Vernal Camping Adventure

Since G had the 24th of July off work we decided to do another extended weekend camping trip. We picked Vernal since we have never been and there are some cool dinosaur stuff to see. Michelle's family was going to come with us but sadly Brooks broke his arm last week so they had to bail. We missed them but had a fun time.

We drove up Saturday morning and got there around 1pm. After getting set up at our camp site we headed to the Vernal Natural History Museum and the Pioneer Women of Utah Museum across from the temple. The girls loved all the dinosaurs. Then we went to McDonald's for dinner and let them play inside for a couple of hours since it was so hot out.

Sunday we went to church and walked around the temple. Then we drove out to McConkie Ranch and explored the really cool petroglyphs they have there. They have some of the largest ones in North America and you get to see them up close and personal.

It was so hot that we headed to Steinaker State Park to play in the water (and mud). We learned that Bella HATES mud with a vehement passion. Her first steps into it resulted in 10-15 minutes of crying and then she wouldn't go near it the rest of the day. She did love jumping off the dock with her sisters though. On our way back to camp we stopped at a big park in Vernal.

Monday we drove out to Dinosaur National Monument and explore the visitor center and quarry. We saw and touched real dinosaur bones! The girls filled out booklets and became Jr. Rangers and picked out something from the gift shop. Then we drove the route out to Josie's Cabin. We saw more petroglyphs along the way. At her cabin we ate lunch and explore the canyons where she kept her animals. She was a pretty amazing woman to move out there by herself at 40 and stay there till she died at 90! We went back to the camper for dinner and then played at the park and swam at the rec center.

Tuesday we enjoyed the Vernal Pioneer Day parade and festivities before heading back to our home in Springville.