Happy Thanksgiving!

I forgot to post this on thanksgiving day, my bad

What better way to celebrate thanksgiving then running a 5k? I know it doesn't sound very festive, but in reality it makes complete sense to run the morning before a huge dinner. Digestive system kick start!

Now to be safe Priscilla, Jason, and I wanted to practice the route before the actual race. Couldn't be more happy that we did! I was grateful to know how long it would take and what hills I would have to face. Also my legs were so sore the next day I could barely walk..... Apparently there is truth to this training thing... to build endurance...who knew?

The day of the race people were pretty stoked to be there, dressed up like pilgrims, wearing funny hats. I mean even The Flash came to celebrate.

I personally did very well, shaving off about 11 mins of my time from the same race a couple years earlier. Yay, personal accomplishments!

So why do a 5k the day of thanksgiving?
- I felt great all day, was able to eat a huge thanksgiving dinner without creating a food baby, beat my record time, met The Flash, and learned a valuable lesson about the importance of training and building endurance.

Hurray we did it! Now let's go eat...

Where's the map?

November 6

Let's take a moment to discuss the importance of having a map, or at least checking with a map before you head out on a hike.

Now I know we all would like to believe that we have some special gift that makes us different then others so we don't need directions. Let's be honest people, unless you have some superpower or mutation, like wolverine,there is always possibility you will get lost.

Getting lost with Wolverine may not be to bad right?

ANYWAYS, Case in point:

Attempt to hike to the Millcreek Canyon - Salt Lake Overlook hike

Norm and I went out out on what was suppose to be a short 2 mile hike a couple hours before the sun went down. Safe enough right? WRONG! We knew where we were starting for the hike and according to the directions you just had up the trail..... so off we went

we obviously started in the right place

Now I'm not saying it wasn't a good time, not at all. I was happy Norm called and invited me to go out and get my final Fall hike in for the year. (It's suppose to snow tomorrow and I will then have to try out snow shoeing.)  It is still pretty up the canyon, but not nearly as green, everything is "dead" now so it is more brown.

I know people think brown is ugly
It reminds me a perfect marshmallow

After Hiking down whatever path we were on it started getting pretty dark and we realized we didn't have any clue how to get to the destination. Neither one of us knew where we were suppose to go and there were no signs on the path we took. Oops.... oh well it was still a good time

Thank goodness Norm came prepared, he happened to have 2 flashlights in his camelback (seriously, I don't know how I survived hiking before camelbacks) and we got back down to the car safely. Well lesson learned, next time make sure there is a clear plan of where the destination is!

Inner city "Hiking"

I've been out of town for a couple weeks so my wilderness hiking trips had to go on hold....

HOWEVER,

who said hiking has to be out in the wild?

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE!

I am so lucky to be teaching for a high school color guard; Not only do I get to teach something I love, but there are other perks as well. One of them is going on tour!

This year we got to go to San Francisco, so of course we went to visit the famous bridge.

Perk #2: working with an awesome staff

To cross the bridge our tour bus dropped us off on one side then met us on the other side. Since we weren't going to be walking over anything strenuous I reverted back to my trusty Toms (truly, I love those shoes, so comfortable!)

we were going to see the symphony right after..
hence why we are all dressed up

This is kind of a stretch to consider it a hike.... but not everyone has the time to go on a real wilderness hike so this maybe the best some people get. It only takes about a half hour to 45 mins to walk across, but the view is pretty, and the dolphins in the water are pretty fun to watch. but be careful! This bridge is pretty famous for suicide jumpers... Please don't ever do that....  But if you loiter around the railings it could be considered suspicious and you will be escorted from the bridge.

I wish I could have captured the dolphins
Alas, my poor phone doesn't have that great of quality

 One thing that came as a surprise to me was how fast weather changes in Cali. It was  fairly clear when we started walking across, but as you can see below when we reached the other side it was to foggy to see the other side. It also sprinkled on us a bit on our way, but nothing to bad. 

If you are in the area definitely take an hour of your time to check it out. 

7 people, 4 moose, 3 deer, 1 hike and a lake

Willow Heights

So my theory was correct. Give people a little head notice, make a plan before hand, and people will join. 

This rock we are sitting on is at the trail head; We were parked across the street, decided to turn back around to see if we had passed the rock, and ended up turning right into it.... Probably should take a better look next time.

This trail is surrounded by Aspens almost the whole time!

 

 

This hike claims to be a family hike and really easy. Which is true in the fact that it is short, and most members of younger family could finish just fine. However, this would be a tough hike for an elderly crowd. 

As you can see from this picture (kind of) it is pretty steep for the first bit. We were all huffing and puffing a little and the conversation was very minimal through the steep parts. 

There were a few times we would stop along the trail to take pictures, catch our breath, or just look around at the scenery... which of course was GORGEOUS! I know I say that about almost all my hikes, but hey it's true. Our Utah mountains are beautiful, no questions asked.

taking a breather....WHEW!

Don't be worried about the steepness or let it scare you away. After bit of hiking it will level out into a more conversation friendly hike.

It was kind of fun to have a larger group because of the variety in conversation. When it's only 2 of you hiking after a while conversation may come to and end. These are the times you stick in your head phones and listen to a bit of music. I didn't have the chance, nor really care to for this hike. There were different conversations happening between people keeping it interesting, so my Ipod got to take a break for this hike.

Lauren and I both noticed a lot of the aspen trees were being invaded by the pine trees, the picture I got wasn't to bad; other were completely engulfed in the pine tree. Well if the trees can hug, we can hug the trees too.

 

When you come to this meadow you're almost there!
 Just over that hill. 

And there is an awesome view on the other side.

The lake! This picture is from my phone, so you can't tell but there are three moose here...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These two male Moose were bucking for the female

and For good reason.... She's a beauty! (right?)

 Behind these moose is a little path that we could have taken... kind of happy we didn't.  I wouldn't want to be trampled by two male moose who are fighting of a lady... or any moose for that matter.

"Seeing 3 moose was awesome! 2 bucked horns and we thought one would mate with the cow, but it didn't. Scary and cool at the same time :)"

- Lisa Kane

You can barely see the moose in the back ground

We needed to head back before it got to late or dark, but look how pretty!

 

"The acoustics in the woods are great. Sounds of the breeze and wild life carry between the ground and the canopy. The canopy is also thin enough to allow the evening night through the shimmering leaves and reflect of the white aspen bark." -Patrick Kane

 

The deer were in the trees of the meadow.

 

This guy was in the trees on our way back. Took us by surprise

 I think going later in the day was a big reason why we got to see all the wild life. It was awesome, and I'm so happy I had a larger group with me to experience it. 

Location: Willow Heights

Directions:  Drive up Big Cottonwood about 12 miles. You'll see the Silver Fork Lodge on your right, drive 0.2 miles more and park on the right side of the road. The trail head and rock will be on the left side of the road. (BE CAREFUL, AND WATCH FOR TRAFFIC)

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (steep)

Company: My Ma (Loni Smith), Lori Lawson, Patrick and Lisa Kane, Lauren Turner, and Norman Bryner

Time: 45 minutes up, 30 minutes down

Date: Sept. 11, 2012

Length: 1.5-2 miles

Snack: None
Sorry No dogs or mountain biking allowed on this hike
*Special thanks to Patrick for the pictures!

Finding my Hikes

I have one book that I'm using to find my current hikes, it's called 60 hikes within 60 days, the Salt Lake City Edition.

It's been really helpful and a life saver when I want to find the a hike quickly. The beginning page has a list of all the hikes and the county they are found in. A few pages in is a section called Recommended Hikes, go here if your trying to decide on a length of a hike, if you have kids or pets with you, looking for a certain kind of scenery, etc.  The recommended hikes are a very easy way to make a decision. However, I suggest checking out the page containing hike you are considering. These pages are very descriptive and have a lot of information including where to find the trail head, distance, difficulty level, etc.

I want to check out all the hikes in this book, but I would like to see these hikes in more then one season. Each season can bring a new element (fall leaves, spring flowers, waterfalls, etc.)  So I keep track of the date I went on the hike, and who I went with so when the time comes I can try them again, and invite my company to come along if they'd like. 

How I keep track of what hikes I've done and what time of year...

I keep these notes because it is helpful for what I would like to accomplish; they are my records so I know when I should go again.

This book has been incredibly helpful, and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience some Utah hiking. Of course, if your not looking to hike in Utah, 60 hikes within 60 miles has a whole series, find the location nearest you.

I bought my book from Barnes and Noble. Here is a link to buy it online:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/60-hikes-within-60-miles-greg-witt/1110785908?ean=9780897329422


Outside of this book my second best source has been suggestions and recommendations. Those come with time, the more people know about your hiking interest the better the recommendations get.

Last minute Decision...Desolation Lake

Sept. 9, 2012
I woke up to late to go to church.... I guess I'll go on a hike.

Hello Nature, I've missed you

This is the horrible planning I am use to when deciding to go on a hike. It is a major reason I don't have big groups with me, I don't give enough notice. For example, this hike I sent out a few invites and made a quick facebook announcement, an hour later I was out on the trail. Kinda hard for most people to be able to just pick up and go on this kind of timing. However, I was, once again, able to rely on Norm Bryner. You're the best Norm!

Norm waiting Patiently at the
trail head.

The original plan was to hike up to Dog Lake from the Mill D trail head.... So Norm and I met at the park'n'ride at mouth of the canyon and headed up. I highly recommend always have some kind of music picked out for these rides up the canyons. Reason being: Call Me Maybe came on the radio and that catchy song gets stuck in your head for the rest of the ride. THANK THE HEAVENS FOR IPODS! Once we parked I was able to hook my earphones up to my shoulder strap of my camelback, and blasted some City and Colour. Within steps dear ol' Carly Rae was no longer filling my head. Not sure how Norm handled it, but considering there were a few cases during conversation that he quoted the song, I'm think not well. (or maybe that was just teasing me for my wonderful radio choice)


The trail is a little more difficult then Milcreek side, but that it's worth it just for the awesome views. There are a lot of look out areas and rest stops along the way; when choosing a stopping point be sure to find an area that is wide enough to allow others to pass by. There is plenty of shade so don't stress about moving forward, shade will be come along soon.

It's a fairly busy trail not only with hikers but a lot of mountain bikers. This is why I recommend waiting for a larger area to rest. This is also the reason I kept my headphones on my strap and not in my ears. Many times the bikers will come cruising down the trails and the only notice you'll have is the sound of their brakes, wheels, or maybe a little bell. When you hear one coming be quick to jump a side. I would suggest not jumping into a bunch of unknown plants...that can lead to a itchy rash, which makes for an uncomfortable calf during a hike. :(

This is Ali Goulet, he knows Norm from riding (remember Norm is a very good cyclist) so he stopped to chat for a bit. It was avoiding Olly that I jumped into am bunch of unknown weeds creating red itchy bumps on the back of my leg. I couldn't be to upset, he was a really nice guy, and he gave me a shout out when he was coming down behind me. I was overly jumpy and didn't look where I was going. Dumb me.

By the time Norm and I made it to the fork in the trail it was .6 miles to Dog Lake and only 1.9 more miles to desolation lake. Well we had both seen Dog Lake so we decided to take the longer trail. Last minute destination change? Heck yes we will, and off we went.

The first part the split off trail is steep, and you can get tired fast. We passed a few people who were just chilling on rocks in the shade; to that I say "Good call". We stopped a couple of times, took a few pictures then continued on our way. I would honestly recommend the occasional stop to just take a look around, even if you aren't tired. It will make the hike much more enjoyable, and you notice more things like the little critters, interesting plants, and some pretty scenery.

After you get pass the steep part it mellow out a lot, and you come to a really gorgeous meadow.
Once you reach the meadow you're about half way from the fork to the lake. This is a good spot to maybe take a moment to get some pictures, enjoy a snack, and just wonder along the path. No need to hurry, the lake isn't going anywhere. As we were walking around the meadow we heard a Moose making a lot of noise. Not sure what the noises were for, but it was pretty humorous. I tried to get a video recording of it, but unfortunately that didn't work. Sorry for the disappointment.

Well after a bit more hiking.....

We have arrived!

There was plenty of rocks to sit on around the lake. I wouldn't sit to close to the water if you're wanting to relax, bees and flies are all over the place. Sitting a few feet away you'll be good. The picture doesn't really do it justice, but the water was a brilliant blue, green and yellow. It was stunning, and kind of reminded me of an Iris. We chilled there long enough to eat some snacks to regain energy, relax a bit, and then headed back.

Picture from Norm
(not sure what I'm doing down in the corner) 

Overall it was a very enjoyable hike. One of my favorites so far.

Location: Desolation Lake

Directions: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon 8.8 miles from the traffic light. There is parking on your left. GPS N 40° 38.976' W 111° 38.884'

Difficulty: Moderate

Company: Norman Bryner

Music: City and Colour

Date: Sept. 9, 2012

Length: 6.6

Snack: Luna Bar and Soy nuts

   NOTE: Definitely take food on this hike. Once we got to the lake I was starving, the Luna bar expecially really helped me get through. Also, my camelback was a life saver, by the time we got back to the car it was almost empty.

Follow the blue trail

Happy birthday to me!

I really don't have time to post about a hike this week, but I did celebrate my birthday on Sunday. Yep, 25 treated me very well, many vacations, new friends, and lots of good times, but it's time to see what 26 holds for me. I'm betting it will be great. Well I have a wonderful family and kind friends who gave me some gifts, thank you to all of you! It was not necessary but it was so nice of you.

Keen hiking shoes, cliff bars, m&m's, and a camelback

I also go a message gift card, and some lotion and body spray from Victoria secret (love spell). The camelback is from norm which was given to me last month as an early birthday present. It has been a lifesaver, so much nicer then carrying water bottles with me on every hike. I absolutely love cliff bars, for someone who doesn't have much (or any) time to sit and eat these bars are perfect. Ive been needing to go stock up. And SHOES! Oh man I've been needing these. I have tendentious in my ankle, as well as shin splints, so my hikes have been causing much discomfort. The doctor told me to get some good hiking shoes, thanks Ma for answering the request so quickly, so we shall see if these make a difference. And what way better to end a trail then with a message and something to help me smell pretty? I can't wait for this busy week to be over so I can get back on the trail!

Thanks for the grand birthday!!!