u/theywereinthefridge

Hi! 47F here bringing her two 12 year old twin boys on their first out west hike! They are boyscouts and used to camping/hiking, but as someone who hiked Arches and Canyonlands in a week of constant 107 degrees, I know out west is a totally different beast!

We are landing in LV on a Thursday in June and flying out of LV the following Tuesday. So we have 5 total nights. Our plan is to get off the plane, pick up the SUV rental and stay Thursday night in Vegas (no gambling despite how desperate my 12 year old is to try lol) and then leave Friday morning for Zion. We want to stay Friday night in Zion and then either stay one more night in Zion if having fun or head on to Bryce. I have already booked nights at the lodge inside the park in Bryce Canyon for Saturday, Sunday and Monday; but am willing to eat the Saturday night if we are having fun in Zion and want to stay an extra day.

My question: where is the best place to stay in Zion. Im seeing Springdale is probably the best town, looking for hotel suggestions for me and two kids. Money isn’t much of a problem I’ve saved forever for this trip so I can splurge on whatever hotel is best suited for us.

Next question: activities at Zion: my kids desperately want to do the Narrows. Is that realistic? They are both taller than me and extremely strong swimmers/athletic. But they are still 12 year olds. If that is a safe consideration for something we can do, what else do you recommend? I have a vehicle so I can drive to wherever (although I realize shuttles are required to see most places). We don’t have extensive gear, what should we rent and where from? I don’t want to over rent gear and have us bogged down. Is it even possible to get the Angels passes at this point in the game? So many questions I know and I appreciate anyone taking the time to answer! My mom died 2 months ago after a vicious 10 month cancer battle. Her and I and the kids were supposed to be taking this trip. I will be spreading her ashes during it, in a place that I get approval from before I do. She hiked the 107 degree week in Moab with me back 3 years ago. She was 72! Such a beast! She could do anything! I miss her and can’t wait to take her with me in heart and soul on this trip.

Most importantly, I want this to be amazing for my kids as losing Funny Grandma devastated them as much as me and this trip is to help us all heal.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!!!!

So I just walked in to my local grocery store to pick up some items. I am freshly showered and for my perfume today I chose Amber Star by Xerjoff and I layered it with Grand Soir MFK lotion.

The kid at the checkout, well, he’s probably in his 20s but I’m in my 40s so he’s a kid to me, says “ I don’t know what you’re wearing, but you smell like spring.” I was so taken aback in such a pleasant way that I started rambling on like an idiot about the perfume and the lotion and etc., etc. and he politely listened. Then he said, “ well I’ll tell you, you smell really expensive and really refined. I play piano and I watch piano players on YouTube and I always wonder what those fancy piano players in orchestras smell like and I bet those women smell like you.”

I almost hugged this kid.

I hope everyone’s having a wonderful day and that your perfume is making you feel as fancy as I’m feeling right now! What a shot in the arm of goodness! Bless his heart!❤️