Mini-Vacation: Donut Falls

No, we didn't choose Donut Falls as an excuse to eat doughnuts. We didn't even bring any doughnuts with us, although the kids certainly tried to talk us into it.

The hike was moderate, only 3/4 mile. Not bad, right? Even with a toddler, right?

Oh, minor tangent about said toddler. Sophia had a fever of 102 - 103 degrees all weekend. An hour before we decided to go camping, she felt cool and was acting pretty normal. By the time we got home, her fever was back. The extra sunshine probably didn't help...since it was sunshine for about 4 hours...

The kids were impossible to get into the car. Heaven forbid we should get out and have fun. First they didn't want to go on a hike. Then they didn't want to get their tennis shoes on. Finally we got on the road. After about 10 minutes, Doug realized that he had forgotten his shoes. Oops. We returned and got them.

Then we drove up the canyon - a lovely 30 minute drive. The hills reminded me a lot of the hills on the I-80 from PA to NJ. Minus the Delaware River, and adding the Cottonwood River, which is a tad smaller. At any rate, it was gorgeous. The weather even cooperated, staying at about 70 degrees.

The parking lot was a little farther from the trailhead than we had anticipated - a mile away from the trailhead, to be exact. So our 3/4 mile hike turned into 1-3/4 mile, 3-1/2 both ways. Still, manageable, right? Not according to the kids on the way back, but whatever ("My feet hurt!"). Poor Doug - he had to carry Sophia most of the way. Next time, definitely bringing a stroller - for at least the mile before we get to the trail!

Donut Falls, by the way, is so named because the river actually goes through a rock - it's difficult to see in this picture. But it's very cool in person.

Jack, cling-a-lot Sophia, and me - sitting at the falls

See the floppy hat I'm wearing in the picture? Jack helpfully tossed it into the river about halfway back to the car. Not the best fashion statement anyway, I guess. But still! Now I need another gardening hat. Argh.

Been on any fun mini- or major vacations lately? Share, share! These small vacations manage to be enough to get away, yet are very inexpensive. And - I don't have to pack!