Capitol Reef National Park Hike and Cook-Out

On October 6, 2012 the entire student body of Richfield Residential Hall took a field trip to Capital Reef National Park.  Capitol Reef National Park was designated its park status in 1971 and is characterized by sandstone formations, cliffs and canyons, and a 100-mile long bulge in the earth’s crust called the Waterpocket Fold.

Students got up very early to do their morning chores and had breakfast at 7:30 to prepare for the Capitol Reef National Park activity.  The buses were supposed to pick us up at 8:00 am but due to a mishap we were not able to leave until around 9:00 am.  The delay did not dampen the students spirit.  After about an hour and a half ride, we arrived and quickly the students unloaded the supplies from the buses to set up the stoves, etc. to prepare for lunch.  Many students helped the staff in cooking fry bread, dry bread, hamburgers, hot dogs and pork ‘n beans.  Sitting under the clear blue autumn sky and surrounded by the red mountains, lunch was extra delicious.  Special hot chili was prepared by Grandma and Jamie to put on the hamburgers and hot dogs.  Some students had tears streaming down their cheeks after eating the chili.  Watermelon was also served.

Students had a blast playing in the river and climbing up and down the small hills.  Tristen lost his wallet when he was walking down the river.  The river current carried his wallet until it could not be seen anymore.  Many students helped look for it and eventually his older brother, Tyler, found it and all of us were relieved.

After a fun and exciting day, we headed back to the dorms around 3:15.  Many students were sleeping in the bus perhaps dreaming about the fun we had on this trip.

Ms. Herrra wrote:

What an awesome day we all had….at Capitol Reef!  Even though our buses were late, kids didn’t even remember that once we got there!  We had a lot of students that just go into help.  Smiles and laughter filled the canyon—I want to thank the staff that were involved with all the planning from the top boss to the night attendant.  The kids ate until they counldn’t eat anymore!  The was beautif and it felt like the day was reserved for us.  –Angie Herrera, Dormitory Manager.