Our first trip was right after the 4th of July to Escalante and Richfield - a one day trip, (YUP you read that right one day to Escalante and Richfield and back home). We left at 6:30 am and we were at the Escalante property by 11:30. Of course we had to stop in Panquich so Ian could get a couple of quick photo in front of the stage coach and old wagon.
10 days later I had to do inspections in Southern Utah, (stopping in Beaver, Parowan, Cedar City, Hurricane, and St. George). Again Ian was up and ready to go. This would be a 3 day trip with an overnight stay in Cedar City and one in St. George.
First stop on the trip - Beaver. while I worked Ian browsed the local Alco store and bought his mom a souvenir stuffed animal. Then we stopped at the local dairy and bought some squeakie cheese to eat on the drive to Parowan. While in Parowan, Ian walked around town, shopping the local consignment shop, (where he bartered for a briefcase), checked out the library and looked in the local shops. Next we drove the Cedar City, (where I had 2 properties to visit). Ian loved walking around the older downtown area, visiting the antique shops and souvenir stores. We checked into the motel then got a quick dinner and back to the motel where Ian swam in the pool - his favorite part of the trip.
The next morning, we ate breakfast at the motel, (Ian thought this was great). Then hit the road by 8 am for Hurricane. Ian decided to just nap in the car for the next 1 1/2 hours while I worked. When I finished and pointed out the museum across the street, he was pretty bummed out that he didn't go over and check it out. He plans on doing that on the next trip. Then on to St. George. I had 5 different stops and at each stop, Ian would walk around visiting stores, meeting people, having a great time. Near the end of the day, Ian stopped in one consignment shop and saw a silver ring he wanted to get. He tried to barter, but the shopkeeper said she didn't barter on jewelry. As Ian was opening up his wallet to pay, she asked him if he was pretty strong. Ian said "yea, why?" She then asked him if he wanted to work for 1/2 hour, helping to move boxes and some furniture in exchange for the ring. Ian said SURE!! So, I got a text telling me what he was going to do, where he was going to be and to come get him when I was done. When I got to the shop, the shopkeeper praised Ian for being such a good hard worker. She said he was such a big help. (And yes, when Ian texted me, I called him right away and asked him if she knew that he was only 13 and he said yes he told her and she knew that he was with his grandma who was across the street at the XXX property.) Ian was so proud of that ring and how get got it, and the shopkeeper also let him pick out a small stuffed animal for his little niece. We then grabbed some supper, and checking into the motel. This evening Ian swam twice. He just loved the pool at the motel, it has a waterfall and the temps were 104 so the water felt for good.
By night time Ian was starting to get a little homesick. The next morning we got up at 7am and as I was showering, Ian got everything all packed up and ready to load in the car. He was ready to hit the road for home. We had breakfast at the motel, (he so loves those continental breakfasts). Then loaded up and checked out. He reclined the passenger's seat and that was last I heard from Ian until I pulled into Sandy, at his house. He was so glad to be home, but he sure had a good time and had lots of stories to tell everyone. He said he can't wait for the next road trip with grandma. Grandma loved having the time with Ian - and she can't wait for the next road trip with Ian.
Thanks for going with me Ian - I really enjoyed your company and our talks.
