Junior Ranger Program

One of the coolest things for us on this trip has been the Junior Ranger
Programs at our national parks and monuments. Every time we visit a
national park, we pick up the workbook describing the tasks our children
must complete to become "Junior Rangers" at that park. Usually, we must
attend a ranger-led program, complete a hike, and fill out a certain
number of educational activities in the workbook. The activities are
scaled for age-appropriateness, which keeps it fun for the little ones.

The girls are proud to show off the Ranger Badges they have earned at so
far, 11 of our National Parks and Monuments. At every one, they have
taken the pledge to support our nation's parks and conserve resources.
And when we go for walks, they are educated to identify all of the scat
(animal poo) that we encounter!

Nine Mile Canyon

Today we treated ourselves to a bit of exploration. Nine Mile Canyon is
not nine miles long, rather 50, and contains the best specimens of
Fremont Indian and Ute Indian petroglyphs and pictographs in existence.
In addition, the careful observer can spot ancient granaries high in the
cliff walls, as well as watchtower and pithouse remains.

The 8 total hours we spent in and out of the car looking at these
amazing sites was a touch long for the small kids, but we pray their
memories of the beautiful rock art is deep in their minds. Hopefully,
skipping the DVD player on the drive today paid off!

Condors in the Wild!!

Some days are just so perfectly prearranged that one is reminded that
God is in control. Joy and I have long dreamed of seeing a California
Condor in the wild. As fellow birders, (she the one that introduced
Skye and I to the "sport"), claiming a C. Condor on our life list would
be a prize.

The night before our planned outing to hopefully see condors sunning
themselves and then rising on the warm morning thermals, I was so
confused about the time. We were in Arizona, which did not observe
Daylight Standard Time, but yet my clock was set to "Daylight." My
compadres didn't wish to follow Arizona time, so I could not ascertain
when it was we planned to depart.

At 5:30 (of whatever time my clock was set to) I awoke from a nightmare
that the group had left me and I'd missed the chance to see condors.
Then I heard a thrush making his morning call. He drew me out of bed,
one hour earlier than my planned get up time. I found the thrush, which
turned out to be a Hermit Thrush (a new bird for me). A good start to a
birding day.

Joy and Dave looked ready to go when I walked back. We were all set to
leave camp in search of condors one hour earlier than expected. Had I
slept to my planned alarm, I would have missed what was to follow. It
turns out that had we driven to Vermillion Cliffs any later, we would
have missed the condors all together. God had been gracious to provide
me with a bit of confusion, a nightmare, and a Hermit Thrush "alarm" to
help us make this deadline.

Just as we drove a long dirt path on the southwest side of the
Vermillion Cliffs, Dave spotted condors lifting off! About 8 of the
huge birds rose into the thermals - distinctly different from Turkey
Vultures and so awe-inspiring. We watched them for nearly 30 minutes
before all were lost from view.

Our kids were sad to have missed this treat. We prayed they might have
the chance. As a sweet reminder of his presence and provision, we ALL
spotted a beautiful California Condor flying near Lake Powell, Utah, a
couple of days later. How many small children can claim such a memory?
Our God is amazing.

Replenishment

This is nice.

In the past two weeks or so, we have seen 7 national parks, camped in a
half dozen locations, spent many mornings on long (often HOT) hikes, and
generally toured southern Utah and northern Arizona at a quick pace.
We've slept deeply at night, worn out from the day's excursions.

But right now we are relaxing in a gorgeous meadow at a high enough
altitude that we are cool. There isn't much dust, instead there is
lovely grass, tall Ponderosa Pines, and the sounds of the wind in the
trees and the children laughing as they build a fort.

Today is a day of replenishment. We have time to read books, paint,
exercise, enjoy each others company, and take some alone time. Soon,
Skye's cousin's family will part ways as they depart for their new life
in Vermont. For today, we'll enjoy the blessing of time together. We
thank the Lord for his grace in these weeks of togetherness and wish
them well on their travels.