Escape the heat

Tried to escape the heat today. Was about 100 in the valley today, with some slight breeze. We decided to get up high and beat the heat. Went up Grizzly Gulch at Alta to Twin lake pass and then down to Brighton via the Sol Bright trail from Solitude. Decided against the hike up to Catherine's and then back to the car. Instead, just retraced our steps and went back. Was nice and cool, about 75, with a very stiff breeze. Gusts that were hard to walk against at times. Should be ready to go for the Alps!!

Recent travels

Since the last post we have been fairly busy with some trips. Still getting ready for our trip to France to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, but needed to get out on the bike. We went to Denver for a couple days to see Brian and Jill. They were there for a week, so Karen and I drove out and stayed with our friends Laura and Rich. We got to do 2 rides with Brian and his friend Kevin from college, who now lives in Golden, CO. Good rides, not too hot, considering city temp was 90 both days!!

The second pics are of Lake Blanche, here in the Wasatch. We did this big hike last week with heavy packs, just to ease our minds that we will survive the Alps!! Our legs were sore for a couple days (6-7 miles with 3000' up, then down). Only about 4 hours, so we should be good to go!! Got ALL DAY in the Alps to do 8-10 miles. That is only about 1-1.5 mph, should be no problem!! We'll let you know.

Hope to get some more hikes in to get the pack all set, but getting close.

baby, baby Moose. Dog size!!

karen at the top of the Rocky Mtn N.P.

Local mowing crew.

Old damn at lower lake blanche, Wasatch

Blue Bell against the Red Rock, Lake Blanche

Weekly wrap-up

Another 2 weeks have gone by without a post. I seem to fall into a familiar pattern. Anyway, we have been busy around here getting things done in the yard. Got the dumpster delivered this week so we could throw the bushes in it. Finally it is done. We got the ugly bushes from under the apple tree torn out. Now it looks like the yard is so much bigger. We have even been getting out for some exercise. Might even be ready to walk around Mt Blanc this summer!!

Menu from Forage

Grandma's hand-me-down necklace on Karen!!

Fat Tire Fest- Fruita, CO

Our bed in the van!!

Colorado river overlook. 

We got the first van trip of the year in this weekend. Took a weekend jaunt to Fruita, CO to meet some friends this weekend. Got a little riding in on both days. Lots of folks on the trail with the Fruita Fat Tire Festival going on. Nevertheless, it was a good time. Perfect temps in the upper 60's and low 70's.

Also got to see our friends at the horse show in Grand Junction, CO. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to use the awning we just hooked up to give some shade. Maybe well have to go on another trip!!

U.P. RR outside of Green River, UT

April Flowers....

Maybe I got it a bit backwards, but seems as if the Flowers are here before the Showers this year. Starting to warm up here in LSC, but rain still continues on and off. Nice to have the warm days and even the rain.  It was starting to get very dry on the trails.

Hopefully the snow will hold off and we can think about getting the garden planted in a couple weeks. Maybe even get the bushes trimmed? We'll see. Of course we need to get some bike rides and trail runs in as well...

Farmington Bay Birds

 Made a trip to Farmington Bay wildlife area this morning to see if we could see some Bald Eagles. No eagles this year, but a blue heron, a hawk and some good views of the northern Wasatch mountains.

A real nice day, which I think explains the lack of eagles this year. Only a thin layer of ice on the bay, with temps in the 40's today. Maybe we'll have better luck if it gets colder and snows some??

Party, Party, Party

Another year, another wine and dessert party. A little different theme this year, with mostly finger food desserts. A few different cake balls, covered in chocolate, some truffles, a cheese cake and the fruit flan. Of course some wine and good friends and all is good.

Creme Brulee cheesecake

Karen worked hard to get the cake balls all done a couple days earlier, and the cheese cake the week before, so party day was pretty laid back actually. Enjoy some event highlights.