The end of our journey... Utah and Colorado

This blog post is a little late considering we are HOME!  But, here's an update on our last few stops.  We spent a few nights in Springdale, Utah to explore both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.  These parks are absolutely amazing in their own unique ways.  My only regret is not spending more time in Utah to visit the remaining National Parks.  They are on the list for future adventures.  On second thought, I have two regrets... My other regret is not staying hydrated while we were in Utah.  The altitude kicked my butt after hiking 3 miles in Zion.  Despite feeling miserable, every bit of Utah was an incredible experience!

Our last stop was Denver, Colorado to visit Steph!  For a few days, she was a hostess/chef/tour guide/photographer/mom/etc. She took us on a drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park and gave us a little tour of Boulder, CO.  I left Colorado with the feeling of wanting more, so it's a good thing we know someone who lives there! Next time we will fly so we don't have to make the tedious drive through Kansas ever again!

Next stop = Home!

There's no place like home!

More than just a hole in the ground...

You see pictures. 

You hear what others have to say.  

But,  nothing can prepare you for that moment when you experience it for the first time.

There are no words to describe the feeling that strikes you when you take your first glance of the Grand Canyon. We were almost convinced that what we were staring at in front of us couldn't possibly be real. Amazing what a little water (and millions of years) can do. Nature is a powerful thing.

 

 

 

 

We also took a side trip to Monument Valley.  Another beautiful site.  A little heads up though to anyone who is planning to tour Monument Valley on their own, the 17 mile drive through the park is not maintained. Given that we still have a 2,000 mile drive home, we were concerned about having a working vehicle to drive.  This resulted in us turning around and just enjoying the views from the visitor's center and US route 163.  We still had a great view.

 

 

 

The Hyundai didn't know what it had just signed up for...

 

Look familiar?  This is the iconic location where Forrest Gump stops running, US 163 in Utah.


 

Next Stop = Zion National Park!

Off the beaten path...

Another beautiful day on our adventure! 

 

We spent the day in Red Rock Country - Sedona, Arizona.  I traveled to Sedona almost a decade ago, but it was Wes' first time.   Having been to Sedona in the past, I knew there was no better way to see the picturesque views than to do a little off roading. We signed up for the Pink Jeep Tour, which takes you off the beaten path on the trails of the Coconino Forest.   We had such a blast with our awesome tour guide, Rob and a fun couple from New Jersey. We would highly recommend this off road experience for anyone that is traveling to Sedona! We got lucky because our tour guide was also a photographer on the side, so he was more than happy to snap a few pics!

 

 

 

 

"The Road of no Return"

 

Chapel of the Holy Cross



 We finished the night with a beautiful sunset at the Sedona Airport.

 

 



Next stop = Grand Canyon!



Lost Vegas

We are starting to make our way east. 

This past week flew by.  Time flies when you're having fun.  We were in Las Vegas with some good company.  My (Jess) mom and her friend Pat flew out while we were there. Wes got a taste of what it's like on our girls trips.  Wes' parents also surprised us with tickets to see the Cirque Du Soleil show Love, which we were very excited about!  Other than Vegas stealing our funds, we loved everything about the city.  Good food.  Good drinks. Good shopping.  Good entertainment.  It's a city with no rules and you can come and go as you please. 

Fact we have learned on this trip:  We are not city people UNLESS we are in Vegas.

 

New York, New York

Paris

What a view from our room at Bally's!

 

The ceiling at the Bellagio

 

The Bellagio was decorated for fall!

 

 

At the Hoover Dam

Pat and Mom standing on the Nevada/Arizona state line

Next stop = Sedona and the Grand Canyon!

End of the trail...

Welp, the second leg of our trip is complete!  We made it as far south in California as we are going to go.  Today we spent the day in Santa Monica.  We headed to the world famous Santa Monica Pier.  This is where the historic Route 66 comes to an end.  The pier is filled with little shops, amusement rides and restaurants. We were able to eat some fish and shrimp while taking in a view of the Pacific. After spending some time walking along the beach, we did some window shopping and people watching at the Third Street Promenade. We decided to save the rest of Los Angeles for another trip. There's so much to see and do here.  And so much traffic.

Fact we have learned on this trip:  We are not city people.

 

 

 

 

Next stop = Las Vegas!  Even though we are engaged now, we will NOT be getting hitched in Vegas.