Hume Lake - June 2009

This past week, I had the opportunity to take 4 of my Young Men to Hume Lake in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. We camped in the lake campground for the week and did a bunch of activities in the area. The highlights were cruising the lake in our wood/canvas kayak that we spent 6 months building. It worked great! The boys also had a blast playing on the floating log that has been in the inlet pool to the lake for decades. We also visited Kings Canyon National Park which was pretty amazing. Wished the weather was a little warmer, but the cool weather didn't keep the boys out of the water. No bear incidents either, although some little pillager managed to swipe 2 granola bars out of my backpack on Thursday night!!

Enjoy the pics. More pics are posted on Facebook.

Salt Lake City 1/2 Marathon - 18 April 2009

I ran in the SLC half-marathon this morning. 13.1 Miles!!! Its been a goal of mine for a long time to finish a half-marathon. The course started at the University of Utah, followed the east bench down into town, past Sugarhouse, and back north into downtown SLC, finishing at the Gateway Mall.

My final time was 2 hours 07 minutes with an average pace of 9:45. It was tough, but a good time. My legs are feeling it tonight. Time to start preparing for the next one.

Boy Scout Kayak

I am in the process of building a wood/canvas Kayak with my older Boy Scouts. We are going on a High Adventure activity in June to Hume Lake in Sequoia National Park. We have been workingn on it since late January. This past week, Tyler, Nate, Zach, Scott and I put the first strakes on. All of the strakes are not on and the frame is almost all complete. Next step is to build a plywood floor, seat cusion and seat back, paint the frame and then cover it in canvas. Last step is to paint the canvas and then take it for a test drive. I just wonder which boy will win the coin toss as to who takes it for the first burn around the lake.

Before anyone thinks I crafty with wood and such, this whole thing was built off of a set of plans I ordered online and constructed with materials from Lowes and basic handtools. It is really quite easy once you get going. I was a little intimidated by the plans, but the plans turned out to be very well made.

Global Warming: On Hold?

Hmmmm, maybe it never existed. You know it is trouble for Al Gore and his cast of loonies when the mainstream media is starting to question the unproven theory of global warming.....er....I mean "climate change".

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/02/global-warming-pause.html

My favorite line: "Earth's climate continues to confound scientists."

2 Hours of Nursery is Hard Work

Landon fell asleep in his chair tonight at dinner. 1pm church is difficult for all of us, but especially so for a little kid who didn't get a nap. It was hilarious watching his eyes droop and his head bob. Finally, he was out like a light.

Dancin' Queen

Skye had her winter ballet recital last night. She did a great job. She chose to go out to Red Robin for dinner after the concert. It was nice to go out and spend the evening with her. Landon chilled at home with a babysitter and had a little kid blast!!

Mammoth 2009

Went snowboarding at Mamm0th today. Sn0wed almost all day. Awes0me conditions. About 2 ft of light, fluffy powder in alot of spots. Had a blast. More pics tommorrow........