Kolob and Sand Hollow State Park.

 After the Grand Ranch tour we drove to Kolob Canyon which is part of Zion National Park so our pass from the previous day got us in.

It was another beautiful drive

through the canyon to the end of the road.

There had been trails along the way but we chose this short one.

We joked with the kids about being able to run faster than them (though it was clear with my bum knee that they were pretty safe)

There were clear "No dogs" signs and I just don't understand people who still bring their small dogs on a hot hike when told not to.

It was quite busy,

along a ridge with rolling terrain on one side

and the canyon views on the other side.

The trail ended at a rocky outcrop

with magnificent views all around.

River relaxing into the experience again.

Walking back, I took my time

and talked to Maya about using trees to frame a photo.

Desert Spiny Lizard sat for the photo.

Back to the house for Cigi's nap time. She has been skipping these as we have just been too busy and it is beginning to result in some excess crankiness. After nap we went to the pool where there were lots of jumping competitions (Cigi and River) and races (Maya and Avery), back and forth between the pool and the hot tub.

I had seen a Road Runner in the back yard yesterday but no chance for a picture. Today one obliged and sat for us, on the curb, as we left.

 

Today we were packed and out of the house before 11 and drove to Sand Hollow State Park.

 

As we drove in there were signs about an event "UTV Takeover." (we asked and UTV is Utility Trail Vehicle)

There was a lineup of vehicles for the event. This huge RV was towing a trailer

that had a hotub and a UTV. It was followed by a truck pulling a trailer with a forklift. We are guessing to lift the hotub off!

The park had a reservoir, big enough to boat and fish on, a campground and  extensive sandy trails for mountain biking, motor cross and UTVs.

We parked at one end of the lake by the rocks and clambered around for a while.

Mike took River on a more extensive exploration

While Chris and Jason decided to "chill".

We then drove around to the beach side of the lake

to have our picnic lunch.

There had been plans to swim but there were notices up indicating that you could get "swimmers itch", caused by a parasite found on the ducks. I was able to identify the nearest ones as American Coots.

Female Great Tailed Grackle.

 

After lunch we said goodbye. Mike, Aimee, Avery, Maya and River fly out today and I wont see them again until I visit, in Edmonton, in January. Chris, Jason, Cigi and I fly back to Toronto tomorrow.

Nap in the car on the drive back to Vegas.