Where did the time go...

I know, I know, I know.... It has been a long time since I've posted... it's been busy! This may sound like a lame excuse but I don't care.

Some of you may know that I went back to school this semester. This is the main reason for my lack of posting. I used to spend my free time running, and climbing outside... or taking naps and watching cheesy movies while baking in the kitchen. Since I have no time for these frivolities anymore blogging just seemed to slip further and further down the to do list. I think it ended up about two slots below sleep. Today I presented at a mini-conference on the research I've been doing and afterwards I suddenly realized that the semester was over. So before the next semester begins I decided I should post some of things that have occurred in the past three months.

I started the semester off with a trip to Lake Powell where I spent five days kayaking in and around the many side canyons within Lake Powell. I packed all of my camping essentials and stuffed them in dry bags and stowed them inside my kayak. There is something exhilarating and carefree about being able to carry all your belonging with you and paddle from one destination to the next. I woke up with the sunrise over the waters of Lake Powell each morning and watched the sun set behind the brilliant red rock each night. This trip was set up through Utah Valley University and several faculty, each specializing in different subjects, were there to point out the educational wonders of Glenn Canyon. I learned a lot during this trip but I think the part I'll always remember most is the fun group I had the chance to meet and the special characters who taught me a little something about ablutions.

Here are a few pictures from the trip:

We did lots and lots of paddling. I got an amazing tan and my arms were super buff... I wish every class I took at UVU did that for me:)

The guy with the glowing head of hair is Larry... he is awesome and does ablutions sans clothing every chance he gets. He was adorable:)

The guy holding his hand up to block the sun for my glowing head shot is Dr. Harris... He is the professor I do research with and is amazing! I would not have enjoyed my time at UVU near as much had I not started doing research with him. I hope to one day be half as smart as he is.

Dr. Harris on the bridge...

Lost Eden was a little side canyon we kayaked down. We paddled as far as we could and then got out to do I bit of canyoneering to see the cool stuff.

The corralled kayaks...

Cool stuff.

And more cool stuff...

The water in the morning was so peaceful and calm. Usually mornings are not my cup 'o' tea... At Lake Powell however, it was my favorite time of day...

Lots of exploring to be done...

Lunch...

We found an awesome cave to explore. If the water level had been any higher I probably would not have ventured inside. The sun was setting at the time so the light entering the cave was gorgeous.

Everywhere we went seemed picture perfect...

Ablutions with clothing on...

Datura... this stuff grows everywhere! You can take the seed pods and brew a tea that will make you hallucinate. We didn't try it of course but I just though you should know that I did learn a thing a two while I was there.

It was an amazing experience! I only wish it could have lasted longer.