Sunday, August 23, 2009

Utah 4: Hangin with the Nufers, Silver Lake

Thursday, we attempted Timp Caves, but arrived a bit too late to catch tickets in time. Instead, we went for another hike to Silver Lake. The views were outstanding, and even though we only made it about .25 up the trail before heading back, it was still worth the pictures and mountain fragrance.
Zachary thinks throwing rocks into water is the goal for any adventure.
Rock throwing is more exhausting that you think.
We rushed back to shower and meet up with Zachary's birth mother at a neaby park. She was hands-on and very comfortable with him. We feel so lucky to have a close relationship with her.

Friday morning, we diligently pursued our Timp Caves goal, and had a successful trip. My sisters commented many times, "Why don't they have an elevator to the top?" It is a 1.5 mile, fairly steep climb up, and Zac was a little furious we wouldn't let him go it alone.
At the top, Zachary willingly ran back and forth to evoke claps from his audience.
Inside-the-cave pics are always a little strange:
The tour guide asked us, "Do you think it was worth it?" about a dozen times throughout the presentation, referring to the efforts it took to get there, the work of crews putting in a trail, the explorations that led to the cave discoveries, etc. I spent the rest of the day asking Brady, "Was it worth it?" about everything from putting in a Smith's grocery to filling our tank with gas. Brady probably had no idea what I was referencing, as he was on Zac duty and did not hear a thing.
The two best things about coming down the mountain: Zachary could keep up, and we got to see my brother Eric hit on a local hottie. Way to go, brother.Brady and I were excited about the glimpse of Silver Lake from the day before, so Mindy watched Zachary while we completed the 5 mile hike. The mountains were so green, especially for what we would expect in August, and the experience left us feeling refreshed and believing we could live happily in Utah.

I spotted 2 snakes on the way up (not pictured).
The destination:

2 comments:

Heather said...

Looks like you guys had a fun trip! Love your hiking pictures. stunning

Julie said...

Ah!! That hiking looks amazing! I miss the mountains like crazy ( :