Goodbye Summer

Well, it only seems fitting that it should rain like crazy on the first day of fall. I'm extremely sad to see summer go; I've been out trying to savor every last bit of sunny warm weather that I can. It's a very interesting time to be outside right now; nature is caught in between seasons right now in a very cool way. I've been seeing hints of summer blending with fall everywhere I look. I love seeing wildflowers still in bloom while the leaves are changing. I have also noticed that despite my fancy schmancy conservation degree from BYU, I know next to nothing about plants. Geez! I've seriously forgotten so much from those dreaded botany and plant ID days.

some aster with mountain maple??

Serviceberry maybe?

Oregon grape color contrast (i'm pretty confident about this one)

Kristinacus nielsonion @ Silver Lake Flat up AF canyon

My Sunday afternoon hiking partner!

another vacation?

Q: What does an unemployed girl who is only taking 8 credits do with all her free time?

A: Take a bunch of trips, I guess.

I will be seeing all of the following this weekend:

Yes, that's correct, I will be going to Michigan to visit Heidizzle and Cameron. What makes this trip that much sweeter is that I will be adding 3 more major league ballparks to my list of those visited. We're going to a Tigers game in Detroit, a Blue Jays game in Toronto, and an Indians game in Cleveland. Nice. Anybody have any travel tips/recommendations for any of those cities?? Particularly Detroit?? Particularly if they involve delicious places to eat?

welcome back kotter

I know, I know, it's been far too long. BUT, if you'd been having as much fun as I've been having you wouldn't have blogged either. And after all, the best time to blog is when I should be doing homework, so now is the perfect time since I'm back in school! Where to start? Should I back date all of my summer material and do a bajillion blogs for all of my river and travel adventures? Or shall I just start from today going forward? You tell me blog readers, if anyone is even still reading this (you've probably all given up on me)... Anyways, for now, here is a random smattering of pics. These pretty much tell you all you need to know.

Ducky-ing the Daily with Monte & Emilie, Moab.

Having WAY too much fun w/ Grace at the Little Colorado River, Grand Canyon.

the loneliest little century plant in all of Grand Canyon

My favorite new pretty unnamed beach Grand Canyon mile 140ish?

Being dorky at Havasu Creek, Grand Canyon

View from the Dollhouse, Cataract Canyon, UT

Quick back-cooler snack on the S-rig (yes, fried chicken)

Rope swing in Moab

Nankoweep Granaries, Grand Canyon