Moab Freedom

I love Moab. It is so homy to me. I especially like the fact that at this time of year it was empty and I could see the sun and the blue sky without running into anyone on the trails.
I was feeling like getting away this last weekend and with still 3 National Parks left on my list I decided Moab and a stop in Canyonlands NP would be a great idea. I have 2 really awesome friends that live in Moab (I know, crazy to think they live there and they aren't river guides...we'll at least not anymore).
So I drove down Friday night and stayed with Levi. Levi just got a golden retriever, Utah. Utah is so cute. He is about 6 months old and is super sweet. He absolutely loves Levi and follows him everywhere. The house isn't very big, but if Levi walks from the kitchen to the living room (maybe 5 feet), Utah will follow him. If he walks to the bathroom (10 feet), Utah follows. To the bedroom, he follows. Back to the living room, yes you got it he follows.
Anyway, we just chilled and chatted then hit the sack. The next morning Levi went to work and after sleeping in I headed out looking for a 6 mile stretch of road for my 12 mile training run (6 miles down and 6 miles back if you didn't figure it out on your own). I picked up 2 hitch-hikers on my way back from Kane Creek. They were very nice, but like most Moab men were a little scruffy. Most smart, cute single girls would have kept driving, but something told me it was OK this time. And so now I can say I have picked up hitch-hikers (weird, but yes I have always wanted to say that...next actual hitch-hiking). After dropping my friends off in town, I started my run. It was very nice to run without inversion. I ran down Kane Creek Rd next to the river. The river was frozen in spots. It was awesome to see the river covered with snow and ice. The river looks so calm, but then you listen as it carries large chunks of ice down stream. The sound of huge blocks of ice crashing together reminds you that the river is still very powerful.
After my run, I went to lunch with my other buddy, Sterling. Sterling is so funny. I really enjoy hanging with him. I forgot how much I like talking to him. We had lunch at the Moab diner, then he took me to meet his crazy hippie landlord. Sterling's landlord is a off the charts hippie. We had fun categorizing hippie levels. In Salt Lake anyone that is outdoorsy or eats healthy is grouped in with hippies (I have even been called hippie), but when you are in Moab you have to be a little more specific who you call a hippie or even what type of hippie you rank them as. Mark (Sterling's landlord) is a true hippie. He played the harmonica in his room, the door covered in some sort of Hindu cloth. The walls had pictures of Buddhist monks and he was making hats to sale from old clothes. Lastly, when asked if he had visited a certain location his reply was "not in this life." HAHA, I know. It was awesome. At this point the trip was a success, but I decided to continue. Sterling and I hike for about an hour on the Moab rim trail. It was beautiful.

Happy hiker

Moab Rim Trail

On our way back into town we passed the Grand Center where Moab was hosting their annual Moab Scottish Music Festival. Of course we stopped in to check things out.

There they are, the Moab musicians

Everyone from Moab was in attendance

Sunday morning Levi and I headed to the Canyonlands. It was sad to leave Utah at home. Dogs aren't allowed in national parks. We made a quick stop at Dead Horse Point State Park because neither of us had ever been. Then we hiked near the point of the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands NP. The Canyonlands hike was amazing. It ended with a 210 degree view of the park. It also ended on top of a very tall spire. If you know Zion's Angel's Landing, you know how freaky it can be to stand up there. I thought this was worse. The approach better, but the drop off worst. Levi didn't seem to phased by it, but it got my heart pounding.

It was a little cold in Canyonlands

Secretly he was missing Utah

Walking back to the warm car

I was too scared to get any closer, so the pic doesn't do the drop off justice

It is hard to tell, but the rock I am on cuts back a few feet under me...doesn't look so safe.

All in all not a bad weekend trip. Thanks Levi for letting me crash at your place. Sterling as always you made me laugh til I had to run to the outhouse. And Moab...no one can replace you.

One last view of the Canyonlands

Yurt...oh how I love thee

I got to "yurt it up" this weekend. I was just called as the outdoors activity co-chair which means I help create the most awesome outdoor adventures for my ward. This past weekend we were able to snowshoe into a yurt and stay overnight. It was a great experience and I really enjoyed hanging out with everyone. A yurt is a canvas structure more permanent then a tent, but not as permanent as a cabin. Check it out on wikipedia...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yurt.
The hike into the yurt is beautiful. My favorite part is walking through a grove of tall pines that are basically bare.

It was great to relax in a cool place. But relaxing isn't enough we had to play too. We built the largest snowman I have ever seen. He stood at least 8 feet tall with dark brown eyes (fudge) and a carrot nose. Getting him assembled was no small task and we may have had to sacrifice Georgia and Johnny to do it, but it was worth it. Thanks to Georgia and Carolyn the snowman was not alone...he had his trusty chicken by his side (sorry I didn't get a picture of the chicken).

We were told that we would be cold in the yurt so we all prepared for 20 degree weather only to be uncomfortably hot. Minus Paul who had dripping water on his head all night and Danny who had a backpack dropped on his head, we all slept comfortably.
The yurt was a new adventure, the snowshoeing fun, the company couldn't have been better and the snowman still stands. What better weekend could you ask for?!

Tis the season to snowshoe

Yes! It is official it's time to snowshoe. Saturday I went out for the first time this season and it was a beautiful start to a great snowshoeing season.
My friends Cody and Adam and their significant others and I headed up Lamb's Canyon. Adam and Tacy had to leave early and Cody and Margi were late so I spent some time hiking on my own, which was very pleasant (I like me).

Yes that is ice forming on my hair.

Most of the hike is along a stream and you are surrounded by beautiful aspens and pines. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera in the car. I took some photos with my camera phone, but I have no idea how to get the pics off except to text them. So if anyone knows how to do it give me a call.
The trail is a 1.75 mile hike to the Lamb's Canyon pass which then drops you into Millcreek Canyon on the Salt Lake side. The first half of the trail was well traveled from what looked like boarders hiking up for some good snow. The second half, well let's just say I think I was following moose tracks for awhile. I finally came to a spot where the tracks completely stopped. I followed some deer tracks left until those ended, then made a trail to the right to see if I could find a trail. By this point Adam and Tacy had left and I was alone waiting for Cody and Margi to follow my tracks up to me. I started to go up, but heard what I thought were some mini slides. Luckily Cody and Margi reached me and assured me that the avalanche conditions were ok.

Here is where it gets interesting. It was probably only another 50 yards to the pass. It took us another 2 hours to reach the pass/summit. The trail was straight up. We had to bushwhack our way up, weaving side to side trying to make the climb easier.
We reached the summit at 12pm. It was amazing. The canyon was so beautiful and of course at this perspective we could see so many easier ways up to the pass. Oh well. At least we were slow enough to look around and notice the 2 moose on the ridge line to our right. I am grateful they were far away because Margi kept calling them to come over.

Cody at the top

The hike down was remarkably fast which is typical. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I could have stayed up there longer. This is a new favorite trail despite the fact that we had to bushwhack the longest 50 yards (really with the weaving it was probably a half mile).

Yes, I found out how to get the pictures...Thanks Jake.

Bad Joke Christmas Letter

Sorry it has been awhile since my last post, but hopefully this makes up for it.


Season’s Greetings to all of our wonderful family and friends from the Bad Joke Girls (blonde, brunette, and a redhead). 2009 has been a busy year with many blessings. Though no one made the honor roll, no one’s soccer team won a tournament, and no one’s choir made it to the state sing off this year, we still had a lot of fun and have been very blessed along the way.

As roommates, we really enjoy each other’s company and try to have as many adventures as possible. This year we competed in a triathlon, each taking a different leg of the race. Ashley swam, Annie biked, and Talena ran. Even though a team of 14-year-olds beat us (oh wait, nope they were 11) we still had fun. We also enjoyed many camping and hiking trips (just can’t get enough of being outside).


Talena’s heart is so full with her cat family continuing to grow. She just added a new kitten to the crew. Snickerdoodle joins Mittens, Snowball Jr., Fluffy III, Ginger, Mrs. Whiskerson, Bubbles, Tiger, Pumpkin, Nub Nubs, and Friskers, and the late Snowball, Fluffy, Fluffy Jr., Blackie, Bucky, Sandy, Felix, Garfield, and Mopsy.

Talena didn’t win any races by being slow and steady, but we still think she’s a champion. She ran two 5Ks, two 10Ks, two half-marathons, and one full marathon. Wonder what she’s running from… She also scored a great job at Black Diamond, an outdoor equipment manufacturer, and can’t wait to try out all the equipment and stop being teased for being an outdoor pansy.


Annie’s had a rough year with medical bills, but her wart removal treatment went really well. She had 16 warts removed from behind her knee and 4 from her right wrist. Dr. Shamatu is truly skilled in his specialty and we’ll be forever grateful for his service to our family.

Annie’s ambition continues to amaze us. She swam, biked, and ran her first triathlon and did it all by herself. When she gets bored of the old U.S. of A. she takes trips to see other places of the world. This year she traveled to visit the kiwis, wombats, and koala bears in New Zealand and Australia. Good on ya’ Annie.


Ashley, our youngest, is a handful, but adds much joy to our lives. Having been just released from prison, Ashley is setting her sights high at keeping her life on track. She just got a job as a food preparer at McDonald’s and there is already talk of promoting her to cashier (keep your fingers crossed).

Ashley’s illustration work keeps her very busy. She’s already traveled to New York a couple of times promoting Shailie and also wishing that those cute little dress-up fashions would fit her too. Too bad you’re not shorter Ash. She’s also been using her talents in the religious side of things painting for a Book of Mormon Mania game and also Bible story illustrations for the Mennonites.

We are truly blessed to have each of you in our lives. You have touched our hearts this year and we’re grateful for your love and support. It has been our pleasure to know you or whatever. You and your kind hearts brighten our lives and enrich our souls. Merry Christmas everyone

Loves,
Bad Joke Girls
Talena, Ashley & Annie

Magic Bus

No, I wasn't on drugs. Yes, I took a ride on the magic bus. The bus is an old school bus converted to a magic bus with the removal of the seats and lined with old couches and speakers. We rocked out to 80s classic as we drove up to Antelope Island for a ward hike. Oh and yes the party was in the back of the bus.

My bus buddies rocking out to the 80s.

Back of the bus peeps.

The hike was beautiful. We started about an hour before the sunset to watch the sunset from the top of the mountain. Of course when my friend Dan and I saw rocks off in the distance we had to climb them. And jump them. And injure ourselves (this was just Dan).
The sunset was beautiful. Antelope Island is the best. I think this trip should be a yearly tradition, except any injuries.

Party on Antelope Island

Rocks must be climbed

And jumped

I have always wanted to do this

New Adventures

I must be reading too many mountaineering books because I am craving a new adventure. I have to admit sometimes I get ideas that I run with for only a few weeks, but this is not one of those ideas. Putting my money where my mouth is I have started to acquire the gear and sign up for classes to start my new adventures, alpine mountaineering & ice climbing.
Thanks to my super awesome roommate, I have a shinny new pair of Black Diamond Sabretooth crampons. I am so excited to try them out. They look awesome and scary at the same time (sounds like awesomely scary to me).

As of yesterday I will be taking an ice climbing class from the U of U. The class is a basic skills class with a weekend field trip to Ouray, CO in February.
I am also super lucky to have cool friends that are willing to help teach me. My buddy Levi has a few summer trips planned that I hope to jump on and with some weekend adventures I will learn important mountaineering skills. He has already helped me with my orienteering skills (which proved very useful in the corn mazes).
I know that there is a lot to learn and I will have to prepare my body and mind for the demands of this type of adventure, but I also know that the rewards will be worth the pain and cold. I love the mountains and have a healthy respect for them. I am excited and nervous for this new challenge. Life is an adventure.
So if you ever want to go hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, climbing, winter camping or anything else that will help me prepare you know my number (at least you should if you are reading this because really who wants to read some crazy red head ramble on about her adventures unless we were friends.)

What could be better...dancing, guns and slacklines

I have to say I was very happy with my weekend. Friday night my super sexy awesome friend Carrie came to hang out. She used to be a roommate, but now lives near Millcreek and sadly we don't see her very often. Carrie is an amazing person and is so much fun to be around. We went to dinner with friends for a weekly DC (diner club) at the Royal India in Bountiful. I love this place. Dinner was fabulous. The company was great and the food was perfect. After dinner we went over to Chris's warehouse/place of residency to watch an old horror movie, Carnival of Souls.

Check out a trailer on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkTz0EvfEiY

The movie was so funny mostly because Talena was the only one getting scared and she jumped every few minutes. After the movie we explored the warehouse. There was some interesting items stored in the warehouse. We found old building letters and proceeded to reenact some Sesame Street reading games. After exploring an impromptu dance party exploded full on with fog and lights. Have to say it was a rocking party for only having 6 people.

We did a little graffiti (we are so wild)

D..D O..DO..DO G..DOG

Saturday started out early with Talena and I heading to REI for the garage sale. This is where all the equipment returned over the last few months is resold to members at reduced prices. REI's return policy is very open, return anything, at anytime, for any reason. So basically if I just don't like it, return it. Which means the garage sales have some pretty awesome gear for cheap. I bought hiking boots and a pair of Chaco's for only $70 (I know I already have chacos but you can never have too many...right?).

After REI I drove up Parley's canyon to the police shooting range for our Relief Society shooting activity. By far this was the best RS activity I have been to (even better than Gilgal which was pretty awesome). One of the guys from our ward is a firearms instructor and was nice enough to do some training with us and let us shot his super awesome guns. We got to shoot 5 hand guns including a 2 revolvers, shotgun and a 3 rifles.

(For those who know guns, this will make me even cooler)
Smith & Wesson 422, .22 LR
Glock G19, 9mm Para
Kimber 1911 Custom Classic, .45 ACP
Smith & Wesson 586, .38 Special
Smith & Wesson 617, .22 LR
Ruger 10-22, .22 LR
Colt AR-15, .223
Rock River AR-15, .223
Remington 870, 12 gauge

That was powerful (and I liked it)

I would just warn the boys to watch out. Don't be messing with my sisters cause they can shoot.

But wait the day continues. After shooting and a crazy hail storm I went slacklining. The weather cleared up long enough to go out for a couple hours. It was awesome and yes I am now ready to check off another goal on my list 26 for 26. Boo yeah! I walked all the way across the line, turned, walked back to the beginning and even got another turn in before falling off. So far this is one of my favorite goals to accomplish. I heart slacklining.

Never a bad time for standing tree pose even on a slackline.

Lastly, I was able to go to the Grizzlies game. It was opening weekend and we got tickets on the 3rd row right next to the team. There were some insane fights, helmet and gloves off type of fights. But the best part was the goalie's gold helmet. Every time he walked into the locker I screamed through the glass, "I like your helmet!" Sadly he didn't acknowledge my love for his helmet.

This fight was amazing, no gloves, no helmets.

And that my friends is this weekends adventures in a nutshell.