Why I Love Small Towns...

... reason #36: Demolition Derbies!

Kamas has a pretty popular derby every year. The tickets are always sold out, usually by the time you get the flyer in the mail a month before. But, it pays to know people... like our Primary secretary (former rodeo queen). She bought extras just in case, and offered some to us the morning of. Around here, if you say you've never been to the derby, they look at you like you're from outer space! We just had to go see what all the fuss was about.

What an experience!!! The cars and the noise and the crowd and dirt was just overwhelming! It was so much fun! We got so engrossed that when driving home, Bevan almost rammed our gate instead opening it first. It's a good thing they only do this once a year. We'll be back, except next time, we'll bring ear plugs.

Real Women Gut Fish!

Last weekend, Bevan and I backpacked up in the "high" Unitas (I really don't know the difference between the Unitas and the high Unitas, but that's just what Bevan calls it, I guess it sounds cooler). This has been the first summer in several years where there's been significant rainfall beforehand. All I can say is... holy mosquitoes! We went diving for the bug repellent within a minute of arriving at the trailhead! I guess I did a good job coating myself because the only place they got me was a few times on my scalp and once on my pinkie finger. Huh.
We decided to try our bushwhacking skills and went to find Hidden Lake. We found it... along with many other people. I guess that when the backcountry is only accessible for 3 months out of the year and there's only so many lakes with fish in them, you have to get friendly. We camped that night next to the lake.
Bevan was up at the crack of dawn with his flies. He came back an hour later for the worms. When the going gets tough... you know. There's a fine line with fishermen between making something a sport and just being able to catch something. I'm still trying to figure it out.
We hit up a few more lakes before hiking back to the car. Bevan felt that I was ready to learn how to gut a fish. The gutting part wasn't bad, it was killing it first! Bevan likes to whack their heads against rocks, but I prefer the more humane way... of leaving it on the shore until it just dies!
It was a fun trip and it makes me appreciate more and more the fact that we live so close to all these beautiful areas. I really love the mountains and all the majestic creatures that make it their home. Fish tacos anyone?

So Pretty!

Bugs! In the wilderness?!

Bevan in his element.

Nice One!

Does this need explanation?

Good Times on the 4th!

For some reason, I didn't expect to have the 3rd of July off of work. I mean, it's not the official holiday and my boss doesn't seem to recognize the 24th of July (few people in Park City do) so I thought there was no way he'd let me go. I was wrong! 3-day weekends are the best. I was able to do all the house work I was planning on, one day early. That meant we had the real holiday to do whatever. We went down to American Fork and hung out with our nephews who are in town from Phoenix. We went to "slide rock", a natural water slide up Alpine Canyon, for a couple hours, went back to the house for a barbeque, played croquet, and ended with some cool fireworks in Pleasant Grove. What a day!


Bevan and the "T's" :Tanner, Ty, Trey, and Tate

Tanner on Slide Rock

Bevan made sure to make a big splash... that got the camera wet.