Hanging Lake

I said we'd be back. I have to admit I did have my doubts though, it was considered a difficult hike and given the amount of time it'll take to hike it we weren't sure Jewel would make it...but we had to try. Jewel's got all her necessities.


We enter the trail thru those trees.


And continued hiking on up to where we left off last time.


And remember when I said we hiked up a ways...it turns out we'd barely even started.

There were even more rocky paths, and lots of hot sun in the beginning. The farther up we got, the more shade we got, but we still had a lot more climbing to do.


Sometimes we walked right up the creek


Other times we maneuvered around fallen trees


And occasionally we'd be surprised with random small waterfalls


There was rarely a flat part of the trail, it pretty much went from one steep terrain to the next, and after the toughest part of all we finally get to see our prize


The water was the most amazing color


And opposed to what other hikers on their way down thought of our choice of shoes, we were happy to prove them wrong. The crocs turned out to be good for another reason other than comfort. After getting them wet they took mere minutes to dry so we didn't risk having wet feet and shoes for the hike back down. They could have had better bottoms for the jagged rocks on the way down, but I couldn't have asked for a better hiking shoe. Fake crocs and all. I still don't know how Joey did it in those flip flops though.


After climbing over 1000 ft. in elevation in less than a mile, we discovered there was still more! Obviously Jake still has loads of energy


There was yet another large waterfall


Going back down from this waterfall we hit what was basically a dirt slide. Jonas went first and slid all the way down, and I brought up the rear and only fell a few times.


After nearly killing ourselves we found ourselves on top of the falls that form hanging lake, it was surreal. We were covered in shade, wading thru iron colored travertine and using downed trees as bridges. Plus we had the place to ourselves. Heaven.

You can see how high up in the canyon we were.


We had to go back down one more time before saying goodbye.


And before tackling this:


How about some more zig zags?


We're almost there!


Man what a great hike, I highly recommend it if you ever find yourself driving I-70 thru the Rockies. Everyone was impressed with Jewel, she never gave up and only tried to get Dad to carry her a couple times. She's turning into a natural hiker.

My whole body was sore for a couple days and Joey's calves were a little sore, so I expected the kids, especially Jewel, to be hurting, but they didn't know what we were talking about. They laugh when we say that was a hard hike, so forget if the little ones can make it....they may be helping you up.

Carbondale on Dwellable

Another first

Things to do in a Campground
Originally uploaded by jakesmome.

Normally right now we'd be gone. When the job is over so is our time in that area, but something about this place is drawing us in. The weather has been absolutely beautiful, with warm days and cool nights. You know, open window weather. ahhh.

The decision to stay here was an easy one, it was the first in many years that we didn't have a house to get back to or famly we were desperate to see. Today we get to just BE. The biggest thing almost nine years on the road has taught us is how to relax, and take time for ourselves. We're in no hurry to get anywhere. We can take as long as we want, that next location isn't going anywhere. We're no longer on a quest to see and do everything.......and that feels good.


Things to do in a campground.

Deer Don't Disco

Deers Don't Disco
Originally uploaded by jakesmome.

We're just waiting on UPS to deliver a welding part I ordered four weeks ago. It'll be here Monday. We're going to leave as soon as the brown van rolls away. The plan is to head to Dinosaur, UT, spend a couple days at Dinosaur Nnational Monument, a museum, and a fossil site. Then make our way down to Arches National Park before soaking in Lake Powell. In Lake Powell we hope to find a houseboat to spend even lazier days on, cruising the Canyonlands. Then it happened. What every driver in these mountains fear, happened. A deer ran into my Disco.

This could change everything. :(

Glenwood Canyon

Six weeks was long enough. We tried, we really did. We thought we'd work longer and take the summer off, but then we remembered that's when the rest of America goes on vacation. So, we're just going to continue enjoying Spring for a while longer, without work getting in the way. We'll do some more exploring this week and then spend the weekend finishing the bedroom remodel I started a few weeks ago. Priorities. Plus, we like to avoid weekend crowds.



Ever since our first trip thru The Rockies I've dreamed of riding my bike down the sixteen mile bike path going thru Glenwood Canyon. I'm actually going to do one of my do before I die things. And I just got a new bike a few weeks ago...so I have brakes now. Might come in handy. I was going to get a new bike seat for Jewel since her old one that I got on "junk days" years ago wasn't getting any nicer, but the cheap skate in me had to re-recycle. I painted it with a white fushion paint and she looks good as new. Off we go!



After loading up all the bikes, then unloading them when we get to the canyon, Joey's tire is flat! And my never used before air compressor won't work! Joey offered to walk so we weren't going to let a flat tire ruin the day.

At times you're right next to the Interstate.

But it surprisingly doesn't take away from enjoying the views of the river or the canyon walls. Then we'd be under a canopy of trees as we climb higher than the road.





After a while Joey and I switched and I did some fast walking. It feels so good to get active! I must keep this up. For the last stretch back to the car I really rode it hard, plus I've got Jewel on the back adding her weight to mine, so my legs were burning by the time I got off. We walked back to meet up with Joey and encourage him thru the finish line.



Then top it off with the chicken that's been cooking in the car.

Good times.
Check.

Hanging Lake Trail

After our day in Rifle Falls State park, it set a chain reaction of more and even better days. We've already been up here about six weeks, which is about the average length we spend in one area, why should this time be any different? The weather's getting better and Joey's work weeks are getting shorter.

On the advice of the satellite installer we drove past Glenwood Springs into Glenwood Canyon to find the Hidden Lake. Jay told me it was pretty easy, so even though we got a late head start we'd still have plenty of time to make the hike before dark, while wearing flip flops.

Jay might not be the best judge of difficulty.

No, we were not properly prepared, and by the way, don't leave your water in the car.

The trailhead to Hidden Lake can be found at a rest area six miles East of Glenwood Springs, on I-70. It appears to be a typical rest area and unless you do some exploring you'd never even know it was there. We walked a ways down the 16 mile bike path that leads through the canyon, until we got to the trailhead. Jewel was already tired and wanting to be carried.


If you look close you can see I-70.


The trail starts at the creek, working it's way up the waterfall. Working it's way steeply up. Up boulders. Lots of boulders.

Notice Jewel in front of Joey with her walking stick? Suddenly she's not tired anymore.

The boys are loving the challenge and couldn't feel more alive, or ape like.


I'm usually falling behind, taking pictures and all, giving Joey plenty of time to test the water.


We hiked quite a ways up, crossing the creek several times,

attempted some rock climbing,

and soaked in the mountain air, but Joey had reached the limit that he felt he could safely get everybody out in case of an emergency, so we didn't make it all the way to the Hidden Lake. We will be back.

But first, we gotta go back down.


After coming back down we continued to walk around and enjoy the surroundings, and sometimes I'm lucky enough to capture the Joy.


Believe it or not, that's not all the pictures. Go ahead, check 'em out. They're even in a slideshow, just for you.

Hidden River on Dwellable

Rifle Falls State park

I hadn't seen any pictures, or done any online research for Rifle Falls State Park. It was nothing more than a turn off on the road before I got to town for some major grocery shopping. That was until we finally took the turn. It was way more than I expected, and what unknowingly at the time....started another new road for us. But, I'll get in to that later. Now, I want to relive that day.

The hike out to the Falls started out on ether a paved path, or the teeny tiny dirt trail around the limestone caves. There wasn't even an option.


It was probably only a five minute walk, but we took at least an hour exploring the caves.


Out of these dry, dusty caves we pop out behind the waterfall


Our first view of the Falls


The obligatory picture from the viewing deck


Jonas does his own thing.

We continued hiking past the waterfalls, eventually crossing over the top of them.


For all the pics click here.

We had such a great time, getting some exercise, enjoying beautiful landscapes, listening to the roar of the Falls, but more importantly just being together, enjoying each other and seeing the joy. The joy on everyone's faces.

Gas to Rifle Falls: $8
State Park Daily Pass: $5
Enjoying your family in Nature's wonder: Priceless

Family Bloops and Blunders

I came across an old video I had made that I guess I forgot to post here. So for your annoyment and a laugh on me, check it out.

Satellite, Blogs, & Hammocks

Satellite dishes
Originally uploaded by jakesmome.

You'd think since I no longer have to scour the streets looking for an open wi-fi signal I'd be posting all the time. Yeah, I thought that too. Maybe the thrill is gone, the rush I'd get when I'd finally get online, and the fact that I always had to do it quick because the kids were usually sitting in the back of the car doing car flips. I would feel this obligation to post, I think just because I had a blog though, not because anyone else actually cared. Heck, I have to remind my Mom even to check it out, and forget about her leaving me a comment. She just forgets...how can she forget me?? I bet she doesn't even know how to check out my pictures over there on the sidebar. Family and friends are what I started this blog for in the first place, is there one family member out there this reads this? If not, I can finally start talking about you..thanks.

Anyway, back to what I was saying. Why am I not blogging? Because I'm not a writer, I guess. I've always hated writing and I'm sure it has to do with the fact that the only time I ever wrote as a kid was when it was being graded and scrutinized. I still feel that way today. Sometimes I go so far as to try to write very badly so that noone will say, that girl can't write, what's she thinking?

I have, however, found my talent:

I can organize four days worth of dishes to fit in a tiny sink and cover it with a cutting board so my kitchen appears clean. Nevermind the fact that I'll spend 20 minutes organizing them just so, I could have washed them quicker than that.

I also have the ability to put my foot in my mouth...I do that a lot, only figuratively, not literally.

I've also decided it's time to take my amateur photography hobby to the next level. I'm searching for the perfect DSLR for me, and thus, making myself really crazy. How important is an image stabilizer or anti-shake on an SLR? There's about a $600 difference on the two cameras I've narrowed it down to, but I'm not sure if I can sacrifice that feature. Such dilemas.

So what WAS this post about?

Not all smiles for everyone

Brown Trout
Originally uploaded by jakesmome.

While the bus was full of excitement today over Joey's latest catch, one member was oddly missing. I found Jonas in my bed crying over the fact that Dad didn't catch and release this time. I won't be surprised if this big hearted kid of ours turns vegan. He freaked out once when Joey caught a grasshopper and pulled his wings off to throw it on the lake for fish bait, I don't know why I didn't see it coming today. Poor kid. Jewel made it up to him by finding a claw to give him to add to his collection.

All is right in his world again.

Future hosts of Hidden Camera TV

Meeker, CO

It always takes us a few weeks to relax and get in the groove of a new place, and since we plan on being here for a while, we're not in a big rush. We are however, settling in quite comfortably. Meeker is a cute little town nestled in the mountains along the White River. The countryside is sparkling with lakes and rivers where antelope, deer and elk graze. The history is rich with Indian ties and the site of The Meeker Massacre, killing Indian Agent Nathan C. Meeker and ten civilian employees. Now it's a haven for snow mobilers, huntlers and anglers. Joey and the boys are covering the angling part. We've driven back into some National Forest land, but haven't gotten any hiking in yet. I'm still waiting for a little bit warmer weather before I get fully motivated. There's enough to do at camp to keep us (me) fulfilled for now.

Like turning picnic tables into parking lots

So all my kids can play

Find new ways to enjoy the hammock

Fish

And enjoy the gorgeous sunsets



Did I also mention that we now have Satellite Internet! Yep, life is good!

Life is a highway....

We made it to Colorado. It was pretty uneventful, only one new car battery, a clogged shitter, and oh, about 400 pictures. If you want to see my little photo slideshow set to Tom Petty singing Life is a Highway, please click here.

Take pictures

Jewel 1
Originally uploaded by jakesmome.

I hear that often, whenever I'm going some place new...take pictures. Jewel, however, couldn't disagree more.

(click picture for more pics showing her beautiful smile)

We're leaving today. We should already be gone by now, but I am oddly the only one up yet. I can't believe that we're leaving now either, what with this beautiful weather, but I am very excited for the next adventure. The plan is to head West, and at Gallup, NM we'll start heading North and travel thru the reservations of Utah, coming up the west side of the Rockies. That stretch of Utah is my absolute favorite and we planned on really taking our time traveling through there but now it looks like we're gonna' have to scoot. Our plan is to be in Colorado in four days, it'll never happen. Those brown highway signs beckoning the traveler to discover history are usually too much for me to resist, and even Joey has succumbed to humoring me and stopping at anything that looks interesting. I used to have to beg, now I don't even have to grunt.

Even though we've been in DFW off and on the last three months, I really haven't seen much of the area. We went to Korea Town where I got the best freaking' BBQ rib eye sliced meat. It's so good we got 10 lbs of it, five so I can take with me. We also got to watch the big fish feeding at Cabela's. Man was that cool. Fort Worth also has the biggest, baddest Cabela's we've ever seen, complete with two huge aquariums and an actual real stuffed African Elephant. There was even a rifle shooting arcade thing upstairs where I smoked the little ones. I was doing better than Joey until he realized that and then had to uphold his expert rifleman status and blow me away. We also went to Joey's old hometown and met up with a friend of his, also fun bringing the past back to life.

We went up to Nebraska and Iowa and got the rest of his welding tools, my car, and our storage and brought it all down to my folks. Then we got Texas driver's licenses so we could officially become TX residents, and as previously posted, take advantage of tax and homeschool laws. We now have everything safely sitting in my parent's garage that we don't want to take with us, and everything that we do is now transportable. yay us!

I'll miss hanging with my mom and dad and brother's family, playing American Idol on Playstation, completely embarrassing myself, and being in awe of the rest of them. I was the only one that NEVER made it to Hollywood. Apparently I am as bad a singer as my Dad always said I was. I honestly have no clue how to get to a tune, let alone hold one. I'll miss shopping with my mom, and her doing my dishes and laundry. Ok, I won't miss her doing my laundry, but I am mailing the dishes home.

Happy travels everyone, see ya on the other side.

Joey's Office

Joey's Office
Originally uploaded by jakesmome.

I'm a lucky girl, I get to see Joey in action. I hear work stories, he tries to describe the types of things he builds, and I've even been to some of the plants and seen the enormous pipes, catwalks, and structures he builds, but there's nothing quite like seeing my man in action. The strength, form, sweat....oh, and seeing the quality of his work.

We're still in Texas, taking as much advantage of the weather and time as we possibly can. We've been waiting out the winter before we head to our next job in Colorado, and it seems the time has come. That means us professional procrastinators have finally stopped sleeping in 'til noon and imitating sloths, and finally gotten around to doing all those things we said we were going to do when we came back here. Joey's got his truck completely tooled out, built a new exhaust for the bus, built new shelves for our bedroom, and saved almost $900 by building his own brackets to tow my car.

I've been eating.

Reason #4

stuck in the mud
Originally uploaded by jakesmome.

We're not just limited to campgrounds anymore. Homeowners must also beware.

They learned the hard way, too.

To see the rest of the damage go here.