Desolation and Dog Lakes--Better than they Sound

While the Wheeler Family was gathered in Colorado over the Fouth of July, Papa Kay ended up in an Omaha hospital for eight days, courtesy of a strangulated hernia.  While he tried to put on a brave face, it was pretty darn awful, especially given the COVID restrictions that kept even his wife from visiting.

During those eight days, we had one thought on our minds: Get Well Soon!

Cards courtesy of Brooklyn and Talia.

Thankfully, Papa Kay has made a lot of progress with his recovery.  We feel so grateful, especially knowing that not all are as fortunate.

Meanwhile, our crew snuggled in tight back in Salt Lake.  I think this picture rather exemplifies summer corona.

For Annika this picture might be more typical.  It was taken after she exploded a bucket full of color-filled water balloons.  That shirt used to be white.

When Aunt Christy and Uncle Ben came to visit, the kids had a hey-day trying out the new filters on their phones.  Fancy!

One morning we headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon with Aunt Christy to hike up to Desolation Lake.  It was definitely a climb but totally worth it.

 

At last, the emerald green lake.

My favorite part of the hike was ascending the ridge above it onto the Great Western Trail.

The panoramic views were amazing!  We could see all of the Salt Lake Valley on one side, and all of Heber on the other.  The Park City ski resorts were below us.

From this overlook we could see Brighton and Solitude as well.  Happy day!

On the way back, we came down Beartrap Fork, having dropped a shuttle vehicle.  The first half-mile was super steep, but lovely nonetheless.  Thanks, Christy, for spending such a frabjous day with us!

Last but not least, a few pictures taken on a Sunday afternoon as we wandered up the mountainside beneath Brighton ski resort.  It was intriguing to discover how completely different yet familiar the landscape felt in summer.

We hiked as far as Dog Lake, a tiny pond not far from Lake Mary.  I think I would have enjoyed it more sans mosquitoes.

For dinner, we perched on a rock to dine on sweet potato burritos.

These simple things make our lives so rich.  Happy Sunday, all!