Dominguez Canyon: Camping & Float

what a beautiful day for a hike in the dominguez canyon!

bz, callie, bennett & jayne

ziercher family shot with neither kid visible; you get what you can people!

we were so lucky to see some female mountain goats and their young trying to cross an open stretch of slickrock

desert cactus in bloom!

jayne caught a rare bennett smile

my first day rowing; that's a lollipop in my mouth

saint jayne and her crewman

yay for camping!

 We decided to get the camping season underway early this year!  The Zierchers headed for the Dominguez Canyon, near Grand Junction, CO, for a two night stay and day float.  Jenni's good friend from college, Jayne, drove down from a training in Denver to join in on the adventure.  

Let's just say the overall experience was interesting, challenging and a bit humbling.  

We wanted to hike in the canyon itself but underestimated how long it would take to get there from the parking lot.  An hour after we started walking, we finally reached the entrance to the canyon.  Bennett thought it was a death march.  

Two hours later we were back at camp for lunch and a quick turn around to float for 16 miles.  During nap time.  Without a sunshade.  In 80+ degree weather.  After an hour and a half of hearing Callie wail, Jayne summed it up best by saying, "Wow.  That's impressive".

But BZ saved the day by ditching our planned camp dinner and taking everyone out for greasy Mexican food & margaritas.  Moral was greatly lifted and laughter filled the air once again.  I knew there was a reason I married that man!

So all in all it was a bit of a rocky start but it was still fabulous to get away for a few nights and to be outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and play in the water.  Thanks for being such a trooper Jayne, we love you!

And Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas.  We have the hardest job I could ever imagine and I appreciate all of you and your shared wisdom/thoughts/experiences more than you'll ever know!

 xoxox