Zion Day #3

Today was my bucket list hike...The Narrows!  We first took the shuttle to stop #9 and walked along the .75 mile Riverwalk Trail.

 This is the spot park goers decide if they are going to brave the cold water and trip upstream or just watch from the comfort of the landing.  We were all in!

 The river was a crisp 62 degrees and froze my toes to the point of hurt and then total numbness.  It was easy to forget about cold feet when the views were this spectacular and it took all of our focus to not slip on huge rocks and maintain our balance.

 For the first bit of the hike, there were spots to stop on land to grab a snack, a quick breather or pull the camera safety out for a photo op.

 As went further on the crowds lessoned, the rocks walls seemed to grow taller and the current was stronger.  

 We were just in awe the whole time and just couldn't believe we were actually here!

 Such an amazing experience and one I hope to do with the kids someday!

As we walked back to the campground, the rain clouds loomed over head.  So glad we did the Narrows today as rain shut it down for the next few days due to a flash flood risk.  We were back at camp long before sunset and grilled hot dogs for dinner.  It was too windy for a campfire, but almost too warm anyway.  We just put our feet up and relaxed into the night...

Zion Day #2

See the very peak of this rock formation?  That is what Matt said we were conquering today...Angel's Landing!!

 We were up early to try and beat the heat.  This hike was no joke!  First steep switchbacks up the front side of the mountain

 with lots of breaks along the way...both to catch our breath, but also

 to catch glimpses of the gorgeous valley views.

 Matt claimed I was "part mountain goat" as I zoomed up faster than him.  It was partly true, but really so I could keep my momentum.  Frequent stops made it harder to get started again.

 We enjoyed the nice reprieve from the sun and inclines as we made our way through "Refrigerator Alley" which led to the back side of the mountain.

 Then to may favorite part, Walter's Wiggles!  21 super steep and super tight switch backs that left our legs and gluts burning!

 This is where I called it quits...2 miles up and on solid ground.  The last .5 miles were along shear cliffs with only a small chain keeping you from falling to your death.  No thanks!

 I chilled in the sunshine and chatted with the other "wimps" while Matt tempted his fate alone.

 He said it was life-changing and totally worth it.  I'll take his word for it and thought my views were pretty enough!  It was probably the coolest hike (at least vertical hike) we've ever done and I'm so glad he pushed me to do it!

After a picnic lunch up top on the landing, we headed back down.  We made a game of who we thought would successfully make it up as it was now past noon and super hot!

Matt let his feet cool off in the Virgin River and we headed to the lodge for a well-deserved drink before walking back to camp for dinner and another campfire and smore's.

Zion Day #1

Matt planned a fun weekend in Zion to celebrate my birthday.  We were up early for the 7 hour drive through California, Nevada, the top corner of Arizona and into southern Utah.

 We stopped in St. George for a delicious breakfast at this cute cafe in the center of town.

We arrived at our campground early afternoon

 and spent some time setting up camp.  Matt was well prepared and covered all of our necesseties.

 The campground was right along the river and was an easy walk to the park entrance.

 We had enough daylight to walk into the park for the afternoon.

 The scenery in this park is breathtaking no matter which way you look!  We got off of the shuttle at the lodge and walked around

 and did a short hike up to the Emerald Pools.

We were back at camp for an amazing sunset, dinner cooked on our camp stove, smore's and stargazing!

Arizona Soccer Weekend

Allison had 2 league games scheduled this weekend in Arizona.  We chose to drive, but regretted that as we hit so much traffic each way.  We sat on the 10 freeway long enough for Allison to get out and take a picture on the middle of the freeway!

We stayed at Wendy and David's and appreciated that they made the drive and sat in the 100+ degree heat to watch her play!

The team was short handed and needed to give girls a break from the weather so Allison even got to play on the field one half of each game.  She had to borrow a jersey since she hasn't owned one in probably 5 years!

Kansas Wesleyan University

So after Allison's performance in August's Surf Cup, she is officially being recruited by Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS!

 We spent a little time last night and this morning touring the campus, meeting the coach, and checking out the town.

Although quite small and only 850 or so students, it is quite a pretty place.  Almost all of the buildings are brick, the grounds are very green and well-maintained and the sports facilities and student union were impressive!

 I think this coyote statue had some traditional meaning about "sharing the coyote pride".

 Student Union

 Sports Complex

 Soccer/Football Field and Track

We met with Coach Kat and Coach Heinrich and they took us on a tour of the workout area and soccer locker room.  They have great pride in their program and think Allison would fit in nicely!  We also had a meeting in her office to discuss the recruiting process and scholarship opportunities.  She is looking forward to going back in October for her "official" visit!  

Loved this...a blessing box for students/staff to leave snacks or take one if they need it!

 A wishing well next to the chapel

 Before heading back to KC for our flight, we drove around Salina to get a feel for the area.  Plenty of shopping and restaurants, a few nice housing developments and some great open-space parks.

These bundles were taller than me and sat along the creek bed.  We were puzzled by them and soon found that they were made of stacks of newspapers...crazy!

Anxious to see if this place will soon be Allison's potential new residence...let the recruiting process begin!