Day 7 – June 25, 2019

I woke up around 3:45 and grabbed my phone. A text from Kevin revealed the sad news I was expecting but not ready for. My Aunt Sandy had just passed away.

Sandy helped us buy our first (and only) home. Sandy hired my dad and his friend to remodel her home after they retired. But most of all, Sandy was mom’s lifelong best friend. I have never seen a stronger bond between two sisters. A very happy thought is they are back together in heaven.

Trevor put it best. “(Aunt Sandy) has been an important part of our family for as long as I can remember.” Make that as long as I can remember, too, Trevor.

Kathy and I visited Sandy a few days before we left on the trip. We talked about the kids, and the trip, and just reminisced about old times. It is a memory I will cherish always.

In the morning, I texted Nancy to express my condolences. I asked about timing for a funeral mass. Nancy urged us to “keep on our adventure. It’s what (Sandy) would have wanted.” With a heavy heart, we continue on.

We stayed at the Travelodge as long as we could, enjoying the WiFi, running water, and electricity.

Our next big stop was Arches National Park.

We arrived around 3:30 and found a campground 2 miles from the main gate. Quickly picked a site, tossed up the tent, and drove to Arches.

The plan: hit a couple trails and be back to the tent by 7 to get to sleep early. The reality: had too much fun, couldn’t pull ourselves away, left at 9:00 and didn’t hit the air mattress 10:00.

Ashley is loving Arches. They have a very easy Jr. Ranger program. She completed it in 20 minutes. She also likes that we are allowed to hike straight up to and under the arches.

Ashley’s has acquired a skill for rock climbing. She was scaling rock walls at steep angles with dangerous sheer cliffs on either side. Ashley took these challenges like a professional. Her new hiking boots have worked great.

After a particularly arduous trek, we made our way back to the parking lot, walking on the sidewalk. I heard a scream. I turned and saw Ashley down on the ground holding her skinned knee with her skinned hand. She survived the treacherous hike and then failed the task of simply walking (she was fine, by the way).

We are heading back into Arches tomorrow for more good hiking and badge number 3.

Finally allow me to say one last thing, pink bunny slippers.