Day of Dinosaurs

After a sound night's sleep and breakfast, it was time to start our adventure for the day.  

We left Salt Lake City and headed southeast to Dinosaur National Monument.  This was our "short drive" of the day at 3+ hours.  No need to start electronics or movies yet-- how about if we chat?!?   Just past Park City, we came across an emergency situation in which a teen was have a seizure on the side of the road.  We stopped to offer assistance and once she was loaded in the ambulance, we continued on our way.  This incident sparked an in depth conversation about the neurological system, Good Samaritan laws and kindness towards others.

In preparation for tomorrow's South Dakota adventure, we prepped by reading "Where is Mt. Rushmore?" by True Kelley.  (This is part of the "Who Is?", "Where Is?" And "What Is?" series.  www.whereisbookseries.com. It is 107 pages, illustrated and an easy yet informative read for families of all ages.) We passed the book between all readers in our car and took turns reading chapters.  I think we are ready for tomorrow and will have a greater appreciation for what we see.  (I find that when we go to the museums- the kids are more interested in the interactive displays than what the information is.  Trap them in a car, turn off distractions and the information goes in!)

Three and a half hours after leaving, as we neared Vernal, UT, we started to see signs that we were nearing Dinosaur National Monument.  Local shops displayed dinosaurs attracting customers.

We turned from the flat lands of the Utah Basin towards the yellowish-grey cliff face where the Monument is situated.  Knowing we would be visiting many National Parks- we purchased the "America the Beautiful pass" prior to our trip. (Definitely recommended!)

From the visitor center we took a tram to the Quarry.  The excavation site has an air conditioned building built around it.  Inside the building, you can touch the fossils on the wall, see interesting fossils that have been found (my favorite was a prehistoric frog!), ask questions of a ranger, and see the fossils in the huge quarry wall.  We all were quite impressed by the intact camarasaurus skull still in the wall.  

Mom- thank you for recommending this to us.  This has been a family favorite!