Fall Break in Hyde Park

When we headed up to Grandma and Grandpa's house over Fall Break this year, we didn't expect it to be an exotic destination.  In truth, however, we were treated to bucolic wonders.  Half of the highway in Sardine Canyon was filled with thousands of trotting sheep. According to the newspaper, this is an annual occurrence as the sheep are herded to greener pastures.  Next year we'll have to plan ahead and watch the sheep parade through Brigham City as well!

Upon arrival in Hyde Park, Annika made a beeline for the front yard.  You'll have to look hard to spot her among the branches.  Terrifyingly enough, this was taken on the way back down.  She was actually much higher before I found out and called it quits on the neck-breaking heights.

We drove up Smithfield Canyon in search of more autumn colors.  

Enjoying our short hike.

It's a small wonder that our kids enjoy hiking with Grandma Susie best.

We took a detour to scope out this amazing backpacking spot that Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles discovered.  Not far from the trailhead, it would be a great place to come back and camp as a family.

Turns out it's also a great spot for frisbee.

Out in nature with his family and a disc, you could literally see the stress melt off Jason.  This handsome man needs more time to relax and play.

Tucked away in a corner was a fantastic rope swing.  Does life get better?

Back on the trail, we crossed the stream...

...then turned around and went home for some dinner.  After all, everyone knows that Grandma's cooking is the best, and Grandpa's trees are best for climbing.

Annika wasn't the only one to sit in this leafy perch.  Talia found it the perfect place for crocheting.

A time lapse video of her mad crocheting skills, with apologies to Uncle Ben for the orientation.

Through her choice of wardrobe, Annika gave us a not-too-subtle hint that we ought to get out and do something Halloweeney. 

And so, we headed off to North Logan's pumpkin walk, but not before checking out the new pickle ball courts at the park Grandpa Charles has been developing.

Brooklyn and Talia attempt pickle ball with a disc.  I think they are confused.

At last, the pumpkin walk with a patriotic twist.

This Goblin Valley display, created by the Anderson family, was my favorite.  Check out the crookneck squash scorpions!

Okay, this goblin might be my very favorite, but his head is filled with much more than goop and seeds.

Runner up for awesomeness: a huge display commemorating the movie Sing.

Last but not least, Baby Yoda, created by Charles and Susie's next door neighbors.  You can't go wrong here!

A few attempts at a fall family photo.

And...she's off.

Next stop, Aggie ice cream for refueling.  Every great town needs a great ice cream shop.

Back at Grandma and Grandpa's house, Brooklyn did a fantastic job performing in her Zoom cello recital.  I'll upload a video if I can figure out how to decrease the file size.

A final few moments of play time before a delicious dinner and heading home.  Who wouldn't want to roll around in giant cardboard tubes?  The only thing Annika enjoyed more was looking for snakes by the creek.  She found a couple too, but mean mom that I am, I wouldn't let her catch one and bring it home.  We have enough pets.

At the end of the day, Annika had so much fun that she didn't want to go home.  When it was time to leave, we couldn't find the car keys anywhere.  We were all searching and searching when Susie asked me if I thought Annika would have taken them.  I told Susie that I didn't think she'd be quite that capricious when Annika runs into the back room and comes out with the keys.  Apparently she'd hidden them under her pillow because she didn't want to leave.  That child!

Charles and Susie, thank you so much for welcoming us for this fun weekend.  Whether canning tomatoes or spackling the mud room, Hyde Park always feels like home.

Ben Lomond and Timpooneke with Talia

Dare I say it?  I am nearly caught up on this blog.  It would really help if nothing could happen for a while.  With Halloween, Talia's birthday, Thanksgiving, Brooklyn's birthday, and Christmas on the horizon, I'm not sure that will happen.  Pandemic or not, life plunges on.

For me, hiking is a welcome reprieve from the go-go-go strain of life.  The passage of time morphs into something far more peaceful and organic, measured by the sun in the sky.

These pictures were taken during my ascent up Ben Lomond Peak in the Ogden area.  The trail is lengthy, ascending 3500 feet over sixteen miles.  Even so, it's a nice gradual climb with inspiring vistas.  I thought one AllTrails review nailed it by describing the hike as "on the easy side of difficult."  The air was delightfully clear, showcasing all of Eden.

I passed this amazing bird perched just a few feet off the trail.  

When I turned around to take a better photo, she flew away.  (Down the slope, not into the bush like the picture suggests.)

The summit of Ben Lomond is within sight.  Rumor has it that the wildflowers are stunning when in season.  I'd love to go back when they are blooming.

Snow littered the trail at the top.

Made it!

Panoramic view of the valley.

For me, hiking provides a sacred, contemplative space to ponder deeply.

A little bit of color on the way down.

My hike was fairly uneventful until the last twenty seconds when I tripped while running down the trail.  Such grace!  Fortunately, nothing injured but pride.

 As much as I enjoyed hiking Ben Lomond (and I really did enjoy it), this third "Hiking Tuesday" saturated my craving for solitude.  Having spent more than enough time with my introverted self, I was eager for company the following week when I ventured back into the mountains.

Fortunately, Talia was plenty happy to accompany me on an adventure.  We'd planned to hike Mount Timpanogos from Aspen Grove, but a road closure due to wildfires forced us to ascend via the Timpooneke trail.  While the hour of extra drive time was unanticipated, it was fun to climb the mountain from the opposite side.  While both trails are magnificent, it's a completely different experience.

Talia is such a fun hiking companion!  She recited the entire first chapter of Harry Potter by memory and sang the Hamilton soundtrack before we moved onto impromptu music theory and Spanish lessons.

Looking out, you can see where the Aspen Grove trail comes up, then cuts across the rock field below the snow patches.

Nearly to the saddle where the trails meet.

At the saddle, the views were fantastic, thanks to the pristine air.  On the downside, there was a bit too much fresh air.  It was soooo windy and freezing cold too!

Talia was a great sport and kept ascending for a while, despite the miserable conditions.  We finally decided to call it quits about a half mile from the top when a hiker coming the other direction told us how he couldn't even feel his face.

At our turnaround point.  With youth on Talia's side, the summit can wait for another day.  All in all, we hiked fifteen miles and ascended 4000 feet.  Not too shabby!

Beautiful gal.  You know, the last time I hiked Timp I was a bit disturbed by the conversation I overheard at the top.  A couple of twenty-somethings were loudly conversing about how they never wanted to have children.  They considered babies to be quite a burden, and frankly, rather repulsive.  While I didn't interrupt their conversation, I deeply wished I could share how those babies grow up and become your best friends.  Nothing in this world compares with the joy I feel with my family.

In case mountain views aren't enough incentive to hike, there are always the pikas, topping the chart with their cuteness.

Talia, thank you so much for hiking Timp with me!  In witnessing all of God's magnificent creations, I am reminded that as His daughter, you are the most remarkable of all.