Like many, I've found it challenging to know how to engage with the world around me during a pandemic. Everyone has their own level of comfort. For me personally, I feel most secure when I am outside. Which means....waterfalls! This year I've enjoyed ever so many. Here are photos of a few:
Big Cottonwood Canyon. This is the creek near the Mill B trailhead. While often a gentle flow, the water raged with the snowmelt.
Memory Grove. Such a pretty little getaway; so close to our home.
I love how you can climb the stairs from one side of City Creek canyon to the other.
Adams Canyon. Unlike the others, this one is a substantial hike. Annika's teddy bear was good encouragement to continue on.
There are a several falls along the trail...
...but the one at the end is certainly the most impressive.
In case you couldn't tell, that's Talia next to the falls. When did my kids get so grown-up?
Donut Falls. A well-known hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon, we took the trail from the main road for the first time.
The ground squirrels were quite assertive. Annika was delighted.
Note the ground squirrel on Annika's foot, hoping that she will drop a piece of her apple.
Donut Falls itself was quite crowded. We didn't hang out long, but still had a nice time.
While I would love to hike every day, the kids would not. Don't get me wrong--they love the mountains, just not quite as much as I do. And so this summer we came up with the perfect solution: hiking dates. I took turns taking each of the kids on their own personal hike, followed by the lunch of their choice. It was a win-win! I got to explore all sorts of new trails, and they got their favorite food. Even more, I cherished the time to connect with each of my kids one-on-one.
Brooklyn kicked off the tradition with a hike up Lamb's Canyon.
The aspens were so tall!
We started at the trailhead off I-80 on the way to Park City and climbed up to the saddle before continuing down the trail for a mile into Millcreek. Since we hadn't dropped a shuttle, we decided it would be prudent to turn around for an out and back trip.
Brooklyn's favorite part? Sushi from City Creek after the hike. Served warm after being flamed right in front of us, it was delicious.
For Talia's hike, we explored Neffs Canyon.
It was steep, but such a beautiful meadow at the end. As for Talia's celebratory lunch, she and I dined outside at Cucina in our neighborhood. What a treat!
A tough hiker, Eli accompanied me up Lake Blanche. The kids are still slightly traumatized from when we dragged them up this trail for our inaugural backpacking trip. It really is a lengthy and steep trail, but stunning! One of my very favorite along the Wasatch front.
No better place to skip rocks!
Sure love this boy.
On the way back, Eli noticed a snake right in the middle of the trail. The woman on the trail behind us works for the zoo and identified it as a harmless rubber boa. She was delighted to show it to Eli.
Eli loved the snake, but was even more excited about his lunch at J-Dawgs.
Last but not least, my hiking date with Annie Mae.
For Annika's special day, we headed to Lake Mary. The trail ascends right beneath the chair lift at Brighton. The area looks so different in summer.
Instead of dining out, Annika chose to go fishing instead.
So many little fish checking out our little worm!
We may not have caught any trout, but we still enjoyed a lovely day.
Happy hiking world, and hang in there!
