Today my wonderful, white legged, husband decided that we should explore our own backyard and so we decided to take the kids to Timpanogos Cave National Monument. We asked the kids what they thought about going - after we explained that it was a 1 1/2 mile hike to an incredible cave with amazing formations, and do you want to bring your head lamps that you got for Christmas? After we mentioned the lamps they were all in. Anything requiring a prop usually goes like gangbusters at our house, so we were not surprised. We arrived a little early so we watched a movie, and then went and ate lunch at my former place of employment - Timpanogos Cave Concessions. I will admit that I got a little weepy and nostalgic as I smelled the snack shack and gazed upon the souvenir stand. It brought back a lot of fun memories.
The kids told us, as they were huffing and puffing along the trail, that when we said "hike" they thought we meant a 1 1/2 mile walk, like along a nature trail, and definitely not the 1000 foot ascent we were attempting. No matter, they did great - we didn't even lose one of them. The first 1/2 of the hike they hung in like champs, going very fast - especially the girls. We slowed down a little bit for the next 1/4 of the hike, and then the last 1/4 about did them in. It was very steep and hot, and we stopped at every switchback, but we made it in pretty good time.
The head lamps turned out to be a great accessory. And that's the best kind of accessory - the kind that are useful. The kids were getting many envious looks and cute comments from other explorers and rangers along the trail. They came in very handy when looking into the deep recesses that were not lit very well, and they even helped people to program their cameras by providing much needed light. The kids loved being in the cave, and didn't even complain about the frigid temperatures. The cave stays a balmy 43* year round, so the jackets were a major necessity. The only disappointment came from Jake who was a little miffed at the lack of bats living in the cave. Well, we can't please everyone.
This is the famous "heart of the cave" and we got to view it while listening to the legend of Utahna the Indian princess and her doomed romance with an Indian brave. This was everyones favorite part of the cave. Timp Cave is a beautiful monument and so full of natural wonders. I have said it once and I will say it again - No big bang made this. Heavenly Father created it for us to enjoy and that is what we did. We enjoyed it until we couldn't possibly enjoy any more.
We had a fantastic time - but we were tired at the end. It is a 3 1/2 mile hike round trip, and the elevation, steepness of the climb, and the July heat made it difficult to tackle. We suggest that if you go you take plenty of water, good shoes, and for the love of Pete - take a jacket. We passed a lot of people along the trail who had none of these and I'll bet their experience wasn't nearly as fun as ours. Head lamps are optional, but very fun as well as extremely useful. One last thing if you decide to go:
5 comments:
Jake looks a little tuckered out!! I'm glad you had fun! Is there anywhere that you feel like you might fall off the side of the mountain if you aren't careful?? just wondering. Never been up there.
Looks like you all had a good time. Man, Jake is out. You should hike that daily and he would be so tired he wouldn't be able to make the trip to yours or Taylors bed.
I've been wanting to take my kids up there, but after taking the 9 year-old scouts I've realized we'll give it a year or two- I don't want to carry Eliza, it really is steep!
I'm glad you had all the comforts that made it fun! Those head lamps are a great gift idea!!!
Oh the memories. Love Timp Concessions!! Glad you all had fun!
I've wanted to go again (haven't been for over 5 years) but for some reason Rob doesn't think I can currently make it up the trail. After your description, maybe he is right. To answer Caroline, I read an article in Reader's Digest about a little girl falling off the edge. She lived but a guy trying to save her died. But I don't think that it is too common.
Post a Comment