Hens hole peak, 6-24-2020

 We have been hiking some of our county high points with our friend Nathan Cox.  From Nathan's house, you can see a peak called Hens hole.  He has wanted to summit it, and hasn't had anyone to do it with him, so while were were in the hiking mode, we summited Hens Hole Peak.

This was a very steep hike!

At the top of most peaks, there is a register to sign.  This is the one for Hens Hole Peak.

We "bagged" Hens Hole Peak!

Directional signs. 8-2020

I love directional signs!

This one was on our road trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I decided we needed one like it at our cabin.

We decided on cities where at least one of us has lived, except Cork, Ireland, and that one got on the list because we cried there.  (Another story, for another blog post.)

                                            The way we did it, was each destination had its own font, and out of the USA signs got their own flag on them.

  

Then the fun part...trying to get each sign to point the correct direction of the city.  It got complicated trying not to leave any gaps, or having two of  the same direction together.

Dean used the 4-wheeler as a ladder, and that worked great, until Miles came out and messed with the park break.  It's hard to get things done with all this help around, but it sure is fun!

  I

We are very happy with how this turned out!

We were so happy with it, that we decided that Bob and Mary needed one too!

Theirs has all the places their kids live, and the missions that Bob and Mary have served, and their birth places, and the couch, where Grandpa spends a considerable amount of time.  I hope they like it!

 

Road trip! 8-21-2020

 On August 19,  I flew out to Michigan.  Our plan...Amanda and I and the kids drive back to SLC, and spend the week at the cabin.  Mike's plan is to fly out Sept 4th, and drive back with Amanda on Sept 11.

One of  my favorite things is when the twins get up in the morning and come snuggle Grandma!

Hanging out in Ann Arbor is always awesome!

And we are off!

Traveling during a pandemic makes things interesting!

Our drive out was great.  Spent the first night in Des Monies, Iowa.  The second night in Laramie, Wy.24 hours of driving.

So here was the plan

 On Sept 4, Mike was to fly out to Utah for a wedding.  That would keep him busy for the 4th.  Then on Sept. 5th, Mike's birthday, we would have a party down at the cabin for our September birthdays, Mike and Livy.  Then on Sunday, Mike was to head up to Idaho to hike the Tetons with his brother Dave, then a fishing trip with his dad.  Meanwhile, Amanda and kids would stay at the cabin with us.  Then Mike and Amanda and kids would drive home around Sept 11.

...then things changed.  Mike found out he actually needed to be in SLC on Thursday instead of Friday.  So Mike bought a new flight.  Amanda would go up on Thursday and Friday, kids would stay at the cabin.....and then things changed...while out on a run, Mike broke his foot!  It was his left foot, and he has a car with a clutch, so things were quite difficult for Mike since Amanda was in Utah!  Mike went to a specialist, and luckily he didn't have to have surgery, but he was in a lot of pain.  He was on crutches, the hiking and fishing wasn't going to be happening.  They had to decide if it was worth it to have Mike come at all.  

Mike decided to come. 

This trip to Utah so far hasn't gone as planned, we will see how this week goes.

The Last Peak!!! 8-14-20 Mount Peale, San Juan county high point

 

There she is....Mount Peale!

The highest peak in the La Sal Mountains, and the highest point of San Juan County.

12,726 feet above sea level.

It is also the highest peak in Utah outside of the Uinta Mountains.

This is home sweet home for the night.  We get to share it with a herd of cows!

Getting all settled in, had our freeze dried dinner, and some hot chocolate.  No fires were allowed up here, so we sat and watched cows!

We started hiking at 7 a.m.  First we were on a steep trail that went through the pine trees.  After that, we were in a steep rocky gully that went on forever!

Eventually we were above where any vegetation was growing.

Finally Mount Peale comes into view. 

(the peak on the left)

Finally making our way up to the ridge.  The ridge was not for anyone with a fear of heights, or fear of falling to your death!

Yep, we climbed that!

Walking along this ridge made for some amazing views in all directions!

All over in the rocks are these little rodents called pikas.  They look like rabbits with no tails.

We made it to the top at 9:20 a.m.

 This is our last county high point to summit!

  It was a long slow hike back down to the car. 

 And just like that, our goal of hiking to the highest point in all 29 counties is complete.

One last look back at Mount Peale, in San Juan County, Utah.