Black Canyon Canoe Trip

I had heard about Black Canyon for some time and really wanted to take the kids. We finally got the chance this Spring Break. We first stopped in St. George to spend a couple days with Nanny and Papa, then continued on to Black Canyon just outside of Las Vegas.

Here's our top ten (actually eleven) things that happened.

Climbing

I took the two boys over to a fun climbing spot in Toquerville. This ended up being a traumatic experience for the boys. They have struggled the last few times with the rappelling and this time was no difference but they both seemed to get over it this time and were really enjoying jump away from the rock wall.

Poor Dog

Poor Tucker knew something was going on with all the hustling and bustling before we left. As we were getting in the car Megan found our dog ready to join us. Unfortunately, he didn't get to go.

Valley of Fire

We made a quick pit stop at the Valley of Fire state park in Nevada. We were pressed for time, but it seemed like a fun place to explore. 

Sin City

In order to be at the launch ramp the morning of our trip, we stayed in Las Vegas the night before to ensure we would be close. This was pretty shocking to the kids. The gaudy strip, the debauchery, the homelessness we a little overwhelming for the kids. The kids did enjoy the fountain show, the insanity ride  It all culminated to Reece peeing into a beer bottle in the Bellagio parking lot.

Black Canyon

This canyon was really cool. We had a blast going into some of the caves, canyons, hot springs and cat walks.

Jack Sirlin!

The first cave we went to is called sauna cave. It is a long dark cave with water up to your knees and 100% humidity. As we were leaving a family group was going in and got a little rambunctious (nothing bad). One of the Dad's stormed up to the mouth of the cave yelling for Jack Sirlin (spelling?). We got to hear him scolding Jack the whole way back and Jack trying to defend himself. Our favorite (and much requoted line) was this.

Jack "Dad! No one fell in" 

Dad: "You pushed somebody!?!"

Cliff Jumping

We stopped to cliff jump at a spot. The kids were exciting but scare about the cold water. Hudson jumped in to encourage the boys but they couldn't get themselves to do it. Eventually I jumped in and right after Gideon did it too. After a couple more stops, Reece ended up jumping too.

Musical Canoeing Seats

We rented two canoes for the trip. Three people in each canoe. It took a little while to finally get a good arrangement between the two canoes; a balance between kids/parents that could paddle and a balance of personalities that wouldn't kill each other.

Chillin in the Hot Springs

One of the best features of the entire trip is the hot springs up in some of the canyons along the river. They are really cool. We  

Naked Man

Yeah, we were hanging out in one of the pools when a couple got up to leave and the man wasn't wearing a swimsuit. Right in front of the kids. They only saw his back side but it was enough to leave them a little traumatized.

Accommodating Harper

Harper has made it abundantly clear that primitive Camping is not her thing. She tries to smuggle in way more pillows and blankets than is practical for a single overnight camping trip. Even this snuggie made it though my screenings.