Days Two and Three: Hole in the Rock and Calf Creek Falls

The next day was our most challenging day- the day to drive to Hole in the Rock. We drove more than 50 miles (each way) over very rough terrain that was a challenge for the 4-wheel drive cars. It was unimaginable that the pioneers navigated this land with wagons and horses. I understood why it took them several months to pass through it- they had to build a road and then the going was still very rough.

Throughout this day, it was a big struggle to keep Charlie happy. He was hot and uncomfortable and he hated being roughly jostled over the rocky road. About 2/3 of the way there he was so upset that he vomited. It took us 3 hours to reach Hole-in-the-Rock and when we arrived, it was windy, sandy, hot and there were cacti everywhere. Not exactly the best environment to have a toddler. We ate a picnic lunch and then it was time to make the hike down through the actual Hole in the Rock. The trail down was much too dangerous to take James and Charlie, so after lunch Sue, John and I stayed in the car with snacks and the iPad full of movies with the babies. Chelsea and Rick came back quickly and we left early to get the babies home. I felt so bad pulling away without Sue (there wasn't enough room for her and the others weren't back yet from their hike). She told me that she had a wonderful experience while waiting- she climbed partway down into the Hole in the Rock where it was shady and protected from the wind and was able to contemplate the task completed by her ancestor, Ben Perkins.

me and Charlie at the Hole in the Rock (you can see Lake Powell down below)

Rick and Mark are standing near the holes that the pioneers drilled into the side of the cliff to hold poles perpendicular to the rock which they then built a road on. Chelsea is standing on the ridge that they carved into the rock which served as the other side of the road. Gnarly stuff to be taking wagons down!

Oh, did I mention this part? Earlier that morning in our haste to get on the road, I handed John what I thought was a vial with his morning medicine. After he had taken two pills (the normal dose of his daytime meds), he looked at the bottle in his hand. "Uh-oh", he said. He had just taken a DOUBLE dose of his sleeping pills by accident. He was pretty much semi-conscious the whole day but gamely traveled along with us, anyway.

my two exhausted boys

Another 3 hours back over rough roads with increasingly agitated babies was somehow completed and finally we pulled into the campsite at about 8 pm, about 12 hours after we had left.

If I had known what the day's journey entailed, I would not have taken Charlie with us. It was very rigorous. However, everyone kept a positive, helpful attitude most of the day and we survived it. And I couldn't help but think of the pioneer company- they had young children and infants with them on their journey. They had several accidents involving wagons tipping over with children inside, but none of them were injured. I felt a real connection to them because of our experience, however pale in comparison to theirs.

Dance Hall Rock, where Ben Perkins danced a jig

The next day (is anyone still reading this?) we hiked Lower Calf Creek falls which is a sandy, easy trail that follows Calf Creek. Another nap for Charlie in the backpack and then we hit the road to go home. Charlie didn't nap at all on the drive home, but was entertained by watching The Backyardigans and Baby Signing Time on the iPad. (The iPad was a last minute purchase before we left for the trip and it was worth every dime- it worked as a great portable movie player).

This trip (taken in May) was a good preparation for me and John to go on Pioneer Trek later this week! Wish us luck!