Several years ago we had a home teacher from Emery county. He told us all about the Castle Valley pageant. I thought it sounded fun and decided we would go. Several years went by where it just didn't work out. So 2 years ago I decided it was the year. I made reservations at a hotel and was really excited to go. We had company that week and they were going to come with us. The day before things got kind of busy and it was decided that we were all too hot and tired to go - so I canceled the reservation and we stayed home. I was pretty disappointed but vowed to go the next year. But that was the last year they did it yearly- they changed to only every other year so I had to wait till this summer. So I planned it months ago and we finally went. Kristin, Kevin and Tess came with us. We had a really good time but it was sure an interesting camping trip.
First of all we got a bit of a late start but made it up there in good time. The windy roads were a bit much for Anna so we had to stop so she could throw up. Luckily she made it to the side of the road and didn't get it in the car. Our camping site had no good spot for a tent. There was a very small area under some trees that was flatish but it was no where near big enough for our tent, which is technically called a 3 room "vacation home". We drove on to check Kevin and Tess camping spot. It was much better so we commandeered that and set up our tent there and then went and set up Kevin and Tess tent under the tree in the other site. We had to break off several branches for it to fit under the trees but we did it. We have 3 air mattress but could only find 2 (until we go home and saw the third one waiting for us in the garage where the pile of stuff to go was sitting.) But we figured we could just make do with two.
Because cramming camping supplies for 7 in the van is a pretty good trick I packed Rick's car with all of our sleeping bags and pillows. Although Rick didn't actually help me do it he did watch as I took everything out and put it in his car. Well at the last minute Kevin and Tess volunteered to drive there car. Rick hopped in their car and left all our sleeping gear parked in the trunk in our driveway. I was pretty upset when he arrived without it. I didn't know what to do. Luckily I had put a few blankets in our car to sit on at the pageant. So we had those. Taylor and Dallin slept in the car where it was a bit warmer. Kevin and Tess lent us some blankets and a sleeping bag. I froze all night long. My neck ached from sleeping with no pillow. Rachel kept waking up shivering so I put her in bed with us. Her body warmth finally helped me get a bit of sleep. It was a rough night but we made it through.
The pageant was good but extremely cheesy - just like all Mormon pageants. But I still enjoyed it and felt the spirit. Rachel kept all around us pretty entertained. She made comments, rather loud about all that was happening. She was gravely concerned with the baby dying and let everyone know it.
The next day we had a wonderful breakfast that Tess and Kevin made and then we went to the lake, it took a bit of doing but we found a spot to swim. We had a good time till some big black clouds and a bit of lightening chased us out of the water. We stopped to have lunch and take a few pictures before going home.
The trip ended with an unfortunate encounter with a policeman who wasn't too happy with the speed that Rick was driving. The entire trip seemed to be fraught with mishaps and bumps in the road - but I hope to do it all again next year. Next year I will pack all of our stuff in the van even if I have to sit on it and I am pretty sure Rick won't be in such a hurry to get home and if he is he will keep a better look out for cops.
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