Scout Hike

The scoutmaster asked me it I'd take the scouts up to the back of Waipio for a five-mile hike this morning. We met at the Church, and it looked like it was going to be way too wet, so we opted for the hill above Anna Ranch. First stop was the pond, of course.
It was rainy and blustery when we dropped into the pond. By the time we came out, it had cleared and was windy, but beautiful. So onward and upward!
It was very green. The kids had a good time -- the Samoan on the left walked/ran the whole way barefoot!

Here's an ohia flower for you botanists.

We hiked up higher than I've been before -- quite a bit above the top of Anna Ranch. It was beautiful!

Here's a little fall and pond I'd forgotten about.

I came home tired, but it was nice to get out.

Another Hawaiian Wedding

Kira McManus married Ryan Devitt yesterday afternoon at Wailea Beach. It was a lovely setting, perfect weather, and beautiful bride. It was fun to see all the family again -- it's been a while.

The beach decor was beautiful.

Note that Trenton has lost his hair!

The reception was at the house. Beautiful setting.

Bride and Groom seemed very happy.

Williamsburg & Jamestown

The "ACTEC curse" was back in full force this year for the fall meeting in Colonial Williamsburg. The temperature dropped 20 degrees two days before we arrived, the clouds rolled in, and we got rain and 45-55 degree temperatures. (Two days after we left, the weather returned to normal.) We loved it anyway! We had Thursday to play; I had meetings Friday and Saturday. My meetings were at the Lodge, so J. Lynn would spend the time enjoying the sights and some special tours.

Here she is on Duke of Gloucester Street

The palace
We enjoyed several of of the old pubs
On Sunday, we went down to the Jamestown Settlement.
Here's an old Indian village recreation

And a recreated settlement.

Then down to the river to see the ships

All in all, a great week -- despite the weather!

More Zion and Cedar Breaks

On day two, we headed east, through a long tunnel for a view from a different top.

The Keikis on the trail

A chipmunk for J. Lynn
Looking back into Zion from the top

The drop off was spectacular -- and not for the faint of heart!

Of course, it didn't bother Whit!

Or Anna!

From thence we headed a bit further east, as Tucker wanted us to see the checker board mesa.

Then on to Cedar Breaks National Monument. I borrowed a pair of Rob's shorts for the day, as Zion had been warm. Someone forgot to tell me that the summit here is over 10,000 feet!

We had hoped to go to Bryce Canyon, but didn't have time -- this is supposed to be a bit like Bryce.

Whit, Court and Stephanie (Whit's friend)

Another view

From Cedar Breaks we headed west, bid farewell to Whit and Steph, and went into the north end of Zion to Kolob Canyon

We hiked out to a view point

The grand finale was a tarantula that Tucker found on the trail going back; the first I've ever seen in the wild!

Thanks, kids, for a perfect weekend!

My View of Zion

I complained some time ago that my kids have all the fun -- we never had been to Utah's parks. So, when we were considering going to Virginia for the fall law meeting of ACTEC, Court suggested that we fly into SLC a day earlier than normal, and all spend the weekend in Zion National Park. We took her suggestion, as did Whit. (Sorry, Jim had to work.) We drove south Friday eve and spent Saturday in the park. I forgot my camera, so these were taken with my new toy (see previous post). It worked pretty well!

Here's the view going into the park.

We saw a few deer while waiting for the park bus.

The main event for the day was a hike up to Angel's Landing. Here's our clan getting ready.
The views are spectacular!
Looking back as we hiked up the switchbacks.
Part way up -- you can see where we've been.
Cliffs across the canyon.

The troopers continue ...
Here's the little clan most of the way up.
Here's the view from the main summit area looking out.
And looking down.
Court and Todd
Angel's Landing You have to take this narrow trail to get there -- too many couldn't/wouldn't go, so we stopped short. After we got back down, we went on up to the end of the canyon. Here the canyon narrows to nothing but the stream bed.
Another view on the return
Evening view from our motel

Excellent Piece on the Health Care Problem

A friend sent me the article "How American Health Care Killed My Father" from the Atlantic. It's a bit long, but it is outstanding -- the best thing I've read on how the current health care problems came into being and, consequently, what must be done to make significant improvements. I highly recommend it. His solutions can be debated, but he has definitely nailed the sources of the problems.

Moving into the 21st Century

My cell phone has been on the fritz for several months now -- shutting off spontaneously all the time. I hadn't had time to get down to AT&T in Kona until today. So I went in hoping they'd just fix my phone. Instead I came out with the above. Now I feel sooo au courant. I'm told it will change my life. At least, it works!