Since We're Back

I figure that, being back in Utah now, it is an appropriate time to share the following pictures / events from before the move.

Item the first: Hikes!  My sister Mandy and I went up Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Mill D trailhead back early May (I think).  This trailhead leads to both Dog Lake (~1.5 miles) and Desolation Lake (~3.5 miles).  We had planned to go to Dog Lake because we didn't have a lot of time, and began our trek up towards the lake.  About 100 feet up the trail, we met the first patch of snow, followed by more dirt trail, followed by another snow patch, etc.  Eventually we got to a point where everything was covered by snow that was at least 3 or 4 feet deep.  The temperature up there was perfect--nice and cool, but not too cold.  Unfortunately, hiking through snow is significantly more difficult than just a trail.

Nothing there to provide scale, but trust me, it was deep.

After arriving at the junction where the trails to Dog and Desolation Lakes diverged, we decided to turn around.  And it turned out that hiking downhill in snow is even tougher than hiking uphill.  About every eighth step, we sank five or so inches into the snow.  

After a couple more months, Mandy was back in town and we decided to go hiking again, and make it one of the lakes.  Kelli didn't have work that day, so she came along with us for an extra fun sibling activity.  No snow on the trail this time, which was very nice.  After arriving at the junction, we decided to push on to Desolation Lake.  It was a beautiful day and the trees were gorgeous--perfect conditions for a morning hike.  We all got a little tired towards the top, but were really happy when we arrived at the lake.

We only saw one other person up at the lake, but he was crazy enough that he was worth it.  Dude seemed like a pretty outdoorsy fellow--was toting around a large backpack that looked well provisioned--but had disobey several posted signs that prohibit pets (because it's a watershed area).  He had his dog with him and tried to keep it hidden as he packed up.  He didn't stick around long once we arrived.

We had a great time together and loved being up there.  And for now, this is where we finish because it's almost 11:30 which is like 1:30 for my body clock.  Not to mention that we had a long day yesterday (more about that in Sunday's post).  More mountainy stuff to share, and it may show up tomorrow in a super special Thursday post.