Spelunking the Bloomington Caves

Brandon had a little adventure planned for us Saturday afternoon. First of all, he didn't ask me if I wanted to go - he told me I was going. Normally I don't tolerate that kind of abuse, but I was actually quite excited. I believe caving is one of those things you have to do before you die. Plus, I figured I'd get to wear a headlamp - yay! Brandon bumped into an old friend from his frat days at a college event and he invited Brandon to go along.

There are two entrances to the caves and we tried both of them out after the first one took us on an almost vertical descent. The BLM claims you don't need ropes and harnesses but I beg to differ. We decided to turn around after about an hour. Our second entrance included a bat, some rats, and required a very long crab walk and belly shimmy. The inside was cool and damp about 75 degrees compared to the 105 temp outside. I thought I'd have trouble being in such tight quarters but I was surprisingly comfortable. Another bonus - we were there mid day on a saturday and we didn't see another soul.

The Bloomington Caves span a distance of 1.3 miles and drop 240 feet and a permit is required. The caves are not for small children. I'm sure we'll be going again so let us know if you want to come along.

Ride'n

I'm heading out for another little ride tomorrow with the gals. Every Saturday lately, a bunch of friends and I go for an early morning ride on our bikes. Last week was a ride to the college to run a 5K, then ride back. It was a doozy, but well worth it. We've also taken the Bloomington loop, and a ride to Washington Fields. Tomorrow is a ride to Ivins. This will mark the furthest I've been on my bike... I think. And, I think, I'm starting to really like this biking thing. My bike is now equipped with a speedometer/tripometer/odometer (10 bucks at Walmart) which for some strange reason is fascinating to me. Hopefully- I'll soon learn how to steer away from pot holes while working the computer. It's been quite exhilarating getting ready for this Triathlon. My workout schedule has been crazy and I have to hand it to my cute hubby for giving me SO MUCH of his valuable time. He's my rock and I love him! Other family members like Sarah, Craig and Peggy have also put in some good babysitting hours with my girls. Thanks to them! What I'm hoping for is to do a beginner race this fall, and then compete in the sprint distance in the spring.

We'll see....

D-E-L M-A-R

Our girls belong on the beach!

In fact Brandon and I do too. Too bad we live so far from that fabulous ocean air. We stayed Del Mar which is just north of San Diego. We absolutely fell in love with this hip and friendly beach town. We couldn't get enough in the 5 days we were there so it's in the works to go again next year. Hopefully, there will be no emergency surgeries that get in the way - Chad and Karen. We missed you!

Halle was OBSESSED with the sand crabs, shells and seaweed. After stepping on a bee and being stung, Taya loved the feel of the sand between her fingers and toes ~surprising.




That's my hunky man after his boogie boarding stunts.



A HUGE highlight for me was meeting up with my girlfriend from the old days. Ashley Johnson (now Dunaway) and I were best buds when we were growing up in Salt Lake. Now, Ashley lives in a beach house in Del Mar just a block from the beach...SPOILED!!! Ashley was our own personal travel agent - giving us beach gear, tips on where to go and eat - yum, and even offered to watch the girls so Brandon and I could have an evening to ourselves. YAY! Thanks Ash!





Ashley suggested we go to Quail Botanical Gardens with the girls. SO FUN! I wouldn't have missed it. It was BeAuTiFuL and there was even an area just for kids to play and learn about plants.

One day we biked around Coronado Island. We strapped the girls into the trailer and took off. We had no idea where we were going - could have been better prepared - but it turned out great. Unfortunately I forgot the camera that day. Too busy I guess....

The last day was spent at Sea World. I can't believe how well the girls did running from place to place. It was tiring but well worth it.

Goodbye HOT Desert!

Tomorrow we leave for the beach
Our destination...beautiful Del Mar, California
See you in a week

H-A-V-A-S-U-P-A-I

Besides a couple blisters on his feet and a huge bruise on his thigh, Brandon and the boys returned safe and sound from a great trip to Havasupai.


Along the trail, random horses wandered and welcomed hikers.

One of the steepest descents to a waterfall.

This hike is definitely on my to do list. We'll leave the H and T at home for this one.