Vacation August 2010--Ryan Starts BYU

Robyn and I returned from a one-week trip to Utah. We dropped Ryan off at BYU, spent time visiting with family and friends along the way. Some photos of our vacation.

As we were leaving, Joel Carter stopped by to wish Ryan good luck at school.

Jeff and Robyn along the trail in Park City, hiking with Jan and Sophie.

Ryan checking in to his new dorm room at Heritage Halls, BYU.

Ryan gives Mom a goodbye hug.

Some of Ryan's dorm-dwellers.
McKay, Josh, Ryan, Ben.

Thanks to Joyce, as always, for her wonderful hospitality. I call her home "Cape Canaveral--Bountiful" because we have launched each of our boys there.

Robyn and Jeff, leaving for California, by the scenic route, through Manti.

Small world, big coincidence.
Jeff and Robyn bump into Heather and Scott outside the Manti Inn!
What fun to see them.

Visiting some of the local sites in Manti after Scott and Heater left.
I am looking sad because I just received a phone call that a judge had ruled against my client.
I hate when that happens. It rained in Manti, marking a gloomy turn to the day.

Robyn and I stopped in the Venice/Glenwood area. Robyn's great grandparents were from Venice. It is very windswept and can appear somewhat bleak, although the irrigated fields were quite green.

A historic landmark by Glenwood/Venice.

Robyn likes to visit this old co-op store originally built in 1878 in "downtown" Glenwood, as part of the Glenwood United Order and later part of ZCMI. Robyn would like to see it refurbished, but it is currently a run-down shell. It will probably fall down before anything is done.

Four Generations On Top of "Saddleback" (Santiago Peak) July 31, 2010

Here are the details:
Appx. 16 miles, from parking lot to Saddleback Peak and back.
One group hiked to the top; the other met us by 4 wheel drive at the top for lunch.
The generations:
1. Steve & Marion Robinson
2. Greg & Jeff Robinson
3. Austin & Rachel Robinson, Christian Robinson, Nathan Robinson, Ryan Robinson
4. Dylan Robinson
The hikers started about 7:45 am; on the peak by 12:30 pm; left the peak by 2:15 and back at car by 5:45 pm. The last mile was the longest and sloooowest, due to my blisters and fatigue.
The truckers left about 10:30, tried one dirt road (gate locked); found another at the end of Silverado Canyon; arrived about 1:00 pm.

Greg took this photo at the 730 am in the departure parking lot.
Make it look like you've already been to the top!

At the trial head sign: up the Lower Holy Jim Trail

"Terry the Tarantula," on of the animal friends we saw along the way.
Nathan's hand shows scale. Rachael wanted to take Terry home as a pet, since she loves spiders so much---NOT!

Hamming it up at Bear Springs, just over halfway up the mountain.
This is where the trail switches to Upper Holy Jim.

On top at last! Greg celebrates while Austin checks the map (or peels an orange).
The day was hot, but not blazing there b/c we had a high thin cloud cover at least initially

Tired and sweaty self-photo, on top, resting on the concrete under one of the numerous antenna towers.

Exploring the scenery and view. At various points from the peak, you could see areas near San Diego (Mt Palomar); Palm Springs (San Gorgonio/San Jacinto) , downtown LA, Catalina.

In the shade of an antenna tower: enjoying the nice lunch and extra water that arrived via 4 wheel drive!
Robyn, Jeff, Steve, Austin, Rachel, Nathan, Ryan, Dylan, Christian, Greg (and photo by Marion)

Dylan found a "big gun."

Ryan and Rachel using the spotter tubes to view the neighboring mountains.
Thank you Eagle Scout for this project!

Robyn exploring the summit, with the antenna towers in the background.
Best advice from the guidebooks: When you first see the antenna towers from the trail, don't get excited--you still have many miles/hours to go before you get there!

It was a challenging and wonderful trip. Thanks to all who participated.