We were weekend warriors in September.
When you’ve got a sunset like we had on a Sunday walk, you have to stop and take a photo.
I’ve had a few good ideas this year and the last minute idea to go to Great Basin and hike Wheeler Peak this weekend was up there on good ideas. It ended up being the perfect day to hike this trail. The aspen leaves were at fall perfection on the trail and it was great weather the entire time we were there. We even had the top to ourselves for a few minutes. Darren spotted a long tailed weasel that was super cool to see. This hike was tough - that last third of a mile was especially hard. It was steep (very steep) plus the elevation air made the going very slow, but the views from the top were worth it. I’m no peak bagger but it was awesome to put Wheeler in my bag. If only all peaks were this accessible. Bonus - we stayed last night in Ely at Hotel Nevada for the second time.
Took a little morning trip up the canyon and found out it’s fall up there. Snapped a photo of one of my favorite AF Canyon views.
This evening I thought of when the kids used to say, “Place back, seat back, everything back.” That made me smile. Also makes me smile - the nightly FaceTime call between Cam and Rylie. And this photo from 15 years ago.
It was a bit of a rough week. First off, nobody should have to go a year without being teased by my dad. A year is so long without him and I really, really miss him. Boo for September 20. Work was a bit frustrating this week and work is rarely frustrating. But there were good things that came from this week:
“O Zion! Dear Zion!”
I sure love that dad of mine. I listened to some of his favorite songs today. Some Neil Diamond singing Robert E Lee, Anne Murray, Mac Davis trying to be humble, and A Little Bit of Luck. Trying to remember the times he made me smile and not just miss him today.
Had such a great evening. Ry and I went to Costa and saw Sadie. Had a great time chatting with Ry and then we went to Kenzie’s Survivor watch party. We laughed a lot and laughing is my favorite.
Present me was listening to a song from the late 80s and it made me think of past teenager me. Then I looked around my little house and then saw some snow on the tops of the mountains and I felt so content. Present me has all that past me would have wanted except for a basketball court and I’ve come to peace with that. :). I’m just thankful for this little life - Darren, kind kids, Jesus, a place to call home, good health, safe neighborhood, a little job I enjoy, a hobby I can share with others or do alone, enough money to not worry, and I’ve seen a few cool places. Sigh.
I sure like having Cam and Sade around. I found a journal of mine from when the kids were younger. It was cool to read it to the girls from when they were little. Not much has changed actually. I want to thank my past self for recording a few things. I wish I had recorded more but something is better than nothing. (Pic December 2009)
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Felt like a quote day:
We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out. - Ray Bradbury
Got some elevation hiking in today. First up was a quick early morning hike with Claire to Horsetail Falls. Then I went with Lorien and Wendy to Snowbird. We hiked up to Hidden Peak and rode the tram down. (For freeee.) Good day and now I’m really hungry.
5th annual one night backpacking with the Bells is complete and it was another awesome time in nature. We went back to Willow Lake where we saw a moose just like last year. We also saw ducks which were fun to watch. Sadie loved our dehydrated dinner of chicken Alfredo and she ate her yearly fill of peachios. :). Becca built us a fire per usual. We chatted and laughed around it and I loved it. I also love my sleeping bag that kept me warm. The morning was quite chilly by the lake until the sun came out. 19 hours of backpacking fun!
We were trying to remember what made us go backpacking the first time. We couldn't come up with the exact things but we were so glad we did since the first time turned into 5 years of going which is awesome. The girls were cute little 12 year olds the first time and now they're 17 year old seniors.
It makes me smile when Cam plays hide and seek with Baylie. It also makes me smile when Cam and Sadie sing (with gusto). Music from Sing 2 is usually their go to.
All you need to make Sadie happy is Little Ceasars Pizza.
Capitol Reef highlights:
What a lovely day just relaxing at one of my favorite campgrounds. We enjoyed the shade at our site by chatting and playing games and snacking and hanging out together. PS - the walk from the campground to the visitor center is much longer than you think.
