Adventure in Flaming Gorge

For the Fourth of July, Brother George drove in from Chicago (without AC!) to join the abuelos and us for a camping trip to Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah. At three nights, this was one of the longest camping trips we've taken. Carmen, Jr., had a few rough nights but enjoyed playing with rocks and walking around the high desert. Carmen, Sr., proved herself an able camper on her second ever such experience.

Flaming Gorge

Day 1: Getting There and Getting Settled

Like mother, like daughter

Moving in

Our campsite

The Carmens

Cool clouds rolling in

Sunset on our first day

Day 2: Campsite Lounging and Green River

George "The Baconator" Madrazo cooks breakfast.

Nap Time 1: Two hats serve as sunscreen.

A natural rock garden, seen on the Green River trail near Little Hole

Days 3 & 4: More Campsite Lounging and Bear Canyon-Bootleg Trail

A vintage visitor

Nap Time 2

Samurai Carmen! (a hair-control attempt)

On Day 3 the two of us hiked a trail from Bootleg, a spot three miles past Flaming Gorge Dam, to the Bear Canyon overlook. This easy trek through alpine meadows was a refreshing escape from the high desert heat and wind. We were so impressed that we took Joe and the Carmens back the next day.

The abuelos hit the trail

Sego lily, Utah's state flower

A natural arrangement: pine cone and aster

The view from the Bear Canyon overlook

The way down

We made it!

On the trip home: Red Fleet near Vernal, Utah

End of Trail

Video Highlights
Featuring live wild animals, an exciting encounter with an alligator, the march of the pilgrim grandparents, and other scenes of natural grandeur and parental depravity