Suddenly September

The summer is never long enough. I had great plans to enjoy the weekly outdoor concerts and movies in the park this summer. Suddenly it's September and it's all over. It was a great adventure filled summer (and spring). I've been adjusting to the full time work schedule again. The job is great, the lack of vacation time, not so great. My parents left for a mission in Las Vegas, NV in August. My sister, Betsy, and her family moved into my parents house with me. It's been fun to have them around. I've still been able to fit in a few great trips over the summer (i love long weekends!)

Triathlon: Boulder, CO.

I did my first triathlon a few weeks ago in Boulder, CO. It was a great experience, I loved the training. The tri itself- i made it! in the time i had set. My good friend Laura was a great cheerleader throughout the race and stuck with me until. I was able to spend a little time in Denver visiting friends. All in all a great weekend!

Mt. Whitney

Elevation: 14,497

22 miles/ 1 day

 I hiked Mt. Whitney with a group of friends in July. Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. It's 22 miles from the trail head to the peak, we started at 1:30 a.m., made it to the peak and back to the trail head in 17 hours. It was amazing!

Miriam, Me, Candice at Trail Camp at Sunrise.

This is the beginning of the crest trail. 2 miles to the peak.

At the top! The view was amazing.

Sittin' pretty at the top. Loved it!



Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, from Cadillac Mountain. The highest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard.

 Our family spent a week in Bar Harbor, ME early this summer. We rented a house near town and the beach, ate lobster, toured Acadia National Park, and had the best blueberry pie! (and "bagged" another peak- Cadillac Mountain, elev. 1532 ft.)

Lobster Fest

it was a bit misty

The kiddies at Cadillac Mt.

The Troll

Seattle

Mac & Cheese at Beecher's

I spent a long weekend visiting my friend Miriam. Great weekend get-away. I got a great insiders tour of Seattle- the gum wall, the troll, Dick's drive-in; as well as the "regular" sites: Bainbridge Island, the underground city tour, and the market. If they had a little more sun I may consider moving there.

The gum wall. it's a little gross.

Moab

I went to Moab with 2 people who had never been to Moab.  I was a little nervous being the Moab veteran, making sure they had a good time and the true "Moab experience," too much pressure. I think we saw at least 12 arches- their trip was complete, i don't think they could have handled 1 more.

Lake Powell

I forget how great Lake Powell is until I get there. The canyons are amazing, skiing first thing in the morning leaves me wanting more, and the company was fabulous.

Summer in a nutshell.