Birthday Fun

So, this year, Derek had to attend a campout with the Boy Scouts of Troop 430. Normally, I wouldn't make an effort to follow, but they were going to Zion National Park and I've always wanted to see it.

And was it worth it! I drove 2.5 hours and after leaving St. George, it is a very beautiful drive. I even found a parcel of land I would love to own, if only we could afford it. 78 acres, from the highway to the Virgin River. Well worth it in my opinion.

We stayed at the Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens just outside of the park. If we looked real hard, we could even see the campsite for the scouts. We didn't though. We were too busy enjoying ourselves. Turns out my parents once stayed there as well.

Springdale was a beautiful little town. No fast food, no shopping centers, just little stores and restaurants that could handle the traffic created by the park.

Friday, I drove up with Micaela and the son of a friend of ours, who was unable to be there. We had lunch at a place called Panda Garden Chinese, which wasn't too bad, though I have definitely had better in Las Vegas. Then I dropped the boy off with the scouts and Micaela and I drove through the park's scenic route, just to look at things. Terry was coming up later and we had a few hours to kill. She and I had dinner at the Pioneer Lodge and Restaurant. I had the prime rib, with a rosemary and thyme aujus. Though the meat wasn't cooked the way I like, it was still the best prime rib I've had. Mouthwatering and the aujus was just.... to die for. Terry showed up later and we watched TV, then went to bed. Well, ok, Micaela went to bed, but the rest (to quote Lela) is none of your business.

Saturday, we drove the scenic route again with our friends. We took the path to the Lower Emerald Pool, and even got to see the scouts. Derek made a strong effort to hug me and tell me happy birthday and that he loves me, in front of ALL the younger scouts. He made my day. I'm very proud of him. I got to talk to my dad and everyone else who called me got voicemail. I appreciate all the calls I got. All of you really helped to make my day special. After the Emerald Pools, we had lunch at the Zion Lodge, which was pretty good. Then we went to The Weeping Rock. A natural creation causes the water from 1000's of years ago as well as recent rainfall to come out of the rock and makes it look like it was crying. Terry called it a big crybaby and made us all laugh. You should also see his version of deer caught in the headlights of a car. We almost died as we were trying to cross the street. And I'm sure the driver of the car he did it in front of thought he was insane. Then we drove up to the Temple of Sanawava, which leads to The Narrows, where the older scouts were. We took the path to the Narrows, but I missed it because the wind picked up and got dirt in my eyes. Terry took pictures for me. Dinner was at The Bit and Spur, which my father tells me once was a real mexican restaurant. I had the Rib Eye steak with onion strings and a sauce that was great. Cooked exactly the way I like it. I enjoyed every bite and actually had to force myself to stop eating or I'd explode.

Sunday, we picked up the boys, which took way longer than we had expected and drove home. Then we watched the football game, GO BRONCOS! Had dinner with my dad and stepmother, brothers and girlfriend, then came home and just vegged.

Overall, a very nice weekend. I can't wait to go back to Zion. It's just really a great place to see. Pictures later!