Bell Canyon to lower falls

 An adventure with the LITTLES

It makes my heart so happy when I can share my love of running and the outdoors with my kids. Especially when they are enjoying it as much as I do.

I wanted to take all my kids on a hike Saturday afternoon (Conference weekend) but my older ones had other plans that were more fun to them. That is kind of sad because in my mind what could be more fun that being in the mountains!

The three of us it was and it turned out to be the perfect group. We started out with switchbacks which they conquered without any complaining.

I will say it was a little disappointing at the beginning. It wasn't the most stunning of fall beauty. We did get a nice overlook of Sandy, UT pretty quick so that was nice.

After the switchbacks we hit the reservoir. Of course, we had to stop and throw rocks. I don't know any kid that doesn't like to throw rocks.

Set a time limit for rock throwing or you will be there all day long. (LOL) I managed to pull them away.

Onward up to reach our goal of the waterfall!

We were all in heaven with the colors of fall surrounding us. We got a little of everything on this hike from lake to river to forest to rock climbing.

Picture doesn't give an exact feeling of how steep it was.

It got pretty steep at the end with lots of big boulders to climb over. I carried Maria on my back and then switched to my shoulders. Good workout carrying her up this technical steep hill of rocks all shapes and sizes. Greyson was determined to make it and didn't want to stop for food until the waterfall. I could tell he was running out of energy and wasn't quiet sure how much longer we had. I new it was less then a quarter mile but that can be long consider our ages and the terrain. We stopped and had a snack which gave us all the energy to make to the top.

So BEAUTIFUL! GOD never disappoints in his design of the world we live in. I think the kids felt the peace and rejuvenating spirit that comes with being in the mountains and pushing themselves physically with all the rewards it has to offer.

This is where I feel like myself, where I feel connected to God, and where peace can fill my soul.

Two little fingers in my hands as we hopped down all the big boulders. A bicep work out for me as I pulled Maria up and over all the rocks. When it became more manageable I let her fend for herself.

Couldn't be more dirty but their spirits were high as they insisted on a "trail run" down the mountain. I will never forget Greyson's ambition to run the whole way to impress me. Maria surprised us with with her technical talent to keep up as we ran down. Thank goodness because if we did walk we might of been caught in the dark. 

I will never forget Maria's words, "Mom, this is so beautiful! It is like a dream!"

See our run on Strava

 

Kings Peak

This peak was an adventure in more ways then one!

See that pack of ginger. 👆 That and some nausea pills are the only reason I made it to the top. To say I enjoyed even the pain of an all day adventure would be a lie this time around. As you can see, from the photo, it was still worth it.

The scenery surrounding Kings Peak was pretty in its own way but not some of the most breathtaking views every hiked. I am gonna say that the appeal of this adventure is getting to the highest peak in Utah. (to say you have done it)

We drove in Friday (August 8th 2020) night and set up our tent among other running friends ready to tackle this 26.8 mile hike, which doesn't sound to bad but the elevation and rock scrambling really put the breaks on the higher up you get.

Happy to say I love rock scrambling. It's just plain old fun! You feel like a kid on a playground, what is more fun then that!? The last mile of rock scrambling did take over an hour.

Jessica and I started out cold but full of excitement and aware of what we got ourselves into...including a good chance of altitude sickness. 

It was smooth sailing for about 8 miles or so.

Pretty and relatively flat considering the elevation of 5118 ft. we knew we would gain at Kings Peak.

I had lost my appetite the week prior due to bowel issues from some magnesium pills I had been taking. I ate good that morning and still felt really full which made me procrastinate eating for over an hour at the beginning of our run. (When you ultra run replenishing your energy is super important. Eating every hour or half hour especially on a full day adventure is crucial and if you fail it will make or break you.) It was about 8ish miles, right before we started the steeper climb when the nausea hit. We took a little rest and I tried to eat, UGH, food does not sound appealing when you are sick to your stomach. After a rest and forced food we continued a while longer. My stomach worsened along with fatigue and loss of good judgment. The more we climbed the more sick I felt. This is awful, I thought to myself, I am gonna have to turn around and go back. No peak for me. 😓

I eventually had to stop again! Bless Jessica! She was so patient and took wonderful care of me. I am sure this was not the way she intended her day to go. I rested on some rocks and cried knowing I couldn't continue any further feeling like this. 😩 Some other runners stopped to help. They knew exactly what I was going through, for some had experienced the same times before. One runner had some nausea pills that she generously gave me. I rested for about an hour waiting for the meds to work. We finally decided to go a bit farther, at least so we could see the peak, then if I still felt awful we would turn around and go back. Jessica was prepared with ginger candy, which I ate as we headed on. I think she was inspired to bring it!

What seemed like forever, I ended up feeling good enough to keep going or maybe I wanted so bad to make it to the peak. I think the ginger gummies were a life saver. Think I ate those continually the rest of the day.

 We finally made it the peak sick and all what a relief and joyous feeling.

We didn't stay long up there. I was never more anxious to start our decent knowing going back down would hopefully bring healing to my fatigued body and everything that goes along with an upset stomach.

We did see a moose on our way down!

We made it back 2 hours longer then our goal but proud of the accomplishment anyway. It was a long drive home and the sickness never went completely away till after a good night sleep.

I think there is a lesson with every adventure, a new challenge to overcome, something to learn about yourself, about the world, and the reality of knowing we can do hard things. It wouldn't be called an adventure with out all these things.