"Honestly, Who HIKES Slickrock!!!"

Moab 2009

Avery's first hike to Delicate Arch!

Last week we planned a last minute trip down to Moab with Jake's family. It was so nice to be out in the sun and to actually do something other than look at my four walls of my house. Don't get me wrong, I love my house, but I am so ready for summer and to be able to go outside. Moab was PERFECT. It was only about 60 degrees but it was so nice. We left Friday afternoon and kind of just got situated. Our plan for Saturday was to go down and bike, yes bike Slickrock. Okay, for those of you who have never been down there, you bike this trail of about 12 miles up and down rocks and these are not just little rocks, they are huge mountains!!!! Well, let me tell you, I have not been on a bike since the last time we went down there which was probaby 5 or 6 years ago. What do you think the best way to break in the biking experience, Slickrock?? There is a sign that says "recommended advanced riders". Like I am advanced!!! I haven't riden a bike, let alone up and down mountains!!!....and for 12 miles!! Yes, I am in okay of shape but I was no where near ready for that excursion. Josh (Jake's brother) was laughing at me becuase I was struggling! I biked the first four miles and then my butt and legs hurt so bad that I hiked the rest of it! Josh kept telling me that it was easier on the bike! I didn't care, my legs couldn't peddle! They were mush!! I didn't think I was going to make it, but I did and was so glad to see the truck!

I had to have proof that I finished!! notice my shoes are already off!!! Ü good times!

Jake and Josh thought it was so funny that I "hiked" with my bike out of Slickrock that they made a onsie for Avery that says "my mom hiked Slickrock"!! How embarrassing!!! It made for a good laugh! They also told me that they were impressed that I was in a class of my own, most likely the ONLY one to "hike" out!!! Nice! I knew I wanted to leave a lasting impression! It was fun though. It took us quite a while to get out. They asked me if I would do it again, sure, but I need to get ready for it. Maybe ride a bike around the block a few times to get used to it!! It was pretty funny. I was glad I made it out alive!On Sunday, we hiked up to see Delicate Arch. After Slickrock that hike seemed like it was nothing! It was so fun to take Avery. We bought her a backpack that she can ride in and she thought that that was the coolest thing ever! She was in heaven. She could see all over and was grinning from ear to ear. It was so fun to do something with my cute little family. I love being in the outdoors, "hiking" or not! It is so fun just to be doing something. It definitely made me excited for the summer to get here.

Avery did pretty well during the car ride. On the way down she got antsy and wanted to get out, so I gave her a licorice!! She loved it!!! It was so funny! She was in heaven! Maybe that is why my baby doesn't sleep! I give her sugar!!!