Lake Powell

As I write this blog post I am currently sitting on my bed exhausted, sunburnt, and sore. Any ideas on what I could have possibly been up to? If the thought 'boating' popped into your head, you are quite right! 

Two days at Lake Powell can really take a toll on someone's body. It definitely has mine. However, I am glad to say that from my two day excursion to Lake Powell I can now successfully check off Wake boarding ["check"] and Wake surfing ["check"] on my list of accomplishments. 

It was incredibly tiring and somewhat discouraging, but eventually I had it figured out-something I thought I was incapable of and therefore not worthy of my time, or effort. What a sad excuse don't you think? And yet, to this day I am still so pleased with myself for accomplishing it.

I think it is disappointing the things we put off or ignore all together because we are afraid of failure or essentially, lack self-confidence. Don't worry though, I understand if you back down. This coming from a girl who is far from perfection and knows what it feels like to fail. On the flip side though, I also know the feeling of success and sometimes it's worth it to be daring in order to discover for yourself what you are capable of. Anyways, no need for further explanation. Back to original subject.

Once evening hit, a group of friends gathered around to watch the stars. The stars were beautiful at Lake Powell! I attribute this to two reasons:  A) You could actually see them  and  B) You could actually see them.      Get the point?

That's the beauty of adventures into the great outdoors, and away from the city-numerous stars you didn't even know existed pop out of no where! (If I didn't know better I'd say stars are shy of city lights) 

I camped out on the beach that night and watched the stars as I drifted into a dreamy sleep. Thank goodness I wasn't attacked by Coyotes, Kangaroo Mice, or Spiders. All legitimate creatures inhabiting the beaches of Lake Powell. 

The next morning we set out on the water again, and put in a good half days work of play before I had to abandon the fun at Lake Powell. Don't worry though I was going on to something bigger and better. Something that will for sure get a future blog post dedicated to it. ;)

All in all, I was very glad for the opportunity to go on this trip with my Singles Ward friends. To me it was the last hoorah before we left on our separate paths. Which, for most is college. I, however, do not get to join them because I have a very important mission to embark upon before I settle down in that happy little world we call college life. Though I would argue that not a lot of people would agree with me in calling college a, "Happy little world." I imagine it is actually quite stressful at times. Haha I guess I won't know 'til I go, and I won't go until I have finished my mission in two years from now.
No worries, I am way too excited about my life to be truly disappointed.

Moab, Utah-The Place I Call Home

One of the few Saturdays I've had free this whole summer so what did I do? Woke up at 4 in the morning with Neal, Dallin, and two friends to embark on an epic hike up to Delicate Arch to watch the sunrise. Best decision ever! And totally worth leaving my comfortable bed to do so.

(Short disclaimer: I was not the talented photographer who snapped this amazing pic. However, I do have a few of my own below)

Get this, even though we left at 4:30 and arrived around 5:00am we still weren't the first ones there. Plus a small group was not even five minutes behind us. By the time we left, people were everywhere! The parking lot that had been empty was now overflowing with cars. Moral of the story: if you want to hike Delicate Arch, 4:30 is the time to do it! Haha but really...

If there is one thing I love, it is the outdoors. Anytime all the time. I have to say though, being at Delicate Arch early in the morning watching the sun slowly caressing over the horizon was a new kind of thrill. I think Moab is beautiful and I feel so blessed to live here! As someone once said, "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." The beauty of nature and God's creations never cease to amaze me.