In the spirit of full disclosure, I think it is time to be honest about my profile photo. Yes, it is me and I did rappel down that cliff, but I'm not really a mountain climber, I'm a hiker.
So what was I doing on that cliff?
Well, after Grandson Michael was born and
DIL Mimi came to learn about the world of the disabled and therapists, she decided to become a speech therapist. She already had an interest in language and a BA in speech communication, she is multi-lingual. It seemed a good fit but it's a difficult program, especially if you are also co-ordinating the care of a special needs child. Both Grandmas helped (we lived nearby at the time) but it was still a tough grind.
When she finished her course work and
externship and became licensed, I decided she had earned some pampering. I found a spa in Utah that also offered a hiking program. So off we went, leaving Michael in his father's
capable hands, we flew from our separate cities and met at the airport in
Las Vegas for the drive to St. George, Utah.
It was a beautiful place and offered delicious, low calorie meals in addition to hikes, work out classes and spa treatments.
The daily hikes were in spectacular red rock country near St. George.
Mimi accompanied me on one of the hikes. The next day the hike included an optional chance to rappel. Mimi had decided to stay and have an extra spa
treatment, I decided to give
rappelling a try.
On another day there had been an opportunity to try a zip line. I enjoyed the rappelling so much that I was sorry I had passed on the previous days adventure. If the opportunity presents itself in the future I will be sure to take advantage of it. Your never to old to try something new.
See other worlds at
My World Tuesday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia.
Rain
Wind
The creek is up. It's not the prettiest little creek but I like living near it and it is our gauge of how much rain we're having.
When she finished her course work and externship and became licensed, I decided she had earned some pampering. I found a spa in Utah that also offered a hiking program. So off we went, leaving Michael in his father's capable hands, we flew from our separate cities and met at the airport in Las Vegas for the drive to St. George, Utah.
It was a beautiful place and offered delicious, low calorie meals in addition to hikes, work out classes and spa treatments.
The daily hikes were in spectacular red rock country near St. George.
Mimi accompanied me on one of the hikes. The next day the hike included an optional chance to rappel. Mimi had decided to stay and have an extra spa treatment, I decided to give rappelling a try.
On another day there had been an opportunity to try a zip line. I enjoyed the rappelling so much that I was sorry I had passed on the previous days adventure. If the opportunity presents itself in the future I will be sure to take advantage of it. Your never to old to try something new.
One of my neighbors has some agave growing in the front yard.
Their spiny leaves make great shadow shots.
She has some cacti as well. Some of her plants were badly damaged in this year's freeze but these withstood the weather well.
Most mornings this is the view. Later in the day the fog may lift a bit and we have gloomy low clouds.
We thought we would go for a drive up into the Sierra foothills, hoping to punch through the fog. I spied this emu in the fog.
We climbed higher, to Hidden Falls Regional Park. Still no sun and very limited visibility. What's a photo blogger to do?
We drove on to the historic gold country town of Auburn which is also the county seat. The beautiful old court house was shrouded in fog. We decided to get some lunch.
After lunch we saw blue sky and sunshine! Hurray! It didn't last long, maybe an hour and then the fog rolled in again. By the time we got home the world was gray again.
Our guides apologized to us for the lack of water in the falls.
This California native thought there was plenty of water in the falls and there were waterfalls everywhere we looked. The scenery in the sound is breathtaking.
We even spotted a little wildlife, actually, rather calm life.
The first leg of the Milford Track is pretty gentle and that was the hike this day. Maybe I should say the second leg as the first leg is a boat ride.
The trail wanders through a thick forest.
Glade House is the fist stop for those on a guided tour. They are treated to hot meals and showers.
Beyond Glade House a swing bridge crosses the Clinton River.
There is a boardwalk with interpretive signs that winds through a bog.
Views of the incredible blue water of the Clinton River.
Then we arrived at Clinton house. This is the first stop for those not on a guided trip. There are two bunk rooms and a common kitchen where the through hikers can prepare there own meals.
I loved these cycles that people could rent to go along the waterfront. If you look closely you might see a hint of the many chalk drawings people had made on the pavement.
Here I watched the people watching the harbor and caught a few shadows as well.
I liked the shapes and shadows in this public space by the Civic Square.
Sculpture, sign, monument? Whatever you want to call it the letters here are outlined by the shadows.