Out with the old…on with the new

It’s always hard leaving behind those you have become attached to and moving forward; however, when forward means leaving Winnemucca it’s not as hard as one would think. Winnemucca is a place in the world that most people pass on their way somewhere else and that is all they know about it. Our family has become very familiar with this vintage town, and now it is the resting place of an old friend, and the keeper of our hearts… (Ok that might be pushing it). Yes “old reliable” come to find out wasn’t so reliable…our 93 Chevy truck is dead with 2 blown cylinders. Most people would turn around and return home defeated after 5 days stranded in such a city, but not us. We drew strength from something most would chalk down as a tragedy and have persevered. I don’t want to leave the impression that Winnemucca is a horrible place, we embraced it and with a little help from Honks (the dollar store) we dominated. The city skate park, cemetery, mammoth bones, and Neanderthal skulls are just a few hidden jewels!

With a new ride we left the past behind. As we sit here tonight singing songs around the camp fire in the Jedediah Smith redwood forest, we realize we have so little time to see so much, and the big AK waits.

We want to send a shout out to: Dave and Joyce for showing us how it’s done in Minnesota, Jim and Kathryn, Rick and Alicia and the rest of the West Coast Loveridge crew, Grandpa Fox, Donna and Carl, and Dave Ean for hooking us up with a great deal on our new ride (05’ Toyota Tundra).

Crap Talk

Several months ago Mike did some research and found an awesome way to kick off Summer Tour 2009; a world class backpacking trip in Paria Canyon. Mike’s parents (Carl and Donna), the boys (Creighton and Karac), the dog (Kaiya now known as Caiya per her request), and myself (Kristen) all on our own free will decided we were in on the trip. Paria is a slot canyon that starts south of Kanab, UT and ends 38 miles later at Lee’s Ferry AZ where the Paria River joins with the Colorado. It is the longest continually narrow canyon hike in the world, and the most beautiful!

When you think about it or even talk about it while sitting in the comfort of your home, 5 days to hike 38 miles doesn’t sound bad; actually, it sounds quite nice if that’s all you take into consideration… Here’s how it went…

We get to point A and meet up with Mike’s parents. Partially delayed by weather conditions we set off Monday evening, backpack’s loaded; spirits high. Day one of an adventure is the most magical. Everyone is so naive, fresh, energized and full of excitement. Going in to this adventure we all knew two things….1. The conditions were going to be a little different than we had planned for because of a flash flood that had ravaged its way through the canyon a day or two earlier, and 2. We were going to be carrying our own poo around for 5 days, which for the most part ended up the main topic of conversation. Reader, think about it…. It’s something we all do. I don’t care who you are, you do it, but for some reason when it’s in a bag swinging around from your backpack, you’re better off talking about it, than pretending like it doesn’t exist. Take note of the white bags in the pic’s;)

 That said… we had great time, the boys did awesome (I was really worried about them making it), the dog was in a 5 day state of bliss, and the rest of us endured to the end. We made it out Friday morning dirty, reeking, tired, but with a feeling of immeasurable accomplishment. It was a lot more difficult than I thought, but very rewarding, as it is something most people would not choose to do. I’m thankful for a man that likes to take the road less traveled; we get to see and do some amazing things and enjoy new experiences that make us better people and a lot more grateful for everything.

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us!

So...we call it the brown turd, and for good reason. As you can see this vehicle is not easy on the eyes, but it's what is on the inside that counts. This 21'or longer beast represents a summer of fun and adventure! We are so excited about our coming plans, and as we may not be traveling in style, I guarantee we will be having more fun than you! That's not very nice of me to speak the truth so bluntly, but anyone who wants to join in at any time is welcome to! Our plan is to head north through Canada, up and over to Alaska, and then make our way home on the northwest coast. Mike has already began the grueling task of putting together our itinerary, and now we will begin shopping, packing and all the fun that comes with leaving behind the hum drum of everyday life, bidding adieu to the house, family, friends, and work, for almost 3 months, to venture off into the great outdoors. Wow seems like a long trip, but with everywhere we wanted to go, we had to cut things out because we don't have long enough. The fun begins on May 29, 2009 so stay tuned in... as for now, we're just working away getting things dialed in. Oh and another thing, we do realize that we are doing something that people only dream of or talk about, or would just say is plain crazy. We are very thankful for the opportunity we have to do this and know how blessed we are to have such an awesome life!

Still early in the season

So here it is mid February and we're itching to get out of the house. A. because we love to explore new places, and B. the kids had school off for presidents day, and who wants to be trapped in the house with two bored kids for the weekend? Not us, so my wise husband began researching some places of interest for a family getaway and came up with Red Rock. Everywhere else we would have liked to go, was inaccessible because of snow, so we packed up and headed for Nevada. All in all it was a great trip and everyone enjoyed themselves, we got to see my dad, explore a place unknown to us, brave a midnight downpour, and go to church as bums in a little chapel that looked like a mini temple. Not too bad for a weekend getaway.

Close to home

When we aren't doing big trips, we love to just play in our back yard. There is so much to do right here in Utah, and so camping as often as possible, exploring our immediate surroundings, overnighters, and 2-3 day road trips are what we love to do. Unlike most people, weather is seldom an issue that would keep us indoors. Winter camping takes some getting used to, but we have done it a couple times and have to say it's all right.
Creighton and Karac are still adjusting to the learning how to pack, carry, and set up all of your own stuff concept, but they are doing it, and are getting better and better at it! We are determined to get the gear part of camping down to a science so that as time goes on, our outings will become less of a production and more second nature to all.
Here are a few of the hikes, campouts, rivers rafted and other random outings we have done over the past year. And now that I have posted all of the past stuff we have done and gotten everyone up to date, I can go into much more detail about our trips and events that are going to unfold for 09. There are huge surprises in store for the year so stay tuned, you won't want to miss!