ACA Rendezvous 2006-Zion

Englestead Canyon- Trip report coming soon (I wrote three pages, so I have to condense my experiences for the blog)

Englestead canyon behind me, this is right before we rappeled 300 feet into the canyon.

Bruce coming off of one of the many log jams

I know, I'm sexy

Tom stands at about 6'2 and this Canyon soup came up to his arm pits. Can you imagine me standing at 5'4 trying to swim through this? It was pretty funny. Some places looked like you walk on it, but then you'd sink.




I was ready to get home...what can I say.

Englestead

I leave tomorrow to go do Englestead Canyon in Zion with Bruce and Tom, friends I met in AZ earlier this year. I'm pretty excited; I hear it is a beautiful canyon. This picture is one I grabbed online and hopefully I'll get some awesome shots with my camera to post for ya.

Girls from the homefront

Shannon, Venetia, Me, Brix, Isabel

Hay Bug, Heather, and Aunt Jessie

I love the Ponderooooosaaaa!

As I looked around at how the Ponderosa had changed, I took in a big whiff of horse poo and knew things were just as I last left them. The horses were in their muck and fly invested coral, the disgruntled guests were still yelling at the front desk, the squeals of little kids filled the air, and incompetent ATV riders speckled the hillsides. Yes, things were just as I had left them. Well, almost everything, Steve ever so kindly informed me of the latest fatality. When asked for a name, he only could provide, "a young horse, I think it was whitish." There was also a new pile of trash in the field by the horses that I hadn't seen before. A pleasant surprise left my jaw dropped when I ordered dinner. I had choices; there were no limitations on serving size. Salmon, BBQ chicken, T-bones, Burritos, and the customer service!! Boy oh boy!
Before showering in the Ponderosa showers and eating the Ponderosa's food, I rode the Ponderosa's ATVs. Fun times.

Mosquito Cove

Falling asleep to the sounds of the river running, the trees rustling, the fire cracking, friends’ voices, and a guitar make for sweet dreams. My previous state of loneliness and friendlessness ceases and I realize there are kindred spirits out there. The key is to not over analyze or over complicate. Keep it simple, keep it real, keep it honest. Don't calculate the next move or the response your stimulus will create.

Cedar City

I just finished a 3 day Canyon Rescue course in Cedar City. I wasn't going to go to the American Canyoneering Association annual Rendezvous in Zion next weekend, but the canyons are a callin' and I'm pumped. I met some awesome people in the course, who will attend.

One of many systems we learned was the "cut and lower." If someone screws up I can cut their rope and lower them on my system. Fun stuff.

Humor is my favorite medicine

It could be worse.

Let's go over this one more time.

(Originally posted Jan. 17, 06; and again on May 23, 06;Just as relevant now- some of us never learn)
I hope you enjoy these. After a great deal of thought, I am ready to move forward in certain aspects of my life, leaving the past to the past.

I demolish my bridges behind me...then there is no choice but to move forward.
Firdtjof Nansen

You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters are continually flowing on.
Heraclitus

The worst thing you can try to do is cling to something that is gone, or to recreate it.
Johnette Napolitano

The Athenians, alarmed at the internal decay of their Republic, asked Demosthenes what to do.
His reply:
Do not do what you are doing now.

Joseph Ray

For your viewing pleasure...

Everyone knows I'm far from "professional," but work had us have "professional" pics taken. I found the results quite humorous.

This is me flying in from stage right. A lil' crooked.

This is me and Adam in our 50th anniversary pose.

This is me and Adam in our extremely corny Matrix meets the Blues Brothers pose.

Still Smilin'

I got an awesome promotion at work. I still don't make the big bucks but I really enjoy the people I work with and the job responsibilities. The title- "Account Manager"- translation- my partner Adam handles the client relations and I handle the marketing and promotions.
Social life is struggling just a bit, but I'm enjoying all the alone time. (no lie!) I probably spent 15 hours with Dollar last week and contrary to what some say, I think contact with him fills my need for human interaction just fine. I talk, he listens, he acts like an idiot, I laugh, it's great!
My bike is in the shop (boo!!!) but I did get a down hill day in at Sundance last week and if the bike is ready I will go again this weekend. I love how the bruises pop up all over my body, and everyone knows scrapes are sexy!
In the process of signing up for a Canyon Rescue course that I'll attend in Cedar City at the end of this month, but other than that taking a break from the "canyon scene."
Recent Social Attempts:
-A blind date(boo!!!)
-Joined a women's volleyball team
-Went to a work party even after date bailed
I hope all is well with everybody! Love you all! Dad ~ Can't wait for Disney World!!!

My Roomates

Natalie
Pyper 4 y/o
Kazdan 3 y/o

Time to Regroup!

Time for a red eye to SC.
Time for big hugs
Time with the fam
Time working with my dad
Time to feel 8 years old again
Time with my childhood partner in crime
Time at Carowinds with the kiddies
Time in the saddle
Time at church
Time spent with old friends
Time to go home
Time to regroup.

Ssssnake River

Drove up to a cabin in Island Park, Idaho with some friends; made our way over to WY and the six of us ran a section of the Snake River. It wasn't as big as some of the rivers in NC/TN, but I still enjoyed it. It was the first time I've gone with no guide. We used one of the University of Utah's brand new rafts (to make sure it was "ok"). I'll post pics when I get them since a certain someone has my camera! Boo!

Weekend Warrior

Last weekend went to Burley, ID.
The menu:
Floated down a cow poo and pesticide contaminated canal
Watched a disturbing rodeo
Went to a mediocre fair
Jumped on a trampoline
Drove city boys around on a 4-wheeler

This weekend I'm heading to WY.
The menu:
Run part of the Snake River
City of Rocks to do a lil' bit of climbing!

Next weekend headed to S Cackalacka for some quality family time!
The Menu:
Paramount Carowinds
Trail Riding at Springs
Camping with my nieces and nephews

Will make for a grand total of 12 weekends on the road.