Katie the Scrapbook Lady

2 National Parks in 1 Week

I have spent most of my life in Utah, so I know that I’m lucky to be so close to so many diverse and stunning landscape features.

Bryce Canyon

Here’s a blip from a Utah travel website:

Most of Utah lies on a plateau higher than 4,000 feet above sea level. The geology of this region takes on an amazing variety of shapes and colors. Elevations rise and fall dramatically in the shape of mountains, buttes, and plateaus, the highest reaching over 13,000 feet! Within this varied landscape are hidden treasures and experiences that appeal to everyone — from the rugged, solitude-seeking explorer to the family wanting a relaxing getaway. Utah has something for everyone.

Utah is home to 5 National Parks and we had the chance to visit two of them last week while we were on vacation. I had never been to Zion’s National Park before so it was neat to see it.

 

 

 

It’s a photographer’s paradise!

 

 

 

The last time I went to Bryce Canyon was in 1990 (wow – that’s 22 years ago!) It was even more beautiful than I remembered it.

 

 

 

I can’t even imagine what the first person to discover this place must have thought. The earth around it all seems pretty normal and then there’s just this big canyon of wind-carved spires. It all feels pretty alien!

 

 

It was rather windy when we were there, and also very sunny.

 

 

I’m feeling very lucky to have seen such beautiful places!

 

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Me on an ATV

If you know me in real life, you might think that the title of this post is a typo. Katie on an ATV (all terrain vehicle)? Not likely! I’m not what you would call the “outdoorsy type” and I certainly don’t drive recreational vehicles. Well, scratch that to a past tense because now I DO drive them!

 

We went on vacation with my hubby’s family last week to the St. George area of southern Utah. We had all sorts of adventures, but the one I’m most proud of is overcoming some big fears and getting myself to drive an ATV. This was way out of my comfort area and when I first got on this little machine, I was more than intimidated. We had to climb a few big hills to get to an amazing sand dune area and I felt very tense and unsure at first. We had an incredible tour guide though and he was encouraging, kind, and not at all condescending in the way he helped me. Everyone else in our party felt very comfortable and had way more experience. Our guide did a great job of letting them enjoy their own pace, while also helping me gain my own confidence. Before long, I felt great and I have to say that I really enjoyed myself! If you are ever in the St. George area, I highly recommend Utah Off Road Outfitters!

 

 

I brought along my point-and-shoot camera and I got to capture some of the most amazing scenery I’ve ever encountered!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m pretty dang proud of myself and I’m so glad I got to have such a fun adventure!

 

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Checking off the western half

Katie's U.S. Travels

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

I like to keep track of things like what states I’ve been to. When I added in the travels from the last few years, I realized that I have really accomplished visiting all of what I consider the western United States. Shouldn’t I get a badge or something? I’ve always lived in the west, so I guess it makes sense that I’ve done most of my traveling in the surrounding states. There are so many beautiful things to see!

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Bear World in Rexburg, Idaho

We spent all of last week in West Yellowstone, Montana with my hubby’s family. On our way there, we stopped at Bear World in Rexburg, Idaho. I had never been there before, and I had no idea it would be so amazing. Definitely worth stopping at!

 

Silly family photo!

 

We went on a guided tour in the back of a tall trailer. This was such a neat experience because we got to learn about the bears and actually throw food to them. Most people just drive through the place and have to keep their windows rolled up.

 

This guy is a grizzly. You can tell by the hump on his back.

 

We learned very quickly that they are smart animals. They know that they will get pieces of bread or hostess donuts (I’m not kidding) and they hold out for the donuts. This bear wouldn’t touch the bread.

 

We saw several black bears. This guy sure was ready for some snacks!

 

And he had the crowd right where he wanted them when he sat up to get his treats.

 

His buddy followed his lead. He’s also a black bear, even though he’s brown.

 

I’m particularly pleased with this photo. I love the ripples in the water.

 

The bears were napping in these makeshift caves.

 

But they knew it was chow time when the truck came by.

 

This group was especially cute and interactive.

 

This guy reminded me of Winnie the Pooh when he sat up like this.

 

This bear had not quite shed all of his summer coat yet, so it looked like he had feathers on his back.

 

I think our shadows are neat in this photo.

 

My favorite part of the experience was when we got to watch the baby bears play/wrestle each other.

 

We loved watching the baby bears play.

 

 

They were very active and quite funny to watch.

 

They had a bit of a “King of the Mountain” game going on with this rock.

 

There were lots of battles.

 

 

 

 

My daughter actually got the chance to actually bottle feed the baby bears. So cute!

 

Hubby got a chance too.

 

If you ever get a chance to go to Rexburg, I totally recommend going to Bear World!

 

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West Yellowstone

I spent all of last week with my hubby’s family on vacation in West Yellowstone, Montana. I haven’t been to Yellowstone for 20 years. Last time I went it was cold and rainy and I don’t remember seeing a whole lot. I was also a college student who was preoccupied with a certain guy back home (who is now my hubby!) Suffice it to say, I appreciated the park a whole lot more this time. In fact, it was just breathtaking! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and the scenery was incredible. My only complaint is that it was hard to stop every 5 minutes for all the photos I wanted to take. I think I did ok though since I ended up with more than 400 photos. I love vacations like that!

I couldn’t get over the stunning scenery. Gorgeous!

Old Faithful

Silly kids

Giant craters (Excelsior Geyser)

Bison on the side of the road

Elk too

Some of the wildlife was very cute - my nephew and nieces :)

Such an interesting place.

It really looked like there was a fire breathing dragon in that cave! And it was SO STINKY! (Sulphur Gas)

What an amazing adventure!

Great memories. Some crazy ones too (everyone got the flu except for me and my sister-in-law)

Thankful for vacations. Thankful also to be home.