We were able to leave our RV at Craig’s sister’s neighborhood golf course. we left the generator running and cat on board. We checked on her multiple times. I tried to keep her in the back area, rigged with a bunk bed mattress as the door won’t close all the way with slides closed. Turns out, she could get out so we then put blankets on all the leather. Did I ever mention how she has shredded all our furniture on here? Yep, nice job, Lexie…
Craig was so happy we could all go to Costco. His happy place. I think he actually forgot about the countdown to coming home while in here haha. Back at the house, Uncle Scott made Connor’s night by giving him his own little bed to sleep in. There was also yummy food, dance parties led by Aunt JuJu and a special treat. It started thundering and lightning outside so instead of telling the kids we couldn’t do s’mores, she found a different way! Our kids decided it was smarter to bypass mom and dad and head straight to Aunt JuJu for anything (can’t blame them!) Oh, and did I mention the very competitive game of ping pong between siblings? Not Kenzie and Zoe – nope… this was Craig and Julie.
Savannah, GA – quick overnight stop. Going straight home from Julie and Scott’s would have put us there close to 4 or 5. Having to then unload a 42 foot RV plus get it back to storage with 3 kids just seemed overwhelming so Craig picked a place with horses we could stay for the night. this would put us home earlier in the day and give us a chance to get unpacked. The park Craig booked is one we stayed at in July 2018. It’s called Red Gate Campground. They have a trolley stop on property and several animals, which is always a hit with kids. Plus, it is just pretty out here.
7/2018
7/2021
7/2018
7/2021
Final Count – 5 people, 1 cat, 14 states, 5 National Parks, 23 stops, 57 nights and 5,979 miles.
I am not sure what to say first. Honestly, Pigeon Forge reminded us of Branson – tons of touristy type places everywhere. Also, we found out the week following July 4th is one of the busiest.
Skybridge – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. It also has 3 glass panels so you can see below you.
680 feet to cross with 30 feet of glass (3 panes) in the middle. You go up the chair lift probably 6-8 minutes to get to top. They have a gift shop on the other side of things you can only buy after you cross, at least that’s what the lady said. I didn’t look in the other gift shop to check. You also can only buy your photos on the other side that were taken before you go. There is a spot that shows you what each mountain is and definitely some pretty views. I watched a video with a family of 3 little kids prior to going that morning. The kids were screaming and scared. Kenzie heard and saw this so I think her anxiety came more from this than the bridge. My hint, don’t watch a video like that with your kids anywhere near.
Girls spotted a groundhog from the chairlift so we went and saw it
Mountain Coasters… I was truly scared on one of them!
By this point, we have done 3-4 of these alpine/mountain coasters on this trip. Craig and I did one before as well. However, we did Goats on the Roof and my view on them changed completely. Craig on the other hand, really enjoyed that one. It was the fastest around, 30 mph. I swore one side of the back end came off the track, even if they say it is not possible. Zoe rides with me and agreed that one felt completely different and not right. I didn’t want to do any more after this one. However, I got outnumbered by the other 4. Zoe and Connor both need adults to ride with and I couldn’t convince Craig just to do it twice so I sucked it up. We did the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. It is supposed to be the longest and has some fun twists. Both tracks light up at night. We did this one during day and as it was getting dark. You aren’t allowed to bring photos on these so I only have a few photos from each. I liked this one much better but, was still over them when they all begged to go again. Turns out, while the lights are pretty at night, the bugs hitting your face are not. But, we made it through and I am still in one piece. After the goat one, I might have done quite a few google searches to see if any had left track or accidents as a result…. Oh yeah, the goats on the roof had goats you could feed. The ones on the roof got fed by you biking and making a food cup make it to the top. Also, goats didn’t have much of a wait and the other one was extremely popular.
Dollywood… oh, my new favorite park!
If you haven’t been, save up and schedule it! It is pretty, it is clean, there is so much to see and I adored it!! I made a blog on tips for there – so read that one if you are actually going.
Kenzie now has some coaster credits!, At 10, she decided this was the time to start doing real coasters. I had her watch some YouTube videos that showed the actual rides and let her pick what she wanted to do. We started with the Mystery Mine and she loved it! I got concerned and asked her what she got me into as we were going up on a straight 90 degree path, twice. That part was scarier than the actual ride to me. She managed to do every roller coaster except Lightning Rod. She went back and forth on that one but, finally decided the drop was too much for this trip. I am proud that she pushed herself and even more proud that she would listen to the little voice in her head. I know it had to be a tough decision as she wanted to say she rode them all.
Connor, 3, was so disappointed that he couldn’t do the roller coasters. He could tell you the names of each one when we passed them and how many loops they had or some other fact. However, when he did the Firechaser, a family coaster, he held on so tight to Daddy. It was funny when he was on the bear and disappointed it did not go upside down. But, there were so many cute kid rides there! I truly felt they did a great job of having something for everyone.
A few restaurants and attractions were closed due to staffing issues. We couldn’t tour her Prevost tour bus, and there were no photos being taken during rides due to staff. I heard Miss Lillians BBQ was great but it was closed both days. But, it still was a great time and didn’t change my feelings toward the park at all!
Cinnamon Bread
They didn’t like the horn or whistle
Leaf bug that landed on Connor’s shorts on train ride
Views from train
We did open to close the first day and every kid was awake and having fun *almost* the entire time. They even loved the firework and drone show, as did we. Dollywood really pays attention to detail.
Craig works hard every RV trip. This was no exception, even after an open to close day at Dollywood, he was back on his laptop at night for a few hours while others slept.
RV parks and random things
We stayed at Pigeon Forge RV Resort. They were recently bought out and had money dumped into them. It was nice and the pool was fun for the kids. We drove through a few others I wouldn’t recommend. Margaritaville just opened the Rv part and are under construction on Resort and restaurant. However, the Ridge is where we will try and stay next time. They had nice amenities and lots of events/activities for kids. Here are some photos of ours and random ones of the area
I didn’t have high expectations going in. After all, we only extended and picked this place due to other parks having staffing issues, being closed and the location of this one. It is hard to get excited over theme parks when you live in Florida and have access to some awesome ones. However, I recommend anyone heading near the area go to Dollywood. It is surrounded by nature so pretty park and some shade. It definitely gives you a workout with some steep hills, especially pushing a stroller. The rides are fun and there is something for everyone. They designed the park with family in mind as you can stay together and right around the corner will be something for the one who didn’t love the ride you are currently at. They have a parent swap. They also have time saver passes. We could not get them as they were sold out but, I would have paid a lot more to have them as it was a bit crowded. (You can buy 60 days in advance from your trip)
Tips
go early – like 30-45 min before opening. If you can spend the money, get preferred parking. They were sold out online but, we were still able to upgrade at window since we were early. They had valet but, it wasn’t running since staff shortage (neither were photos from rides or a few other things).
Park opens early so you can get through security and partially inside. You need to decide left or right once in. We had kids measured first day upon arrival (to the right) then went left and let the kids ride a small kid coaster (Whistle Punk Chaser – our 3 year old loved it!!) that was going before opening. Once they dropped the rope, Kenzie and I went straight for the Mine roller coaster. I watched several tip videos and found a good one from Okaycoasters called The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood. His tips for coasters were spot on, even with the crowd. Download the app as it helped us learn which rides to skip and do the 2nd morning. On crowded days, you get the most done first hour open. We debated 1 day, 2 or 3. Went with 2. You could honestly spend a week here to see everything (And maybe still wouldn’t). We never made it to any shows, and still had some rides we didn’t do. We were there open to close first day and 4.5 hours second day. Their firework and drone show was well worth staying. The kids even liked it a lot.
Whistle Punk Chaser
If you are going to be there more than a day, do the refillable cups and popcorn. Just maybe bring some different color hair ties or something to put around the strap so you know which belongs to whom. If you buy 3, it brings them to 10 each so same cost doing 3 as 2. Refills for another day are only .99 each (or I think you can buy the unlimited band). We found 2 places that had all different flavor icees – they were only slightly more to get as your refill. We shared 3 cups for our family of 5. But, if you are doing this on a budget, bring a bottle water or two (unopened) into park and they have refill stations throughout. You can also get a free cup for ice and water at any of the soda places.
Food
we ate at two quick places. The award winning Aunt Granny’s had an hour and half wait at 5 pm so we skipped it. For lunch, avoid most anywhere from 11:30-2:30 so plan ahead as you can’t bring in food. (A few places were closed due to staffing issues like ham and beans and Miss Lillians BBQ). The places we ate were not great at all but, they worked. Let’s talk Cinnamon bread from The Grist Mill. A lot of blogs and videos mention this so we decided to check it out. Do it. It is worth it. Honestly, you don’t need the icing or apple butter but the kids did like the icing. The bottom of the pan has so much extra cinnamon goodness that Craig and I were just dipping ours in it. We almost skipped this stop. There is apparently a side entrance near Barnstormer but, we never looked for it.
Cinnamon Bread
Coasters and Our family
– our 10 year old decided this was the trip to try out the adult coasters. She did all but Lightning Rod. She was fine with all the coasters but, didn’t love the drops. She decided a steeper, longer drop wasn’t quite worth doing this trip. I easily found videos on YouTube of the various coasters and was able to show her ahead of time so she could know what to expect. Mystery Mine was her favorite though, to me it was nerve wrecking when we went 90 degrees straight up (twice) – more so than the ride itself. My 8 year old cried on Firechaser the first time, when it went backwards. The 2nd day, she asked to do it again and liked it – so maybe warn your kids it will go backwards and quickly do so. I was impressed with this family coaster as it was exciting enough that someone who likes coasters could also have fun. Our 3 year old didn’t love it but, did ok both times. Tennessee Tornado was a bit rough on the body but, we both liked it. Wild Eagle was the one that pushed her over the edge. A little too much with the drop and feet hanging for her. I tried to get her a shirt after but, the store was sold out of her size. If you do it, the shirts say “be an Eagle not a chicken” I loved them and thought she earned it. Sadly, the guy explained he was out of a lot of stuff and you can’t buy them online.
Wild Eagle
Kid rides
There were plenty for every age! I was so impressed by the versatility of this park. My 3/8 year old had the most fun in the Carnival area and Wildwood Grove. They had fair type rides and the cutest little kid rides.
So much we couldn’t do and a few random things we did
I wanted to do a show, go to Chasing Rainbows, see the chapel and the old tour bus (94 custom precise she toured in). However, the RV was closed due to lack of staff and the others, well, we ran out of time. But, we did manage to do the train. The kids didn’t love the occasional soot that would fall on us and they really didn’t love the loud horn/whistle. But, my husband and I enjoyed having a break and seeing the actual park. We were told it holds 550 and you wouldn’t have any issue getting on. But, at end of first day when we were turned away, the guy told us every ride that day was completely full. We did it our second day and got there way too early – it probably didn’t help the kids mood toward it. Maybe get there 15-20 minutes before it departs, even less if not a crowded day. We did go to the replica cottage her brother built. We also saw some of the birds but, didn’t spend much time there, sadly.
More tips
Be aware the carnival games are extremely pricey (in my opinion). It is $5 a game and there are several that only 3-5 people win a day per the staff, as we asked after spending a decent bit of money… You buy vouchers at a stand and use those at the games.
Bring sunblock, even though shaded areas, some is still in sun and lines can definitely stick you in the sun. Though, they do a good job with fans. If you can, bring a change of clothes for kids. They do have some splash type parks or little slides with water and the rapids ride will most likely get you really wet. 4 out of 5 of us were soaked from waist to socks and shoes. Somehow the 10 year old managed to stay decently dry but, the 8 year old right next to her was sitting in a huge lot of water in her seat.
You can leave the park and come back, just get hand stamped. However, the first day we were there was so crowded we didn’t want to deal with parking so never did. After the drone and firework show, we were so thankful to have that preferred parking. Quick walk whereas others were lined up in huge lines for the trams and we made it out before most of them even were near their cars. We sat in zero traffic as well. In my opinion, well worth the splurge.
Dollywood Dream More Resort.
We only drove through as we have our RV. However, the property was pretty and they had shuttles running to the park. Also, free time saver passes for staying here!
Drone Show and Season Passes
I did not talk about season passes since we don’t live close. If we lived closer, I would 100% do this as I want to see the park in each season. I loved the drone show. They did dance parties before it with a DJ. I just imagine Christmas time is beautiful. Also, the umbrella path for spring and flowers have me so curious! Fall is just pretty in TN to begin with, add in tons of pumpkins and lights…
*For those who don’t know, this is from National Lampoon’s Vacation.*
After leaving Colorado, we headed to Oakley, Kansas. We stayed at High Plains Camping and there wasn’t much around. However, they had a pub on property with some goats and bunnies outside. After we ate, we were watching (and maybe talking) to the goats. The owner was nice enough to bring the kids each a piece of bread to feed the goats (signs say do not feed them). They were so excited!
We originally booked Worlds of Fun RV park (Missouri) so the kids could go to a theme park. Margaritaville didn’t work out (they opened weekend we left for full time). After Craig booked, I went on their site and found the theme park was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to staffing issues. Those were the days we would be there so I asked him to extend. He wasn’t so concerned as they also had a water park with no issues. Except, a week or so before heading there, it turned out they decided to also shut it down on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to staff. They couldn’t extend our stay, until we got there… then they said they could. Oh the joy of parks… But, after I looked at reviews, we decided it was not worth it since so many horrible reviews due to rides running less cars or lines and things being shut down due to staffing issues. So… is it possible we added another stop later to this trip?? Who knows?!
Our view from the RV
Craig spotted this little guy and I became obsessed trying to find him on our walks! I think he is a beaver but, honestly never saw his tail and am not positive. So cute though. Caught him with a mouthful of leaves at one point.
I love this little guy!!
“I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
(That quote is from Wizard of Oz) and, we weren’t, I know our last stop was actually MO and already out of Ks but, that wouldn’t have been fun to say – just like that we were at our park with a view of the Arch. Our actual park was Draftkings Casino Queen RV park. It was ok and a bit of sketchy areas thanks to major roads being shut down for upcoming America’s Birthday celebration. But, it was close for quick Uber rides to Union Station and to the Arch. Sadly, we couldn’t get Pappy’s (bbq) to eat this trip. Kids would have hated it and none of the food places would deliver to us since across the bridge and different state. (Our RV park was actually in IL even though we played in MO most of the time).
Inside casino. I went in to get food from grab and go while Craig and kids waited at security (kids not allowed)
$17/$18 milkshakes
Mirror Maze
Another National Park stamp in our passports
He didn’t make it long at the museum for the Arch
They finished their Jr. Ranger books!
We didn’t actually go up to top. It was sold out for almost 2 weeks in advance…
Plus… claustrophobic on its own, add having to wear masks up to the top in this thing.
Misc photos from trip
Sweet neighbor ringing doorbell with new puppy for the kids to see on video
Thankfully it didn’t go through. Craig happened to spot it while hiding from rain under slide out
Elizabethtown, KY – this trip is like Ft Knox. Just kidding, I talk way too much for that to possible.
Craig’s nephew (Chad) is stationed in Ft. Knox, he is in the army. We are so thankful for all he and the other men and women that have served or are serving to protect our freedoms and lives. On the way, we looked up what the saying about Ft. Knox actually meant/ what they were protecting there. Turns out it is gold. When I looked it up, it was the number one place of security – it is interesting to look up the top 5 in the world and the top 10 in the United States. Chad and Mandie’s house is in a neighborhood with lots of active and retired military. Green lights on the house mean retired. And, they love freedom, celebrating freedom and apparently firing things. We left around 11 (I think??). Chad said fireworks went on until after midnight. Craig walked down with one of the guys and took photos of the fireworks they had in the garage. There were several others firing off lots as well. Chad bought a lot of sparklers, which the kids loved and some fun fireworks also.
The kids loved being around the cousins. The girls had their first ever sleepover. They all played so hard! After two very long nights for the kids, one is still sleeping on RV (during our drive) and the other two just woke up again and are a little playful and a little cuddly.
Cat on way – took up most of my seat and didn’t mind the seatbelt.
Craig and Chad
Jax , their dog
Connor and Chance
I found this on Craig’s phone
Zoe, Maddison, Kenzie, Chance and Connor – cousins!
Chad winning with watermelon
Mandie winning with popcorn
Catching fireflies
I loved the lanterns!
Lanterns and you can see green lights so retired military!
They were out while I was packing up to leave at midnight
On the way out
2.5 hours after this photo and she is still like this
Updated Count: 5 people, 1 cat, 20 RV parks, 14 states, and countless attacks by the cat – who is no longer my BFF or maybe she is?!?
We stayed in Breckinridge and had friends who were vacationing in Vail and then Bachelor Gulch. We got a hotel room where they were staying the first few nights and their teenage girls watched our kiddos so we could have dinner together. So peaceful (minus the cold rain haha). I felt a little like an adult again!! But, the hotel room quickly brought me back to parenting younger kids as it had a spiral staircase leading to the master bed area. That is a fun place for a 3 year old to keep sliding down.
Country Boy Mine – funny and informative!
We took a tour of an old mine that allowed us to walk through 1,000 feet of mine. It was 42 degrees and we were the first tour of the day. They had to pump oxygen into it, always makes you feel good. Luckily, they have lights in it and wood between the rails on the ground so you don’t have to walk through water. When you finish, you get to pan for gold in the stream. We found gold flakes and some fools gold. It was very rainy all night and morning leading up to this so pretty cold. They had a treasure hunt but, sadly it was full. Was kind of outdoor escape room meets treasure hunt with metal detectors.
Misc – An onion playground, Rainbow park, and random photos. Side note – Rainbow Park was such a cool area. Big kids play ground, small kids playground, open fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball and a huge Rec center that locals said included an indoor pool.
They went from more rocks to little explorers! The National Parks have been crazy overcrowded so when we stop at visitor centers and get Jr Explorer books, they don’t spend much time with the kids. However, National Monument park wasn’t that crowded and the Ranger spent a some time with the kids. We ended up buying vests for each that they wanted and a kit with binoculars, compass and more. The hikes turned into true expeditions for them and I loved seeing the transformation!! Wish we could have had this experience at the first or second park!
When we left Moab, we headed to Grand Junction. We stayed at Monument RV park – it was right next to the National Monument National Park (Colorado). We tried so hard to find a big horn sheep. We drove through the park during a few sunsets and also in the morning, but no luck. We met two other groups who both had stories, photos and videos of right around the times we were there, in the same places and same days and they saw flocks. We just never did. I even bribed the girls that if they could find any, they could pick any gift they wanted, which did lead them to asking for tips and hints from the others we met. That was pretty smart of them. It was still beautiful at any time we went. At sunset, you could see different colors on the rocks and the moon peeking out above. During the day, you could see all the wonder of what was there. We did the Alcove Trail, across from the visitor center. Seemed to be the best Hike for a family with little ones (3, 8, 10). The 3 year old was my concern. We went early and they had the info maps at the actual trail. This is more of a nature trail that has marked items you can read about. Zoe found a large “walking stick.” This led to Connor finding one as well. It also led to very sad kids when I told them to leave them behind. I read in blogs this trail had a fun surprise at the end. I thought it was ok. Just a little alcove where you could peek up to the sky, but feel surrounded. Kids weren’t really as impressed as they were with the one area they could climb the rocks or when they could use the walking sticks they found.
Dinosaur Journey – are you really into dinosaurs??
If you really love dinosaurs, reading about them, studying them, etc. then you would like this place. Or if you are 3. The rest of us thought it was ok and couldn’t understand the high ratings it has, though I will say it was hard to really read and get into it because of kids wanting to go in different directions. This place still required masks and that you keep distance from other parties. This is hard considering it is a small place and has a few interactive activities and only a few other things to look at. The kids weren’t so impressed with their earthquake simulator; however, they did love trying to build a dam.
Dinosaur Hill – making the family do yet another hike. They didn’t seem to love me as much after this one haha.
To me, this was a fun and scenic hike that takes you to a location where dinosaur bones were found and excavated. That is pretty cool, right? To my family, it might have been pushing the “another hike?!” list. I still recommend you do it, if nearby. It is located right before the National Monument Park. It is a circle trail that is maybe a mile. If you want to make it harder, go counterclock wise. We didn’t as carrying a 3 year old down was enough of a challenge for me. He did great on 90% but the last 10% he was so tired and only wanted to be carried. Be sure to bring water and snacks for this one.
Moon Farm – the place of tiny kid play houses, you know I am always on the hunt for unusualor hidden gems
Moon Farm is currently transitioning from the Moon Family to a non profit. I am not sure if that will change anything. They advertise petting zoo and lots of animals, but that is really the fall. (Way too hot for the animals and I get that!) They did have lots of bunnies. They do a big pumpkin patch and lots of “haunted” but not so scary houses and things in fall. Now, some of the houses were closed off due to those decorations being still inside. Craig and I thought it was a little run down and not so much fun. HOWEVER, the kids really took to this. You could walk into each house and some of them they could “play” in. The school house and treehouse were their favorites. There were probably 40 different houses and things. Kenzie and I stayed in the Barbie house for a long time. She couldn’t believe how many they had. The photos below only capture a quarter of what they had on display. It was insane. My favorite were the old time things they had. An old sewing machine, cel phones in bags (remember those huge ones you took in the car?! I remember my mom having one!). I don’t think Craig had any favorite haha.
Canyon View Park – another cool playground!
If you are ever traveling with kids, I highly suggest looking up the following terms: 1. Free playgrounds near me 2. Parks near me 3. Hidden gems for kids near me 4. Best things to do with families/kids near me 5. Adventures with kids near me Then, simply look up each thing it produces to determine the best things for your family. Also, talk with everyone you meet. Honestly, just talk. You will find the best gems this way! Whether you are at the rv park pool, laundry, office or at a grocery store, another adventure, etc. people love to tell you the best things they have found or heard of! We would be at one park and meet another family, and I would certainly be asking them all about things to do in the area that aren’t mainstream. I don’t care about the trampoline parks or things we can do near home, tell me your unique activities or must do’s!
Why do RV travel over Airplane or hotels?
First, you would miss so many incredible views from the air. You actually learn about the cities and some about the states from staying in them instead of just passing over. Each one is so unique, that it is truly amazing. When we stayed in Angel Fire, NM it was 100% different from terrain to temperature to people from Santa Fe, NM. We traveled a few hours from Grand Junction, CO to Breckenridge and the temperature changed 40 degrees! The drives are often so pretty (though some are definitely not exciting at all). It is so exciting for kids when you see a new state sign or they hear the GPS say entering a new time zone. You meet so many more people than you could ever possibly meet just going to one destination. You have plenty of bonding time, I know another 2020, we all want more time together hahahaha!!! But, honestly, it is a fun type of bonding time. Making a camp fire, telling stories, playing games together. Don’t get me wrong, with 3 kids there are lots of fights, moodiness and stir craziness (especially on travel days) but, I wouldn’t trade the beautiful moments for anything.
Between Olympic Park and Park City Mountain Resort, we spent a lot of time and money.
Olympic Park – two days
Starting at Olympic Park, the kids first did the airbag jump. Kenzie landed wrong so it didn’t feel good. Then, Craig and the kids did the alpine slide. Zoe didn’t love it. The next day, we convinced them to let her ride down with me (if you are 48” or taller, you are supposed to go by yourself – since she was a little close and they could see her stress, they allowed her to go with me). We all went and she loved it. The girls both did the ropes course (Jr. one) while Connor played on the playground. I love they had something for him, since he wasn’t tall enough for the course. Both girls did great. A guy behind them talked about how challenging a couple parts really were. The last photo, the slides, was the coolest part. We sat and watched a variety of skiers (from little kids to guys training for the Olympics) jumping them or doing flips off them! I will post a video on FB since I can’t attach it here. So mesmerizing to watch!
Zoe found a baby mouse at the park
It was hiding behind a sign to get dry from the sprinklers
Park City Mountain Resort and a stop for lunch
If I had to pick only one, between Olympic Park and Park City Mountain, I would pick Park City Mountain. If I had to pick only one activity to do, we all agree the mountain coaster would be it! Everyone loved it so much, we did it twice! Zoe and Connor weren’t tall enough to do it themselves, but they still loved it! We also did the alpine slides here, they were longer than the Olympic Park and there were 4 of them. 2 pairs side by side – which made it better for Zoe, since they wouldn’t let her ride with me. I was able to stay at her speed right next to her. The kids also did the trampoline jump (only had to be 30 lbs so they let Connor). They were so good with Connor, also! He let Connor stay extra time since he was trying so hard to do a flip. The guy was so kind with him trying to help instruct him. Connor made it 1/2 way, but never quite got there. The girls were doing lots of flips. We did the gem mining after and the guy there was friends with the guy helping Connor do flips. He was watching and hoping he would make it (so were some random people around us that were all clapping and encouraging him – it was so sweet). The gem guy gave Connor and the girls a little extra. Girls also did a seated zip line. The bigger one was closed. This one was honestly too short to be worth the cost.
We stopped for a bite to eat at Stein Erikson Lodge. Definitely recommend a stop here, even if just for a desert or drink.
Park City Museum
Zoe convinced us to go to the museum and it was such a cool place. Interim Director graduated from Florida State and the guy working with him, well, surprise – he was from Jax and Craig knew him haha!! What are the odds? It was such a cool place – went over how it changed from a mining town to a snow resort.
Fun Fact – my mom used to be a phone operator (Jacki)
So close to the Arches yet so far away…
Moab, Utah – we were so close to the aArches (literally drove by the entrance) . We couldn’t easily get a rental car and after thinking about the kids excitement level over rocks, we decided to skip it. It was just a one night stop – the RV park called us a week before and offered two more nights. When we booked, they only had the one night. We decided we would just keep to the one night and let the kids skip a National park. Instead, we played in the pool and met lots of really cool people. One of the groups told us about the Hole N the Rock home we could tour (and drive the RV to). So, we decided we would leave early the next morning and stop there. What a treat. A 5,000 sq foot home carved into the mountain. The history is pretty cool. The dad who had the property had big visions, but was kind of not worth much. He also had 5 boys. They had a small wood house that basically served as a kitchen. They slept in tents so he decided to blast and carve out a room for the boys to sleep. His boys kept at it over the years. It became a diner and a home for one of the boys. His second wife helped finish it. Such a crazy story. You aren’t allowed to take photos inside, but if you google “hole n the rock home” you can see some. Even had a tub and running water. It was only $6 a person and a quick tour so worth it if you are visiting Arches. The kids stayed about as impressed as they have been with our other selections. It did have a small zoo that you could feed the animals. Not very impressive but, the camel was fun. You give him the carrots and he just follows you as much as he can.
So close…
Pool fun at RV – look at the backdrop!
Albert, who lived in the house, sculpted this on the rock
These are examples of the hand drills used for this
Misc Notes
Click on photo and look under dessert. My kids wouldn’t get any!
He figured out what happens when you squeeze the bottle
An art gallery with beautiful art
Girls got a shower at the campground and thought it was so exciting!
Trump socks in a window of a sock shop
RVs allow you to see so much beauty
Barn Playground
Connor met a friend
Current Count: 5 people, 1 cat (no mouse still!!), 14 RV parks, 9 states
We stayed at a newer RV park called Southern Utah RV resort. It was about 1 hr from Zion and about 2.5 hours to Bryce. We are pulling out now and Craig said “no one rented the hot tub and I don’t know why.” The RV park had a trailer with a hot tub at the front saying you could rent it and they would pull it to your site. They were in the process of digging a pool. The average temp while we were there was 105 and while it was a dry heat, we were higher in elevation and it felt like you were burning immediately.
We went through Zion and it was so busy, we decided to keep driving to Bryce.
They love exploring!
Mule Deer – Zoe was great at spotting them!
Paira View
Inspiration Point
These are called Hunter and the Rabbit – Aqua Canyon
Hoodoos
Natural Bridge
We didn’t do Zion until Monday, but I am going to add them here. We (*I*) mistakenly thought if we could get there by 7:30 am on a Monday, we could find parking and wouldn’t have an issue. I was wrong, it was still nuts. We decided to stay off the shuttle and just do one hike. I had a few after a lot of research, but… we did Zion Overlook Trail because you can park there. I wanted to do sunrise, but it was at 6:11 am and I thought between waking up the family, one hour drive and hiking in dark on rocky trail that sometimes gets narrow with a 3 year old and adventurous 8 year old, that we were best to go after sun was up. We got there at 7:20 and no spots anywhere close so we had to pretty much hike to get to our hike. One of the girls might have cried while having to walk back to the car after. But, it was truly a fun hike for kids. Rock paths to climb, some steeper that are slippery and required a handrail they had, an over cliff that felt cool in the heat and like a cave, a narrow area that required creativity. Only a few places were truly beg Zoe to quit acting like she is on the Ninja course. And, at the end – the view was gorgeous. You could see the windy road way below, the canyons opened up, the chipmunks were in excess and the beauty was surreal. If you only have a day in Zion, do this short hike (only 1 mile round trip). If you have more time and are with kids – Riverwalk View and I wanted to do that. Read it was flat, you could even take a stroller – just under 2 miles and places kids can play in the Virgin River. I decided against it because it was stop 9 on shuttle (last one) so 40 minutes one way. Plus, at least a 30 min wait for shuttle and it was in mostly the sun with it being another 108 degree day.
Windows inside tunnel. Tunnel from the 1930s, windows were to let carbon dioxide out
Is this really a free playground?!?! Well done, St. George! Also, ALL abilities!!
Train ride was only charge and it was only $1
But, How is Craig handling the first month on the road in an RV? Don’t worry – he is doing great! He has been able to work at night (and whenever needed at daytime). He has also played golf a few times (here are some photos from Vegas and Utah) and for those that know Craig, he will have fun no matter what. Such a happy, loving, fun guy!!
Misc
Everyone sleeps well in Utah – is it the hard playing or the heat or the combo?
Terrible’s is the convenient/gas station store… oh my!
Foam soap convinces them to take long showers!
This was their favorite playground. They made “food” using rocks and plants
Did an ice cream truck come through an RV park?!?
Yes, it did!
We did a lot of ice cream due to heat
He loved it!
After hike at Zion, he slept until breakfast when he was surprised to wake and find a “bear” pancake!
How did he get all these splinters WITH tennis shoes and socks??
Reading at night 🙂
Girls were doing fashion design together
Time to head to cooler weather (it will be in the 90s at the next place and we couldn’t be happier)
Hot air balloons behind the RV
We are staying in Utah and headed to Park City so I will save the count for leaving there.
Yep. It is true. I recall Vegas, at one time, trying to market themselves as a family getaway. I remember laughing. I feel like that is even more laughable nowadays. I thought it would be nice to take the kids to the Strip *during the day* to see the Bellagio Fountains and to go to M&M world and the Coca Cola place. Both girls expressed how much they didn’t like it and were overwhelmed. Kenzie said it smelled horrible and was so loud and crowded. So… one thing for anyone to know before going – pot is now legal recreationally. We couldn’t take 2 steps on the strip without seeing and smelling it. I have no issue with adults doing whatever they want, but really don’t understand why that (or vaping or cigarettes) are allowed in public areas. It infringes on anyone else’s right to breathe clean air so how is that ok? Off my soap box… it was definitely overwhelming for kids and I don’t recommend people bringing them to this area. Plus, I am saving you a lot of money as the m&m world made out with over $150 from us 🥴🤣 Somehow, by the time we left M&M World, it was dark and Coca Cola was already closed. We thought the kids would enjoy driving and looking at the lights, but – once again, we lost that bet. I bribed them saying I would get them soda if they would take a good photo in front of the Las Vegas sign and all the sudden their inner love does the place came shining through.
Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort – one of our favorites so far this trip. Nice, gated, privately owned and some spaces (like ours) have different outdoor features. Driving here couldn’t have been fun for Craig – lots of high wind advisories and warnings for tall vehicles. We were going to go back and visit the Hoover Dam, but decided against based on kids reactions to the Grand Canyon.
Past out – Vegas style
The best part for me was getting to see my childhood best friend, Kyla. So fortunate to have her in my life for over 35 years now!
Count: 5 people, 1 crazy cat, no known mouse, 1 RV, 25 days, 8 states and 2,793 miles. DewBus is on its way to Utah today and it is Kenzie’s DOUBLE DIGIT Birthday TODAY!! (Happy 10th sweet girl!!)
We took the kids to the Grand Canyon. Their reply “oh, more rocks.”
I don’t understand a lot of logic nowadays. The Watch Tower is closed as was the visitor center (moved to an outside line and tables with rangers). BUT, all the gift shops were open and super crowded.
The Rock Squirrel – listed as the most dangerous animal in the Grand Canyon
Bearizona – Craig happened to see the sign and I am super happy he did.
Bearizona turned out to be a really fun find. The first part is a drive thru zoo and then there was a walking part after. Rules were just not to get out of car while in driving part and keep windows up during bears and wolves. We got super lucky and were behind a food truck for the bears at the last part. The only negative (smart move by them, but not fun for parents) was you had to walk through a big gift shop to get to the Jaguars.
Sedona
We stayed at Black Bart’s RV – it was an ok park. It had a restaurant up front where the wait staff sing different show tunes and Disney songs. It was not our favorite and definitely overpriced. Connor didn’t like it much at all…
dewbus 