blessings of their growing family.