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.
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