Capitol Reef National Park

My littlest brother Ben is leaving on his mission to Guatemala this upcoming Wed. June, 3, so for the last weekend we had together, we decided to make a quick trip down to Capitol Reef. Not all of the family was able to go, but for those of us who did, it was a blast.

My parents stayed at a hotel, while Ben, Ruth, and I camped in the park Friday night through the rain, thunder, and lightening. But that was not what kept Ruth and I up, it was my brother's snoring!! I feel bad for his companions! Surprisingly we woke up and were completely dry, thanks to one great rain fly. The morning was beautiful, we ate a a quick breakfast and decided to hike to Cassidy Arch. Aside from a 30 or so minute detour, we made our way atop the arch.

When we returned from the arch, we decided to go see some petroglyphs. I have always liked to see that stuff, and try to figure out their story. There was just a few, but still interesting. By then our appetites were growing. We decided to go get a sandwich and then possibly do another hike.

After our sandwich, it started to hail outside, and dark clouds were surrounding us, so we decided that we probably were not going to be able to do another hike, so we left for home. It was a short getaway, but a very enjoyable way to spend some of the last few days with my little bro!

Self Portrait


Ben, Ruth, and I on Cassidy Arch

Yellow Pine Creek, Uintah Mountains

In an attempt to go hiking/fishing up by Mirror Lake, we found ourselves at Yellow Pine Creek. We had planned out a hike that would take us to a few lakes we could fish, but about 6 miles before where we needed to be, the road was covered in snow. So we ended up at this Yellow Pine trail head that follows the Yellow Pine Creek. We were a bit disapointed because the trail does go all the way to a lake, but by then we didn't have enough day left. The hike was still awesome and beautiful and of course the dogs had a blast since water was involved. We couldn't have asked for a better day weather wise as well.

Escalante, Upper Calf Creek Falls, Lower Bowns

Tyler and I had a great chance to get away this past weekend to go visit one of his close friends that has been working down in Escalante for many summers. So Friday afternoon we loaded up the farm truck with our gear, dogs, and hit the road.

We camped on the Boulder Mnts. Friday night, then on Saturday, Mac took us on such a beautiful day hike to Upper Calf Creek Falls. He knew of some great secret spots to take us to including an old indian cave where we went on somewhat of an arrowhead hunt. I found a tip to one, and Mac, who has found many, found the end of one. I am pretty sure we were supposed to leave them there, but we took them and Tyler super glued them together, most unique arrowhead I have seen!

We then headed down stream to see the top of Lower Calf Creek Falls. This was awesome because most of the time we were hiking in the water in this really remote place which was so amazing. Our dogs were doing well, even Guss with his three legs. The hike back out to the car was the hardest for Guss, but he impressed us all and pushed it out of there, with a few boosts along the way. They were both wiped out by the time we reached the trucks.

Saturday night we camped again on the Boulder Mtns and had a great fish dinner. Sunday we hung around camp for a bit and did some target shooting. Mid-morning we made our way down to the lake at Lower Bowns for some float tube fishin'. We had three competitions: 1. First Catch 2. Biggest Catch 3. Most Catches. Well most of you would think that Tyler would have creamed me in this, but nope I took him 3-O! So he bought me an ice cream on the way home!

Needless to say we loved our time out-n-about, and we are so excited that spring/summer is here. We are looking forward to many more adventures this summer!