Top of Timpanogos

It's an 18 mile trek from the Timpanooke campground (American Fork Canyon) to the top of the mountain and back.  We took the challenge either in honor of Pioneer Day or because we all had the day off. We started at midnight so that we could get to the top by sunrise. The top was FREEZING and beautiful. My favorite part of the hike is the meadow full of wildflowers of all colors. I loved it! And we saw a porcupine!

Getting there: Drive up American Fork Canyon and stay on UT-92E (Alpine Loop Road) until you come to Timpooneke Rd. Turn right on this road and find a place to park. The trailhead is clearly marked. This hike took up about 9 hours but that's because I was trying to keep up with my long-legged brother; it usually takes 10-12. The top of the mountain is usually really cold, so pack appropriately. 

The hike is fairly easy if you are from Utah and used to the altitude. The last mile up is all switchbacks and that can be extremely difficult, but that's only a small portion of the hike. Also, trust me on this: it is much easier to get down the mountain the same way you came up, opposed to trying to slide down the glacier. 

Alpine Rock Slide

This place is on every summer bucket list I've ever made. I love the backyard feel to this hike not to mention it is beautiful and fun... especially when you slide down the waterfall!

Only visit this place in July or August. The water is freezing. Before July the water is too high and after August it may not be warm enough outside to make up for the cold water.

Directions:
Take the Alpine/Highland Exit 284 off of I-15 and head East for a while. Turn left (north) on Alpine Highway. If you are coming from the south, take an American Fork exit and head north on 100 East, this road turns into Alpine Highway. Turn left (west) on Fort Canyon Road. This road eventually turns into one-lane. Find somewhere to park by the No Trespassing sign. Apparently it isn't trespassing. The path forks a few times, but whenever it does, choose the way that leads you UP the mountain. Walk until the road ends then go left and the water fall should be about 30 yards up. If you don't go left, you will cross a stream and come to the popular bike jump.

Mona Rope Swings

This is where I almost lost my left arm. The swing would not have been worth that actually happening but it was worth the bruise, burn, gash, and scar I got to show off for a while! 
I would go again.

When travelling on I-15 south from Salt Lake, take exit 233 (Mona) west. Turn left at the first stop sign. You will turn right when the houses end, which is about as clear of directions as I can give considering there is not a street sign. Follow the unpaved road until you get to the north side of the Burraston ponds. There are a few rope swings around the pond. Be careful not to get the rope wrapped around a body part when you jump. Enjoy!

Donut Falls

I have loved this hike for years now... short and sweet! Try it sometime!

http://www.utah.com/hike/donut-falls-trail

The Great Salt Lake

Sometimes I feel like my life is average and boring. This feeling is easily curable by trying something new and/or playing outside. Paddle boarding hit both of these cures! I didn't actually think I would find a place to go in Landlock, UT but it turns out there are plenty of places to try this!

http://www.gonzofun.com/site_directory/gonzo_rentals_tours.html

We called the marina at Antelope Island and they got our message down to the Salt Lake Marina that we wanted to rent two paddle boards so they reserved them for us. The people were so chill and easy to work with. We got to the marina and it took us a minute to figure out who to talk to- they rent their stuff out of a camping trailer in the parking lot right next to the bay.
Gav and I have grown up in the Salt Lake valley, but like most who live around here, have not ever been in the Salt Lake... because it is disgusting and full of brine shrimp. But there is a first time for everything and I would definitely do it a second!

We Don't Normally Dress Like This

There is this place in Utah called Cedar Fort. Most of you probably haven't heard of it, even if you live within 15 miles of the town. Anyways, this place is where my grandpa grew up. This grandpa is a genealogy maniac (someone find me a different word) and has put a lot of time into his ancestors in the Cedar Fort cemetery. Naturally, for Memorial day, my grandpa wanted his family to dress up like the people buried in the cemetery, stand by their graves, and tell their story to people who wanted to know. So that's what we did. 

Here's what made it worth it:

Mom: My name is ___, this is my husband ___. We were born in Pennsylvania in 18__. We met Joseph Smith and converted to the church even though our families told us not to. When we got married, my parents gave us $20 and we never heard from them again.
Dad: I was a member of the 70, and helped protect Joseph Smith.
Random spectator: Well that's weird cuz Joseph Smith died so long ago! Did you not do your job?!
*forced laughs*
Mom: We came across the plains and settled here in Cedar Fort. The Indians kicked us out at first but we were able to return. I was the first Sunday school teacher here and I also taught school in my home until the school house was built. Any questions?
Random spectator: Yah did you ever hear back from your parents after you got married?
Mom: Nope we tried to get in contact, wrote them a lot. [Being funny] Even sent them a couple texts but they never responded.
Random spectator: Well don't lose hope! One day they may end up on your doorstep!
Random spectator: So who are you related to here?
Mom: Let me look at my genealogy chart... let's see, Ron Cook's [my grandpa] great grandparents, the mom's parents, if that makes sense.
Random spectator: Well that's weird, I pictured them much older than you two!
Mom (finally catching on to what this guy believed): We don't normally dress like this!! We're not real pioneers!! We're dead!!

Random spectator seemed pretty off guard but finally understood what was going on. Some people...

Admission

After my rec basketball team got smoked by some ex college players, Gav and I got some frozen yogurt at Menchies and went to the 10:00 showing of the above at the Dollar Theater. my choice. I think we came home clean but I don't know how the movie ended because the sound went out with a crucial 10 minutes left. This was probably one of the dumbest shows I've ever seen, which really makes it one of the best shows I have ever seen. 

Gotta love Tuesday night dates!