Back in November, ASSIST took a work retreat to Moab. They had done some accessibility work for a woman who runs a bed and breakfast. She swapped her design fees for some free rooms, and everyone was able to experience the magic of Arches.
We arrived just in time to start hiking up to Delicate Arch at sunset.
Meet some of the cast. Here I am hiking with my friend Stacee Calderon.
Far left we have Stacee's husband Andres, seen here chatting with Soudabeh and her husband Nader. Soudabeh and Nader are the cutest couple from Iran.
Next we have Sarah (from Brazil) and Sam Ball, along with Ben and Jen Schreiter.
Only staff member missing is Zizheng from China, but if you look closely you can find him in the arch.
Plus Jason, of course. I'm so glad I could spend this time with my hubby.
Jason's coworkers are what make ASSIST so great. This truly is an amazing crew. Value driven and compassionate, they are equally productive and cohesive. It's small wonder that ASSIST is so respected as a non-profit that really lifts the community.
That evening we all treated our sore muscles to a soak in the hot tub--complete with glow bracelets. Many thanks to our party planner Jen for the fun! The next morning I set out for a run through Moab. It's such a pretty little community. I know it's been a challenge for the city to manage its exponential growth, but development has its perks. Like, a fancy shmancy donut shop!
Back at the bed and breakfast.
Never one to take the easy way out, Jason then led the crew on a team-building adventure around the Primitive Loop. Here we are wandering our way up the fins to even greater heights.
Turns out Jen is NOT a fan of heights, but she was a great sport anyway.
Stacee shows off her youthful side with a cartwheel.
Next up, Navajo Arch.
Parading through the sky. For some, this was their first experience in Arches. There's nothing better than introducing Utahns to their own national parks!
Look carefully and you can see Double O arch with the two arches stacked.
Whaddaya think, Zizheng?
After this point, the Primitive Trail became significantly more challenging. The team-building hike turned into more of a trust-building challenge with the most experienced hikers creating footholds and lowering those who felt less confident. Jen's had some prior trauma being dropped from heights in the past, so she was NOT loving the adventure. I don't know how long it took, but she forgave Jason...eventually.
Worth it for the views though!
Back safe and sound. :)
Unwinding with Thai food and a rousing game of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.
Bidding farewell to our fancy bed and breakfast the next morning.
As much as I love my husband, I'd rather not find our initials defacing a national park.
Still, I admire the sentiment.
After all, he really is the cutest, especially enjoying this monstor-sized quesadilla.
A large Chinese man wearing a tiny sombrero in teensy Green River, Utah.
Thank you ASSIST, for making the impossible come true.
*****
Last but not least, here are some staff photos taken earlier this year. You'll never find a greater set of coworkers than these!
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