Total Miles: 18 round trip

Ben and I have been long awaiting the snow to melt in order to hike around the Uintahs. We were so overly excited we forgot to really think about water=mosquitoes, but alas we did it anyway. We dawned our packs and riled up our dogs Teller ( the protector) and Zeus (the hipster).  As we started on the trail, the clouds were ominous and the thunder was rolling. Many other hikers were hiking out as we were hiking in afraid of what the weather would bring, but we had our ponchos so we were set. As we walked the trail, we crossed rivers and lost track of the trail multiple times. Each time we would lose the trail Ben and I were beside ourselves because our packs felt so heavy. The two of us pressed on and made it to Ryder Lake where we set up our tent. It was the fastest we had ever set up the tent due to the swarms of killer mosquitos.  We both realized the simplest things in life bring the most joy like a thin layer of tent between us and the devils. The dogs were practically jumping through the tent walls to also find shelter from the swarms of evil minions. The four of us relaxed while Ben and I laughed about the days mishaps and the dread of having to get out to pee because we would surely be attacked.  It took us what seemed like forever to tidy up the inside of our tent and blow up our air mattresses.  We slept like champions.

Ben and I awoke the next morning early and eager to get on the trail. Our eagerness surely dissipated as we began to get eaten alive for the second day in a row.  So many challenging thoughts as we put one step in front of the other. A life lesson though that one foot in front of the other is all it takes to succeed on the trail and in life. This adventure was the hardest to date due to a multitude of factors, but now that we have that under our belt we are ready for the next one. 

Total Miles: 10 round trip

We were due for a family camping trip with non-other than the Cramers.  My brother, sister, and nieces woke up super early on Friday morning to ensure a campsite was awaiting our arrival.  Ben and I arrived Friday night to find our camping digs for the weekend and hung out until bed time. The crew woke up early to start our adventure to the Narrows.  Riding the shuttle to the last trailhead felt as though we were entering Jurassic Park. There were tourists and hikers alike trying to hide from the heat in the cool depths of the Narrows. Everyone should have my sister in their back pockets, she is the hiker version of Mary Poppins! We had snacks, coca colas, and more. We started our trek strong and ready to take on the day. Mackenzie our ten year old niece was my hiking buddy. Her and I swam in every spot we could, propelling ourselves forward to see the waterfalls at the end. The group made it finally to enjoy our lunch amidst the dew of the waterfalls. The group propelled ourselves forward to make it back to the trail head in good time. Hannah our 12 year old niece was loving the currents on the way down, she like myself loved the break for our tired legs. The hike itself was beautiful and very serene with the water running between our toes. By the time we made it back to camp we were all wiped out. It was an epic adventure for both the Cramers and ourselves. 

1/2 mile swim: 17.1 mile bike ride: 3.1 mile run


What better way to train for the PCT then by cross training with a little triathlon? Ben and I surely couldn't think of a better way, actually I lie I was thinking a thousand different ways to train while in that freezing cold water.  Alas we rocked it out and have many stories from this road trip. 

We made the drive to Colorado and both of us were ready to quit our jobs and just move to Boulder. The energy, the scenery, and the people are our kind of living. We made it to the race course and checked in. The energy of this race was powerful, people from across the world of all different makes and models showed up to push themselves to the limit. Ben and I only signed up for the sprint distance, but there were tons of people ready to compete in the half IRONMAN. The caliber of athletes left me day dreaming of killer calves, and sculpted arms. 

The two of us dropped off our bikes at the transition area and low and behold Ben came across $10 by the honey buckets. He looked around and no one was there, so we were delighted. Both of us were ready for a pre race meal and decided to have a little Mexican food. As we were eating our meal we both overheard a couple venture into the restaurant. The gentleman expressed to our same server that it was his wife's and his 46th wedding anniversary. Immediately we both thought we want to be like them when we grow up and secondly they deserved something special. Ben and I shared a look and both knew we should pick up their check. As we paid for their meal we walked over and explained we overheard about their momentous occasion, and their meal was on us. In that moment the wife began to cry and the husband was beside himself. We smiled our goofy smiles and left the happy couple to enjoy their evening. We went back to the hotel and smiled ourselves to sleep.

The alarm clock went off early. The start time was nearing and the nerves were making me have nervous pee syndrome. As we scanned the athletes we realized we were a handful of people without wet suits. That water cut like a knife and to catch your breath was nearly impossible, but we both finished the swim strong. The bike course was absolutely perfect! Small hills and straight roads back to the transition point. I thought I had quite the lead on my hubby until low and behold he screamed my name in the transition area. The run was my favorite part as Ben and I ran the whole thing together and crossed the finish line at the same time. Crossing the finish line on this day was momentous, Happy Birthday Dad. 

Life is about pushing your limits while remembering where you have been and who has helped you to be that person in that moment crossing the finish line. 

Total Miles: 6 round trip

We had so much fun in Spanish Fork, we decided to invite the whole brigade. We set up camp in the wind and the rain farther down from the actual trailhead. Friday night we didn’t hike but we enjoyed the company of great friends and good drinks. Saturday we had a leisure morning and the weather was perfect. The gang hiked the 3 miles in and relaxed in the sun in the hot pots.  We descended after a few libations and a lack of water back to our camp, where we relived the day. The Menteers made a killer meal of chicken, pasta salad, and fruit. The gang tucked themselves in after a long day in the sun.  Hiking with a group made for a different kind of Spanish Fork experience.