Snowshoeing for Intermediate

Last week, I wrote about snowshoeing for beginners. But if you've been renting them for a while, or know this is a sport you are going to love to do often, it's time to look into buying your own pair. Here are a few of my suggestions in moving forward in your snowshoe adventures.

BUYING SNOWSHOES

Hopefully, you've rented a few pairs first, and know what you'd like to buy. If not make sure to remember a few things.

To buy, you're looking at $100 - $300 or higher depending on the brand. Generally, most come as a package so you'll get the shoes, poles and a storage bag for them.

Generally, if you visit a store you'd think you would have a salesperson who would know exactly how to help you. While we'd like to think this is true, generally the person working there is a high school or college student who may never have done it before. So here are a few tips and suggestions to make sure you are purchasing the right pair.

One thing to know is there are basically 3 different types of snowshoes. Regular hiking, backcountry hiking, and aerobic or shoes for running. Now within these 3 types, there are lots and lots of options and brands.

TIP: Snowshoes will work with nearly every boot. You don't need to buy a special boot unless you want to. Any good waterproof boot will work great! I say use your waterproof hiking boots your feet are already used to and comfortable in.

Don't just buy the shoe for your current weight.
Remember, you'll be carrying water, a backpack with gear for a day. So think about the maximum weight you may be carrying and make sure to buy a shoe for that weight, not just your standing in a towel on the scale weight.

Buy a snowshoe with a deck for what you plan to venture into.
Longer the deck, the better for deeper snow. Shorter the deck, easier to move around and great for more packed in snow.

Buy traction for what you plan to do. If you don't venture out and do much climbing around minimal traction may work great for you. But if you plan to hit up icy areas, do some climbing, you'll want more traction.  Also, consider heel lifts if you plan to do lots of climbing to make the climbs feel more natural.

Poles
Generally, they'll come with your purchase. But you will want poles with large baskets on them.

OTHER GEAR TO BUY OR BRING

I don't recommend going into the backcountry when you are first learning about snowshoeing, because there is a lot more to consider. But once you get going with the sport, it might be your next step.

So, if you do go into the backcountry plan ahead!

* Know your route and what the terrain is under the snow.
* Check avalanche danger reports for the area your going into.
* Make sure you have an avalanche beacon and shovel.

If you go into the backcountry it's recommended EVERYONE in your snowshoe party carry a beacon and light shovel in their back, just in case. A beacon can be expensive, but it could save your life, and you might find yours or someone else's life worth the price! If you can't afford a beacon, stick to the trails and avoid the backcountry until you can purchase one.

The list could be different depending on your hike. In general here is a quick list of items to consider.

* Avalanche Beacon
* Light folding shovel
* Waterproof boots
* Waterproof breathable jacket
* Waterproof breathable pants
* Parka, coat, or vest
* Fleece pants
* Hat (Wool or Fleece)
* Buff or Face Cover
* Goggles
* Sled (For gear, or for going downhill LOL)
* Chapstick
* Sunscreen
* Backpack to put your gear in
* Wool socks - Never cotton
* Gaitors to help keep snow out of your boots in deeper snow

If you're going into the backcountry for longer distances you should always plan ahead in case you run into troubles.

* First aid kit
* Matches
* Foil blanket
* Extra food, water
* Extra clothes (in case what your wearing gets wet)
* Headlamp or flashlight


TIP: Stay dry!!! Dress in layers, you will find you will get warm pretty quick and you will want to be able to reduce your layers easily when you start sweating.
You'll frequently find if you are out all day, you may be in and out of several of your layers depending on when you warm up, wind chills and other factors.

BE PREPARED

Chances are you'll be fine. But avalanches are only one danger to be aware of when snowshoeing if you go into the backcountry here are a few (not all) of the things you should think about.

* Slips and falls through frozen water
* Frostbite
* Know how to build a snow cave
* Be mindful of weather conditions and oncoming storms
* Navigation, GPS, Maps - Know where you are going and how to get out.
* Deep snow - Be prepared even in snowshoes to have to plow through several feet
* Snow or air pockets you may fall through
* Understand your limitations - You may be used to hiking 10 miles, but there is no shame at cutting back for 1-3 miles if you're struggling in the snow.

* Never go alone - Always tell someone when you're expected to be done and where you are going. Don't venture too far from you're planned route that you told someone who wasn't going with you where you were going. In case something happens you'll have a better chance of being found if you're where you said you'd be! You can always go down a new route next time!

CONCLUSION

This post could be a lot longer, but I wanted to keep it informative and still readable. I highly recommend researching the sport more if you plan to get into backcountry snowshoeing.

Use common sense! It's also wise to remember your preparation and how you act in the outdoors is important. If you do get into trouble and rescue has to come and get you, while it is their job and most do it because they enjoy helping others, your carelessness may put them or others in your hiking party in danger.

Snowshoeing is a really fun sport and if you pay attention and plan ahead it's also a very safe sport.
However, the snow can cover hidden dangers, because of that it is always wise to be prepared.

Additionally, if you really love the sport, consider taking it to another level and entering a snowshoe race!

Happy snowshoeing my friends, be safe!

Snowshoeing Tips for Beginners

It's winter which means snowshoeing for those who enjoy hiking year round. If you haven't done it before, it is great exercise and a lot of fun. I'm going to do a little series on Snowshoeing. This first post is, the basics for beginners.

FINDING THE RIGHT SNOWSHOES

Before you buy, you'll want to rent several pairs first. Get a feel for them, try different brands and kinds out. They can be fairly inexpensive to rents. In my area, it costs between $6-$9 a day for the shoes and poles.

This is actually the best way to do find the right pair for you, not one shoe workes for all and this way you'll less likely find yourself buying the wrong pair for the type of snowshoeing that you may eventually end up enjoying.

TIP: If you're not sure, try the flat terrain snowshoes first, they are a beginners snowshoe that works for most.

Make sure when you're renting, you're getting ones that are for your weight and the surface you plan to hike.

TIP: Minimal traction is great for flatter areas. But larger traction may be needed if you plan to climb mountains or do more hills.

TIP: Planning to do lots of hills? Look into the flip-up heel lifts, they can help prop your heel up and make it a little less of a workout to hike up steep terrain.

DO I NEED POLES?

Yes!
Most snowshoe rentals come with them, because yes you'll like having them for better balance.
Do you always need them? Probably not, but they can be handy to have around.
They are also helpful if you fall (which is rare) but they can make getting up much easier.

TIP: Buy or rent ski poles with ski baskets on them. Or if you have hiking poles, attach large ski baskets on them and you can make them work for both hiking and snowshoeing.

TIP: Falling is rare but most people fall when they cross their snowshoes in the back. When you first start out and before you pick up the pace, practice walking in them a little with your slightly wider stance until you get the hang of them.

ASK ABOUT THE BEST SNOWSHOE ROUTES

Never done it? Ask the outdoors store you are renting your snowshoes for tips on the best trails for beginners. Or look online and find local snowshoe groups that you can join. Generally, unless specified they'll pick safe locations and have checked for avalanche dangers.

TIP: How deep does the snow need to be? Some might say if there is snow they'll try it. But if you don't want to risk ruining the bindings or scraping up your traction I'd say 1 foot minimal, 2+ feet even better.

CHECK CONDITIONS

Before you go into the mountains (especially out west) you MUST check for avalanche dangers.
Even if you get the "clear" from your local news sources. You should always be aware of your surroundings and potential dangers.

Your snowshoes will keep you higher up on the snow. But if you are in deep powder or ungroomed trails you won't be walking on top of the snow.
You will sink, sometimes a foot or more, in fact in deep snow I've had to plow through 4 feet at times.

NEVER GO ALONE

Things can happen, even to the experienced hiker and snowshoeing while a very fun safe sport does bring a few potential dangers. So I will not promote hiking alone especially if you are a beginner, just in case something were to happen, you might need help.

If you need a snowshoe partner, look for local groups, trust me they are out there. Ask your friends, chances are if you are thinking of trying it out, you may have a family member or friend who is interested in trying it too!

WHAT TO BRING

I'll go into a full list in my next post, but as a beginner, I recommend gloves, hat, and dressing in layers some of which are waterproof. Always carry water to drink. You'll find snowshoeing can be quite the workout and you will get thirsty, and a snack is always nice.


Snowshoeing is a lot of fun and a fairly inexpensive sport.  Its basically hiking in the winter with a little more of a workout, so start out with less mileage and a little less aggressive pace than you would while on a regular hike and have fun and enjoy it!

Join me tomorrow where I'll go more in-depth for the person who is looking to purchase their own pair or venture into the backcountry or ungroomed trails.

DISTANCE

You may be used to hiking 3-10 miles and in great shape. But snowshoeing is an entirely different workout. There is no shame in going shorter distances, especially when renting and trying out different pairs to see what your body is most comfortable in.
Consider hiking 20 minutes in and out, or pick a short loop hike to start.
If you get done and feel great, you can always go again, or head in a different direction to go further. Don't get yourself in a risky situation or too far out without the energy to come back.
It happens all the time, I'm sure you are used to hearing about the rescues on the news and don't kid yourself even the experienced are part of those rescues, try not to be one of them!

Adventure, Crazy Weather and Cops

Life got super busy for me last week, but on the plus side busy is good because it means less time to be bored or wish I was back home around my family and good friends.

I did try going to the singles church again, I didn't see the girl who gave me something to roll my eyes about. LOL

I sat alone this week, and a kind of cute guy came and sat next to me. Which means, I think I'm going to go with the sit alone thing more often and just see what or who happens!

Of course and I'm just saying, I'm not here to meet anyone or get into any serious relationships. I have every intention of moving back up north in a couple of years.

However, I am totally open to meeting cute guys who enjoy the outdoors! Because frankly hiking partners are always welcome!

CLASS PROJECTS

Seriously, I had one of those I couldn't be more annoyed moments in one of the groups I am in a class project with.
I really dislike people who think they can just piggy back off everyone else's hard work.

On the plus side, after walking across campus and back from a meeting with one of the guys in my group my thoughts are not alone. We both think it's high time the others start pulling their weight in this, that or just drop out.

Which is why later this week in class I have every intention of suggesting the get your act together or just drop out of the class to one of our group members. I'm a nice person, but sometimes some people just need the hard truth!

CRAZY WEATHER

We had some crazy weather here in Utah. Most of it was up north, my sisters had tornado's go through their cities. Which is odd because we don't usually get weather like that here in Utah.

We had some flooding down south here, in fact the road I live on was washed out by mud and rocks coming off of the mountain. I sat in my apartment and watched the awesome storm out the windows. But I thought it was funny when my neighbors truck bed filled up with water in a matter of seconds, LOL

My only regret is not getting out and taking a drive right after the storm to see what awesome waterfalls appeared up on the red cliffs... next time!

PICTURE FUN

Okay, so I am on Snapchat. But unlike all of my other social media things which I have synced with my blog. I have kept Snapchat a strict family only thing and put in the higher private settings.

My sisters and my nieces and nephews have so much fun sending pic snaps all day long. If my niece or nephew send me one, I'll even send one back (semi) unnoticeable in my classes LOL

That and Facetime have become my favorite ways to keep in touch and try to keep my fun aunt stuff going:)


GETTING PULLED OVER

I live in a small town and am surrounded by nearly a dozen other small towns. If you've never been to a small town let me tell ya, the cops just love to give tickets.
I wasn't paying attention coming out of this little mountainside town I drove up to over the weekend and when I saw the cop pull behind me I was just like NOOOOOO...

Normally in the past, I try to do everything I can to plea, beg or fake cry and get out of the ticket LOL. I have a very good track record of talking my way out of them. I also have no shame, LOL

However, this time I had a headache and didn't have the energy. So I just went with the truth. An odd concept I know, LOL.


Me: I put both hands on the wheel because with a concealed weapons permit I didn't want him to get any wrong ideas.
Officer: Did you know you were going 25 over the speed limit?
Me: Yes, and I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention until you pulled behind me and I noticed the speed.
Officer: Can I get your license, insurance and registration?
Me: Yes, but apparently I don't have my current registration.
Officer: That's okay, I'll take what you have.

The wait.....A little prayer asking for only a warning...

Me: Watching him get out of the car looking for the pink slip and not seeing it as he walks up I get very hopeful and happy.
Officer: I decided to give you a warning for 5 over the speed limit, just watch it going forward okay.
Me: Thank you so much, you are awesome! Hope you have a great rest of your weekend!
Officer: Thanks, you too!

I couldn't of afforded a $300+ ticket which is what it would have cost me, so yes I consider myself very blessed and prayer answered!!!

ADVENTURE

Did a little hiking, got up out of the heat and into the pine forests for a day. I wanted to see some of the fall leaves I figured down south here maybe they might be starting to change.

That's the part I miss about not being up around Salt Lake. Fall leaves have been changed for a while and the snow storm they got over the weekend likely took most the leaves.
I'll be visit there in a few weeks, but all the colorful leaves in the mountains will be on the ground by the time I get there, bummer....

The leaves were just starting to change in the mountain range I visited over the weekend. I think this weekend I should take a trip back and see them, they'll likely be gorgeous!

That was a few bits of my weekend.
On a side note, my knee is healing nicely. I almost think it's healed completely, I am just easing back into it all just in case.

ST GEORGE MARATHON

On a completely different side note, I may be participating in the St. George Marathon this weekend, not how I paid to do it. But one of my classes they want us to volunteer to hand out the medals at the finish.
I'm going to be honest, even though this will make me sound terrible. I am not really sure how I feel about it. Mostly because I know me, and I know how bummed I will be to be at the race I was supposed to be running, but helping celebrate everyone else's finish.
In other words, I need to get my act together and get into volunteer spirit or something!

I normally wait to post these types of things, but since I have several blogger friends who are running the marathon this weekend, I wanted to say if you spot me at the finish I would be honored to give you your medal!

Tell me something you did over the weekend.


I am linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin today for their Weekly Wrap!

 

  

Books, Zombies and a Great Week

Hope you all had a wonderful past week!
While I still ended up taking it pretty easy, I did get up and around much more than last week.

I finished the drug treatment, and the good news is, it has lessened the pain in my lower back considerably and almost all the swelling has gone down. I think I even lost an inch off my waist just from the reduced swelling, LOL I'll take it!

I am starting to get used to what "manageable" levels of pain are. I'm to young to be on drugs and pain killers daily, so going forward I will only be taking them as needed during really bad times.

I'm also adjusting my mental game.
If I believe I will be in pain, I likely will. But if I believe the pain is leaving, or not that bad, then it won't be. I know not every day will play that way, but I really am trying to adjust my thoughts to the positive, because I think that will help the most!

I taught the community beginning blogging class on Wednesday, and I have to say I think it went pretty good. There was double the turnout that I thought there would be. Those who attended seemed to enjoy it, they asked a lot of questions and a few told me it was very beneficial for them.
Several asked if I would be doing another, and a few more contacted the library when they couldn't attend to see if I would come back to do more. Not sure if more will happen yet, but I am glad it was enjoyed!

I didn't get quite as much reading in this week as I did the previous week.  But enjoyed tackling 3 books that have been on my "to read" list for quite a while.

Defy by Sara B Larson -This is one of those girl power type fantasy's where the heroine has to hide her true identity, so she can save the Hero. I really liked it!

Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch - This one really surprised me, definitely not what I was expecting. It's future world in America where rich politicians pass laws where it is okay to breed the perfect human clones. Young girls, with talents who are then sold as pets to entertain the rich. I wanted to re-write a few parts of it, but over all I enjoyed it!

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins - I think Kaiden, the male character in the book might have just nailed my 4th place spot for best book boyfriend. Yup, pretty sure he did! But I am a sucker for the perfect bad boy. If you like a little Heaven and Hell mixed together with a little romance that keeps you guessing the entire way through, ya this is it. I could hardly put it down. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

FYI, if you're wonder who make my top 3 lists of best book boyfriends. Prince Maxon from The Selection Series - Noah Shaw from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer -  Bishop Lattimer from The Book of Ivy

It's actually been a beautiful week, we got a bit more snow several days this past week. I know this isn't the best shot, because I took it as I was leaving my neighborhood from inside the car and the football stadium lights are in the way. But I really am lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful mountain peaks! When I do go out for a run, this is my 5 mile loop, when I run up to the base of these mountains and back.
I'll have to remember to take a picture on the next clear sunset day we have.  The mountains around me turn a beautiful pink in the evenings, it's quite stunning actually!

I took one of my nieces and two of my nephews out for a date night, and we went and saw the Peanuts movie. I bought a large popcorn and my 3 year old nephew pounded that down like no other, I kept looking at him wondering where he was putting it all. I think he ate over half of it on his own, LOL But ya know, you go to the movies you gotta have popcorn right!

I took myself to the new Pride and Prejudice and Zombies movie.
Don't laugh, well okay you can laugh. I actually really enjoyed the movie. Ya, it was Elizabeth and her sisters kicking some serious zombie butt, they definitely aren't the weak girls that need saving. But then you've got Mr. Darcy who of course dismisses her until he witness her impressive fighting skills. The zombies are a different than most zombies, they are actually sophisticated and intelligent enough to know what is going on. But ya, they are pretty gross. So ya, you've got those two worlds mixed, and it's lovely, gross and funny at the same time. So yup, I enjoyed a little movie morning out by myself on Friday!

That was my week. I am still itching to get out and be more active. This week, if the snow holds back, I plan on a little running daily outdoors.
I have an opportunity to go snowboarding in a few weeks, I haven't been in so many years. I am not sure if it is the wisest thing to do with my back right now, but then again if I don't fall, I would probably be fine. Of course, I've put on a little weight, so I am not even sure if my boarding snow pants will even still fit, if they don't that may be the deciding factor, LOL But ya, I am just itching to get out for a little snow adventure, if you can't tell!

I want to welcome any of the Grow Your Blog Participants, who are visiting my blog and reading a post for their first time. Looking forward to getting to know many of you better!

I am linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin today for their Weekly Wrap!

Did you see the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies movie? Or is it something you could careless to see?
Have you read any good books lately?

Travel and Adventure Awaits

I want to welcome all my new visitors from the Grow Your Blog Hop.  One thing you should know about me, besides being a runner.  I love adventure, exploration, hiking, camping and enjoy taking my camera along for the ride. Each Tuesday is Travel Tuesday on my blog, where I showcase a different place I have visited, hikes taken or adventurous location.

I have over 60+ travel destinations already posted which you can view HERE.
Today, instead of picking a new place to show, and since many of you may be new visitors.
I thought I would take today, to not only introduce you a little to my adventurous side.  But show you some of my favorites over the past few years and you can pick which you'd like to read about!

If they look interesting, your more than welcome to click on the links and view all the details as well as all the pictures that come with them!

SHARK DIVING

Shark Diving has been one of those things that will probably be on my top 10 favorite things done forever. One thing about me, I can be fearless.  I crave adventure and all that comes with it!
Being down in the water surrounded by sharks, is magical, to watch and see their beauty.  I've been into sharks my entire life, but when I visited the North Shore of Oahu and headed out early one morning to swim with these magnificent creatures, I can't help but love them more.  This is one of those things, I hope to get to do again in the future.  Want to learn more, see more pictures or the details of my diving trip?  Visit this page HERE.

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

This is one of those things, that gives an entire new meaning to wanting to get up before the crack of dawn.  Depending on the time of year, when visiting Maui, you may have to get up at 3am to make the drive up to the top.  Yes, it's Hawaii, but it will be freezing, in fact sometimes it even snows up here. Yes, it DOES snow in Hawaii, did you know that?
But it's worth the early hour and the freezing temps, because when the sun starts lighting up the clouds and they appear as if they are being lit on fire one after one.  Its a vision of beauty I seriously will never forget!  More pictures and details can be found HERE.

MT. MCKINLEY (DENALI) AND GLACIAL LANDING

This one, is probably my favorite adventure EVER!!!  There is no way I can tell you or show you pictures to do it justice.  Taking a plane and flying low in and around the magnificent peaks of this part of Alaska, will literally take your breath away, it is amazing! The glaciers, the sights and then landing the plane up above 12,000 feet on a glacier that is itself moving and changing each day.
The term, it is so quiet it is loud, is really only experienced in a place like this where it's just you and nothing else living for miles and miles around.  You can view more pictures and the details of the trip HERE.

AVALANCHE LAKE 

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Love to hike like me?  This is one hike that I recommend for the morning hours, as the sun and mountain setting when you arrive is just picturesque.  Montana has some beautiful country and Glacier National Park is really a hikers paradise.  One tip, the earlier your out hiking in a National Park, the greater your chances of getting to see wildlife!  Want to see more pictures and info on this hike, you can find them HERE.

MUIR WOODS

This beautiful gem, is such a short drive from San Francisco not to far from the famous Golden Gate Bridge itself, yet a lot of visitors don't even realize it is there.  I can't help but just be in awe of the size of these giant Sequoia beauties!  See more details and pictures HERE.

GO SKY DIVING

You could probably guess, but yes this is also going to go down as one of my all time favorites! This is one of those things, that if you are an adventure seeker and thrill lover like myself you just have to do this at least once in your life.
Free falling for over a minute playing around flying through the sky, so beautiful and such a thrill.  If you want to read more and see more pictures visit HERE.

KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK

Most of this National Park can only be seen or possible to get by by boat.  I was amazed at how green and lush a lot of the islands in this area were.  At one point we had to cut the engine on the boat, as over 60 wild Orca wales were swimming and jumping and playing all around us.
With a microphone dropped into the water, we just sat in silence watched them play and listened to their songs.  A few hours later, we were surrounded by nearly 40 humpback whales, lost count of how many sea lions and other wildlife we saw.  Eventually we made our way up into the coastal glacial areas.  We were the first boat that spring to break into the ice in the turquoise icy waters. Eventually right up to a glacier where I was able to witness glacial calving chunks the size of houses cracked and roared through us like thunder as they broke off.  And those were just a few things witnessed on this nearly 11 hour day of touring the seas and park.  More pictures and info HERE.

UTAH'S WASATCH MOUNTAINS

Utah is another one of those states that is a hikers paradise.  There are so many places to go and see that not only can one like myself never get bored.  We have some gorgeous mountains, especially for those who like to climb.  This is one of the local favorites, hiking up to Blanche Lake.  More pictures and info HERE.

SWIM WITH STINGRAYS

Although I am a mountain girl, I do love the ocean and the wildlife in it.  This is one of those adventures I took, and at the time had no idea that it was not exactly safe to try and catch a stingray and let it take me for a ride. (Not even kidding:)  I had a great time though, and it's probably better I didn't know that they have barbs that can shoot through you.  Yes, I was naive enough to think that it just stung you if the tail touches you:)  Wiser now, but I would do it again, you can read more HERE.

DEAD HORSE POINT UTAH

Utah is a beautiful state, and I am not just saying that because I live here.  We really do have one of the more diversely scenic states there is.  Dead Horse Point is probably one of the most photographed vista's, but if you get a chance to stop by and visit yourself, you will not be disappointed!  More pictures and details HERE.

WHITE WATER RAFTING - COLORADO RIVER

Love a thrill? Love adventure? Love scenery and fun?  If you haven't guessed, I sure as heck do! White water river rafting down the Colorado River has all of it and then some. If you've been river rafting before, I hate to say it but rafting out west is an experience that you really can't get in other parts of the country. Take a group, hire an experienced guide and go for the ride of your life.  More pictures and details HERE.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Arches National Park is seriously one of the more incredible parks to see in America.  Delicate Arch is one of my favorite hikes to take when I visit, I have probably done this one a few dozen times.  If your a runner, you can even take a run up to the Arch, and get a killer hill trail workout in!  See more pictures and hike details HERE.

And these are just a very small few of the fabulous places you can see on this blog!

If you like traveling, exploration and adventure

You will likely enjoy stopping by my blog on Tuesdays.

Share a little Twitter Love, Click to Tweet

Do you love travel, exploration and adventure? Then you will want to stop by and check out @runwybridlplanr http://goo.gl/vh8DWN

Since this is the day to give new visitors a preview into what I blog about, here is what else you can get if you are interested in following me and seeing more!

Me Monday's - Quick re-cap of my week and going on's.
Whatever Wednesday - If I blog the topic could be weddings, books or whatever:)
First Thursday of the month, this year I am running topics to help grow or monetize your blog.
Running Thursday's, are for posts and subjects related to running.
Usually on Friday's I am at events, but if I am free I try to join up in Fitness Friday link ups or fitness posts.

If you like my blog, 

I would love it if you'd stop by again sometime!

What is your favorite vacation/hike or adventure you have been on?
Have you been to, or done any of the above mentioned?


If you're a blogger and not signed up with Disqus, please feel free to leave a link to your blog if you comment.  So I can find you and come visit your blog too!

Mountains, Amusement Parks, Pumpkin Patches and Lots of Fun

This week has been quite eventful.
I mentioned last week I had purposely worked ahead a little to get Octobers posts all done (except these Monday posts:) and that I was working on November.

Well one of the reasons was the Grow Your Blog, Hop.
I have been working on this for quite some time.  I wasn't sure how much interest there would be in it, last time it took me nearly a month to have 41 participants sign up.

This time, I wanted to do things different and have 80 total.  So I mentioned on a couple of Facebook pages if there would be any interest and the response was overwhelming.
So much so, that since I had it already to go I set it live on 5pm on Wednesday night and by the next morning it was already 65% full.  By Friday afternoon it was about 95% full.  I will check this morning, but I expect if it hasn't already the last 5 spots will be taken sometime today.

Isn't that crazy, and very awesome at the same time!  I am really excited about it.  I have a ton of work to do, but one great thing about the spots selling out so quickly is it's now going to give me an extra week to get it all done.

I really hope that this one turns out even better than the last time.  Last time's hop was also great, but I think with the changes made for this one, it's going to be even better!

Took this last night up near my sisters house, just a beautiful evening so I had to share!

As for an update on the recent injury flare up that happened a bit over a month ago.  Thursday, I finally was able to get out and do a little walking, YAY.  Things went great, so I took Friday's walk up in the mountains.  A little hiking, but on easy very groomed trails.
It's felt so nice to get out!  Sadly, I hate to say this but because I have had to be so inactive to let things begin healing again.  Just walking a mile or two actually made me a little bit sore, LOL
Oh well!  The great news is, I can start slowly building and strengthening it again and practice being on my feet more and more.

Took an afternoon and went up to a farm with my niece, nephew and sister.

They had this great event, with free lunch, free pony rides for the kids as well as corn mazes.  Hay rides for all, and pumpkin picking.  It was super hot out, like 90, but it felt like 100, LOL  So we skipped the apple cider and went for ice cold flavored lemonades instead:)  We sat and at our lunch on hay bails and listened to old fashion country live bands as we did.
It was a fun way to spend an afternoon.

I also spent a little time up in the mountains this week.  A lot of the leaves have already fallen, but in some area's they are still patches of the bright colors on the trees.  It was beautiful either way.  I couldn't help bringing my camera out, even if it was overcast that day.

Also, this is the time of year when our Amusement Park, Lagoon transforms itself into Frightmares, and with only a few weeks left in the season I have a feeling I will be spending some time there each week until the end of the month when it will all be shutting down for the winter.
My sisters and I are supposed to have a girls adult day there soon, we've been planning on it all year. It will be when I can go finally ride all the awesome roller coasters:)  Okay, well at least not alone:)  I ride them with the kids, but depending on which kids some are tall enough, and some are not so much.  I love the kiddo's, but it will be fun to have an adult day and hit up the awesome haunted houses and zombie lands:) that aren't really kid friendly:)

Thursday night I attended my writers meeting, and it was fabulous!  We had a NY Times Best Selling Author Angie Fenimore come and speak.  She came with her fiance, and they did a fabulous job!
Gave me a lot of food for thought on how to better myself.
The topics were pitching to agents and creating a great platform for yourself (website).  The information could be used for that as well as in life for job interviews and I think I can also implement some of the things into my wedding business and even this blog.
I would love to take one of her classes and do more, but with as busy as this year is, I may have to wait until later this winter, before wedding season starts:)

It's back to weddings this week, and life is about to start to get pretty busy.  Additionally the youth group I work with, I am in charge of an activity for them this week, just to name a few things on my to-do list.
Of course, I apparently never think life is busy enough and I am always taking on even more... I really need to stop doing that!

In other news, one of my sisters announced she is going to be having another baby, which is super exciting this will make my 9th niece or nephew:)  Baby isn't due until June, but I am already looking forward to having another baby in the family again!

So that is a bit into my past week.
All my mountain pictures this week are from Big Cottonwood Canyon, which if you have run the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon here in Utah you may recognize them, as many of them were taken up near the start of where thee race begins.  If you haven't run in, if it's on your calendar then this is just a little peak at what you get to see if you run it.

Tell me something you did last week.  Are you enjoying fall?  Getting out to see the leaves or picking pumpkins?  Tell me what you've been up to lately!

I am linking up with HoHo Runs and Mississippididdlin today for their Weekly Wrap!