Scenic Drive Fall Colors, Great Basin National Park

I spent ten days away (post coming soon!) and when I got back, I saw the colors were really changing high up on the mountain. Jenny and I decided to head up to take advantage of the fall colors. I decided just to use a 100mm lens to challenge my photography skills and look for some different angles on the fall colors.

I especially love the red leaves, which contrast with everything.

But I have to admit, the yellow leaves looked a little like candles.

The sunlight made some of the leaves glow, especially when they were backlit. I never realized that there was a white fringe around the edge of an aspen leaf.

Jenny and I weren't the only photographers, Desert Girl joined us too.

She was also happy to pose for photos.

And hang out with her friends.

Meanwhile, Desert Boy climbed a tree and blended in well.

The patterns of shadows and leaves was mesmerizing. I am hoping I can find some time to just sit and absorb it all.

There wasn't time for sitting on this trip, the kids were climbing on all sorts of things, including this tree stump.

And then running through the meadow.

And playing a little hide'n seek.

As we headed back to our vehicles, this tree caught my eye. It really seemed to be glowing. Sometimes I think of the colorful aspens as little candles on the mountain, lighting it up.

The kids may have not yet quite mastered walking in a straight line--facing the same direction!

Our next stop was the amphitheater. I don't think the park held any programs there this summer, so the kids filled in with their own. They thought it was great fun to talk and do a little program.

Whoever was wearing the hat was the park ranger.

Meanwhile the audience was on the benches.

Next Jenny suggested we hike up to the Scenic Drive to find some more red aspens. Willow got a ride and was happy about it.

The kids and I hung out in the colorful leaves while Jenny snapped our photo.

The colors really took my breath away. We have a big storm coming tonight with high winds, so it will be interesting how many leaves stay on the trees. Snow on the mountain will highlight those leaves that remain and make it even more dramatic!

On the way down the Scenic Drive, even in the shade the colors were amazing.

What does fall look like for you?

A Memorable Trip to Ibex, Millard County, Utah

 We wanted to do a family camping trip, so we headed to the Ibex cliffs and hard pan about 50 miles west of Delta, Utah. This is a well-known climbing area, and Desert Girl couldn't resist climbing up one of the boulders. There were some neat arches on the underside.

Then she told me to climb up so she could take my photo.

We found a fun camping spot near one of the big boulders. We hung out a bit in the shade.

Desert Boy was eager to use his new stove. We also had the tire-rim fire pit my husband made.

Then it was time to go for a hike. We drove south across the playa and to some neat looking cliffs. The kids weren't too excited to go hiking, but we made them go anyway. Desert Girl was not shy about letting her feelings known.

The hike involved some scrambling, which made it extra fun.

Desert Girl was happy she did the little hike.

A bit farther south was Ibex well, where we found an old trough.

There's a big water tank next to the well. It's definitely a landmark.

The pump looked really big, so that well must be deep.

The wind was coming from the south, which meant we would have a nice tailwind riding back to camp. The playa was so flat I could ride with no hands, something that impressed the kids.

And why not take a selfie while bike riding?

We found a little motocross track and made a few laps.

Desert Girl started doing some tricks.

After dinner we went out for a walk on the playa, where we found someone had left a lot of trash.

As we continued walking, we found some fun short cliffs to scramble up and some beautiful light.

The kids were in a good mood and ready to pose.

 We kept going up the cliffs for awhile just because it was fun.

Hurray, some smiles!

The kids are getting more into taking photos.

When we got back, we made a fire, but it was windy and embers were flying everywhere, so we didn't keep it going for long.

We entertained ourselves with some light painting. The kids tried to write their names. The first attempts looked kind of like a heartbeat.

The star and heart turned out well.

Then I cloned myself.

And look at how many kids!

We set up our tent in the shelter of the big boulder. But then the wind turned and blew so hard that it broke the tent and we got very little sleep.

It was still a fun trip, and I look forward to going back. But I think I'll check the wind forecast!

Labor Day Kids Rodeo at Leamardo Days, Leamington, Utah

 On Labor Day, we went to Leamington, Utah for their Leamardo Days celebration. We bought tickets for the BBQ dinner, rodeo, and raffle. We also signed up the kids to participate: Desert Girl in mutton busting and Desert Boy in calf riding.

Mutton busting (little kids riding a sheep) was up first, and one of Desert Girl's classmates also participated. He rode the sheep backwards to get a better grip, and he sure did hold on tight.

What a face! He was bound and determined to stay on.

Eventually, though, he started sliding off, but he stayed on a good while, good enough to earn $20!

He had a little jaunt walking back. He had done it!

Desert Girl was very nervous about doing this, but she wanted to give it a try. She wore her cowboy boots and cowgirl shirt and some decorated leggings (she's going through a not-liking jean phase).

That sheep moved fast, and soon she was only holding on around the sheep's neck. (That darn railing was in my way for the photos!)

And then her arms weren't even around the sheep.

She was on the ground and getting up.

She was not at all happy about the falling part of the ride. But she did better than some of the participants, who didn't really even make it out the gate. She was awarded a package of Skittles, and that helped make her feel better.

Next up was the calf money run, where a calf has tickets on it and the kids try to pull them off to earn a buck. Kids were running all over the arena, including Desert Boy.

Next up was calf riding. Desert Boy was very nervous about this.

He loaded up in the chute.

And then he was off!

I mean literally off! He had a rowdy calf.

Ouch!

He didn't like the falling part either.

He said his calf riding days are over.

Soon after was the greased pig competition. Whoever tackled the pig got to take it home. Desert Girl was motivated. She wanted a pet pig.

The kids ran around and around in circles.

This kid dove for the pig but didn't quite get it, but eventually someone did.

There were other events like barrel racing, saddle bronc, and hide racing, but I didn't get photos of those because the kids really wanted to have snow cones and we were kind of worn out from the camping adventure the night before (more on that later). After it was all said and done, Desert Girl was really glad she had done the mutton busting, and wants to do it again. She's near the weight and age limit, though, so I'm not sure she will. Desert Boy is upset he can't do mutton busting, as that seems to him a lot less painful than calf riding. I'm glad the kids got the chance to participate, and I'm quite all right if they don't decide to take up rodeoing for a hobby or career, it's not an easy sport and the chances of injury are pretty high! It was great having an event where they could give it a try.