Cedar Canyon & Zions National Park.

Today was Grandpa's day.  We headed up into the Mountains for some adventure. 

 

After a big breakfast we headed up to Cedar Canyon to hike to see Grandpa Bolander's favorite tree. 

 

 

The Bristle Cone Pine.  It is such a majestic tree.  It is amazing that this tree has been on the earth longer than any other living thing.  I am sure it has seen much in its lifetime. 

 

 

Even though it as raining and muddy we could not miss a visit to the tree, and seeing the Joy on Grandpa's face as he sat in it was priceless.

 

Our next official stop (not counting the gas station and German bakery) was in Orderville to pay a visit to Great Grandma and Grandpa Bolanders Grave.

 

We also stopped by the house that Grandpa grew up in.  Great Grandpa Bolander built this home for his family. There have been a few changes by the new owners,  but it not many. . 

Grandpa wanted to take us on a hike, but he was having a little trouble remembering where the trail started.  While we were waiting for him to figure it out we snapped a picture. 

By the time Grandpa found the trail grandma had hiked enough and decided to stay at the car and read/take a nap. 
     Grandpa said that we were not going to hike the entire trail and that we would just turn back when the kids got tired.  So I took some scenic group pictures all along the way not knowing where we were going for sure. 

Here we are at the end of the trail......so much for not hiking the entire thing.  I am glad we did though.  The view was beautiful. 

And just for the record, I took a picture of where Grandma was.  At this point I think she was taking a nap in the car. 

 

All along the trail there were tons of Prickly Pear Cacti.  Grandpa taught the kids about all of the plants we saw along the trail.  There were tons of huge Prickly Pear Cacti.  Grandpa told the kids all about the delicious jelly you could make from the cactus fruit.  We found some at a shop and decided to give it a try.

It was just as good as he said it was.