The Cool Parts of Moab

There are three places you can go in the height of Summer heat while in Moab. The first choice is always the River (for me). For some reason, being on the water always feels 20 degrees cooler and if that's not enough you can always take a dip.

The second place are the natural pools that form within the creek nearby and this year being an extremely high-water year, the pools are fantastic and refreshing.

The third and probably lesser visited location can be seen by everyone, for miles - The LaSal Mountains. I haven't been up there in probably 1.5 years and last Saturday I wanted to hike, but I didn't want the heat.

You can see the LaSals here, on the right, in the background. This photo makes it look far, but the foothills of the mountains are only 9 miles away (from our house).

Here's the opposite view - From the LaSals looking down at moab. I love the look of that razorback rock.

I was in HEAVEN. I forgot how gorgeous the wildflowers would be. The temperature was perfect and, if your pregnant, this is where you want to be - everything smelled so fresh and fragrant.

I've got some crazy love-addiction with water so when we got to Squaw Spring I had to stop and play in it - I could've stayed in this spot all day!

Mike pointed this cool scene out. On the next ridge it looked like Bob Ross had painted some "happy trees". They looked too perfect to be real - kinda velvety. This pic doesn't do it justice. Oh well, I tried.

One of my favorite parts of the hike was happening upon these cool critters. Can you see it?

It amazes me how animals know how to camouflage.

Check out these beauties

After all the hiking fun we went down to Ken's Lake and kayaked around (I practiced my rolls). Then checked out Faux Falls - which is REALLY roarin' right now.
The experiences of the day definitely got me more motivated to go out even when it is 102 degrees (and 92 degrees at 9pm -whew.)

In the Zombie Zone

The advice comes from out of no where.
Co-workers I barely see on a usual basis feel the need to
pull me in their offices and pass-on the wisdom of their experience.
I don't mind it. It's fun to sit for a few minutes to gab, wonder and plan.

Then conversation always turns to symptoms and the list is endless -
Before I leave they usually say
"But no matter what, enjoy your whole pregnancy."
Believe me I'm trying . . .
but my most consuming symptom totally wipes me out . . .

I am ALWAYS exhausted . . .

Exhausted to the point that I have lost motivation to do anything . . .
except sleep.

I'm so demotivated that, I, the Recycling Queen have been caught throwing away my glass, plastics and newspaper. I'll never live it down.

But how can I focus on the environment when all I dream about all day long
are fluffy blankets, plush pillows and a California King mattress all to myself???

My husband thinks I'm trying to get out of . . .
everything (dishes, laundry, cleaning)

I'm sure I'll enjoy my pregnancy - as soon as I wake up.
ZZzzzzzzzzz . . .
(9 Weeks)

Test Drive Down the Colorado

**(To answer everyone's questions - no we're not moving, the last post was just a means to an end)



It's Time to SUIT UP!

Mike bought a new kayak so of course after work we had to test it out.
My least favorite part of playing on the river before it really warms up is putting on the Moonsuit (it's really called a dry suit, but I totally feel like an astronaut wearing them).

There are tight rubber gaskets around the neck, wrists, and ankles making it feel a lot like going through the birth canal all over again.

This pic makes me laugh! I usually end up looking like this - hair everywhere. I've never seen what this looks like before. It looks like Mike is kissing a short balding man with a beard.

Nothing like a size small kayak skirt to make you feel extra pregnant.

SEE! Astronauts!

The other part that I'm no good at is putting the skirt around the kayak lid. After all this - I'm usually sweating and wish I was just wearing a bathing suit, whew.
But it's time to get into da wata!




If Willy Wonka really lived I think his chocolate river would look just like this. Mmm, tastey.













Good Times.
Another great ending to a day in Moab.