We've been trying to do a different national park every month. January we did Zions and this month we did Capital Reef. It was a short night trip because of a family wedding we had and then we all got sick the day we made it down there, but we tried to make the best of it.

So what did we do at Capital Reef for the short time we were there. The night we got there we checked into our hotel and then found some grub. Since February is the off season to visit Capital Reef the whole town was pretty much closed down...not cool. The gas station we stayed next to was torn to pieces, the Subway that was in the gas station right next to our hotel was also closed, and the town literally had 1 restaurant open.  We talked to a family who comes down to Capital Reef multiple times a year to visit family they said that it's very rare for everything to be closed like this. Looks like we had our Hepworth luck again. It's usually raining or cold when we go somewhere...it was cold AND everything was closed.

Back to what we did for the night. After we got dinner it was about an hr until sunset so we decided to drive through the park. The lighting was perfect! I always get so giddy when golden hour actually is golden and against the red rock...oh my gosh the photographer in me wanted to pull over and take some pics. That's exactly what I made Jeff do. We pulled over and snapped a few pics.

We drove past a lot of trails I wanted to go on, a lot of places I had researched. But in the end we tried the Cohab Canyon and made it to the top but the babe was just miserable so we turned around went back to the car and headed home. She did get out of the carrier and walked around a little but in the end she just wanted to be home cuddling with mom.

We plan to return to Capital Reef in the next couple of months to see everything green and in bloom and pick all the fruit from the fruit trees. Until then we will call this trip a wash haha

Welcome to the second Meet the Traveler interview. Today we have Krista from Krista Aoki, a lifestyle & travel blog. I'm so excited to get to know her more so lets move onto the interview.


Blog name/social media accounts
​I'm the writer behind the blog: Krista Aoki, a lifestyle & travel blog

Facebook: http://facebook.com/kristaaoki

What has been your favorite trip/adventure and why? 
My favorite adventure would have to be living in Hawaii for five years. During that time I had the opportunity to explore the islands and open my mind to activities I had not tried before. I jumped off a cliff into a river for the first time. I discovered my love of hiking into the back country of the forests. I had opportunities to work in taro patches and learn about the culture and histories in every area I worked. I only moved away one year ago but I'm always planning my trip back to Hawaii.

What kind of duffel bag/luggage do you use?
​I try to travel light! So I typically bring a Roxy duffel bag with me, and my Knomo backpack (it has a laptop holder and plenty of pockets so it's sooo useful!).​

If you fly often do you check or carry your luggage on the plane?
​I carry my luggage to avoid the check-in costs! Unless I'm flying Southwest - I love that they allow two free checked bags.


Tell me your worst travel experience you’ve had so far, what could you have done differently so that that situation wouldn’t have happened
​Oh gosh. I have such a bad relationship with airports. I learned while I was in college, do not ​check a bag if you are switching airlines at an airport. Oh, and confirm your flight times (I guess). Unless you have an ample amount of time. I'm serious, my flight time got changed in between booking in December (I read the email over and over again), and when I finally flew out in May. So I waited for my bag at the baggage claim area thinking I had time. But the United attendant would not let me in! I thought that was crazy since it was a small airport in Maui, but I suppose they have to abide by certain rules. 

What’s the best travel tip or advice you have?
​Be open-minded. Last year my boyfriend suggested we visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park here in Colorado. I'll admit it didn't sound that cool to me... sand dunes just aren't glamorous! But we stopped at cute mountain towns on the way there and back; had an amazing time camping with each other; and had a nice hike up the sand dunes! It kind of felt like we were on a Star Wars movie set. So even though I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, I am so glad we went! Who knows, your next trip, whether you want to go on it or not, may inspire you!