An Exciting Day on the Desert

Little Creek Mesa.

Several years ago, the tradition of the annual Mother and Sons' Hike began when my boys asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day. I just wanted to spend the day with them hiking in southern Utah. My daughter was living in Denver at the time, or she would have joined us, too. I enjoyed our Mother and Sons' hikes each year, and this year, our tradition included Chuck and Sierra, and some friends. What a wonderful way to celebrate being a mom; hiking with my husband and children.

Photo Credit: Cole Palmer

This year, Dylan took us to explore the slickrock area 18 miles east of Hurricane, Utah, known as Little Creek Mesa. We didn't actually hike on a trail, but we walked up and down, and across the open rock surface. The desert was dotted with colorful blossoms; the wildflowers and cacti certainly caught our attention. 

It was so odd to be in the Utah desert, and come upon a small marsh that attracted beautiful dragonflies and butterflies. We saw lizards, hummingbirds, and petroglyphs, too.  

While Chuck and I were bringing up the rear, we heard a very loud scream. I chalked it up to Dylan's scaring Sisi or Bridger; one of his favorite things to do. As we came over the hill, we saw Dylan and Bridger laughing. 

Photo Credit: Chuck Bennorth

Apparently, Dylan had jumped off of a higher rock, and as he landed, he noticed a rattlesnake right in front of his foot. He screamed, which got Bridger's attention, and then the snake slipped down into a foliage-filled ravine. 

The boys were trying to see where the snake had gone, and while they were focused on that, Sierra started throwing rocks into the ravine. 

Have you ever heard a rattler? It is much louder than I thought it would be.  Each time a rock hit the limbs below, Dylan would jump, and the snake would rattle, and everyone else would laugh. The tables were finally turned. It's usually Dylan scaring everyone else. Bridger said it was one of the best days of his life.

These are some of my favorite images from our day on the desert.

My handsome sons Bridger and Dylan.

Photo credit: Sierra Waters