BT 4.0: Diamond, the world champion

Our stay in Kanab is coming to an end. Yesterday we went to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We were all struck by the difference in the climate and fauna (yup, I just used that word). The west rim was desolate and desert-like with little in the way of green growth (unless you count an occasional cactus and the Dr. Seussian Joshua Trees, which are not trees at all but lillies...I digress). The north rim was a forest. It was cool (both in temperature and, well, coolness) and it had plenty of greenery. We hiked down into the canyon, but not too far as we were smart enough to remember that we'd also be hiking back up...with a 3-year-old...on our shoulders.

On our way up to the top of the canyon we saw a horseback riding sign that stated that they had no age limit for riders. While the Canadians were quick to let us put a 2-year-old on a horse, the responsible horseback proprietors of the United States have all banded together to deny those under 6 access to horsey rides. We made plans to inquire with this horseback riding establishment that was playing fast and loose with the young'uns of our great country. They, indeed, had no age limit and we threw her on the back of ol' Peanut faster than you can say "giddy-up". On our way we went. I on Applejack, Mark on Beau (or is it Bo, as in Jackson), Milo on Diamond and Odelia on Peanut with our friendly guide, Erin. It was 30 minutes of good, pure fun that will be burned in Odelia's brain for all of eternity. Milo also liked the ride. They tried to let him guide the horse with his own reigns but that may have to wait until he's six.

Today we went to Lake Powell for some canoeing, lake swimming and hopes of visiting a slot canyon via boat. With two failed canoeing trips to our name we were all hopeful that this would turn out better. It did. We paddled about 2 miles into the canyons and then spent the afternoon swimming, rock throwing and picnicking. The water was blue, the shade was plentiful and the company was divine. We did contend with the 2 mile trip back in blazing hot sun but that was well worth the afternoon of fun. Our arms feel like jell-o. Tomorrow we are off to (Uncle) Bryce Canyon.

You don't vent the dryer? We'll solve that problem.

Beefalo. A hybrid of cattle and bison...I'm not kidding. Google it.

Arriving at the canyon. Bright eyed and bushy tailed.

North rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

Milo chillin' at an overlook.

Nice southern lady takes our picture and declares it a "keeper".

North rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

I sat down on the trail while I was waiting for everyone to quit climbing the rocks. My nerves couldn't take it anymore.. My lap coaxed the children down.
North rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!

My shoulders on the way down...
North rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

Taking a break before we head back up.
North rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

It's getting rough at this point. Milo is hanging tough.
North rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

The best overlook we found was the last one.
Imperial Point, Grand Canyon, AZ

M & O strike their best poses.
North rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

Milo on Diamond. The person who helped get him on the horse told him that Diamond was a "World Champion". Of what we don't know (but that doesn't stop Milo from bragging about his horse, the world champion).

Odelia on Peanut. Skeptical of her guide but not resistant to "dealing" with someone new since she is so excited to be on a horse.

This is Applejack. He was a nice horse. He did not talk back to me when I talked to him. He liked to eat the branches off of small pine trees. He's not a fan of socializing.