FALL TRIP PART I - GOBLIN VALLEY

We had a great time on our UEA trip. We headed down to Capital Reef via Goblin Valley on Thursday (definitely the long way) and spent a couple of fun hours playing in the Goblins. Interestingly enough, the park official said that UEA was the second busiest weekend of the year (Easter being the busiest) and you have to book it four months in advance (max booking time) to be able to camp in the park. For those of you who have not been, it is a natural wonder - a large playground of amazing rock formations. While you are there you cannot help but wonder "How did this happen?" - and Jim will be happy to explain. While you view my attempt at slide shows (and those of you who know me know that I am positively crippled when it comes to this type of technology) please don't wonder "and why is Natalie not in any of these pics?" Well you all know how un-photogenic I am......but I want to point out to you that I AM THE PHOTOGRAPHER and as such I actually had to get into these places to take the photos! So if you think I was back at the car eating bon-bons, think again! The kids had an absolute BLAST, as did we. We are blessed with three of our four children being natural climbers, and Seth gave it a pretty good try as well. They AMAZE me! The area was originally named "Mushroom Valley" by the original explorers who discovered it but it was appropriately renamed Goblin Valley and was made a State Park some time later. Now of course Jim had to point out some phallic symbolism in the park. And boy was there plenty! But alas, with a 14 year old and a 16 year old one cannot even think of taking pictures of this phenomenon. They were curious enough when Jim and I started snickering. Now, get your mind out of the gutter and enjoy my feeble attempt at a slide show.