Yesterday we hiked to the Mt. Timpanogos caves. Here is your random information for the day: timpanogos is a Paiute word meaning 'river of rock'. You feel smarter, don't you? OK, anyway, we didn't think that there would be a lot of people there, but seeing as it was Labor Day weekend, we were wrong. We arrived at around 2pm, and we couldn't get on the trail until 4:30. We killed some time by grabbing a map from the ranger and going on a nature hike (apparently we aren't the only ones that have had to wait). We also looked at a lot of postcards and various rocks at the giftshop. Did you know you can buy yourself a blue ribbon for hiking to the caves? True story. After a while, Izzy and Dylan got hot (and bored), so we let them put their feet in the river for a bit. Finally, it was time to start hiking.
This is a classic Luke photo. What you can't see is that he is standing on a big red stripe (read the sign). Anyone who knows him will appreciate this picture!
After hiking 1 1/2 miles, we made it to this sign. Isabelle walked the entire way by herself, so she was very excited that we were almost there--just a few short switchbacks left.
It was pretty cold in the cave. About 40-45 degrees, so we were glad we had sweatshirts. Well, everyone but Luke. He didn't think it would be "that cold", so he didn't grab one. When I asked him if he was chilly, he told me to put on a wet, sweaty t-shirt and get into the fridge, so I'm assuming he was. The kids thought the rock formations were really cool, and had a ball making their way through each of the three caves. Our guide pointed out two particular formations, and asked if anyone knew what they were. Isabelle piped up and informed everyone that the deposits hanging from the limestone are stalactites, and the ones on the floor are stalagmites. Good girl.
Soon enough, it was time to head back, so we got our gear and started down the mountain. Luke had Dylan in the backpack, which we are hoping he doesn't fit into next summer. Can you imagine packing around a five-year-old in that thing?
On the way down, the sun was starting to set. In the evening light, we noticed the maples that are turning red. They looked spectacular against the looming evergreens and steep cliffs. I was quickly reminded of why autumn is my very favorite time of the year.
This is a classic Luke photo. What you can't see is that he is standing on a big red stripe (read the sign). Anyone who knows him will appreciate this picture!
After hiking 1 1/2 miles, we made it to this sign. Isabelle walked the entire way by herself, so she was very excited that we were almost there--just a few short switchbacks left.
It was pretty cold in the cave. About 40-45 degrees, so we were glad we had sweatshirts. Well, everyone but Luke. He didn't think it would be "that cold", so he didn't grab one. When I asked him if he was chilly, he told me to put on a wet, sweaty t-shirt and get into the fridge, so I'm assuming he was. The kids thought the rock formations were really cool, and had a ball making their way through each of the three caves. Our guide pointed out two particular formations, and asked if anyone knew what they were. Isabelle piped up and informed everyone that the deposits hanging from the limestone are stalactites, and the ones on the floor are stalagmites. Good girl.
Soon enough, it was time to head back, so we got our gear and started down the mountain. Luke had Dylan in the backpack, which we are hoping he doesn't fit into next summer. Can you imagine packing around a five-year-old in that thing?
On the way down, the sun was starting to set. In the evening light, we noticed the maples that are turning red. They looked spectacular against the looming evergreens and steep cliffs. I was quickly reminded of why autumn is my very favorite time of the year. 
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