Elisa's Daily ScoopWalkin' Down Memory LaneHey Folks! It's Throwback Thursday once again!  There has certainly been a lot of "throwback" in the air the past week on my end. I've been going through lots of old pictures with my sister Danielle, as we are organizing and trying to put them in order. We came across the cutest picture of Tanya and her sister Jet (previously Darlene), which I'm estimating to be from around 1978-79. I'm not exactly sure, but in any event, SHE WAS SUCH A CUTIE!!!!!  I also found some graduation pictures of me and Danielle, which my kids had a major laugh attack over, saying, "Mom, why did you guys wear those hair styles?" Mind you, they said it rather horrified. Unreal! Do your kids go off on you and how you looked when they see old pictures? It's rather unnerving if you ask me! In any case, sorry these pictures are in pretty mangy condition - but I think they suffice to tell the "throwback" story!  Elisa & Danielle - Circa 1986 I have some errands to run today, which I'm going to get myself going in a few. However, I did take a most enjoyable long walk this morning in the gorgeous, sunny, 60-something weather. By the way, are you guys all following our Facebook and Twitter pages? I know that Tanya has been posting some killer photos both here on the blog and on our social media pages. Don't miss any!! I do hope that you are reading her column of the blog during her Moab and Southwest National Park trip this week!! (Did I mention like a gazillion times how jealous I am!!!) Tomorrow I'm up at bat for Foodie Friday. I'm not quite sure what I will be sharing with you yet - it will be a surprise tomorrow!!! Catch Tanya's Story today about a throwback trip to Yosemite!!! She's really keeping within the theme of National Parks!!! I love it. Well, my dear friends, I have to shake my tail feathers and get moving here! See ya back here tomorrow!!! -E xoxo  | Tanya's Daily ScoopMore Adventures in Moab!Hey there everyone! How's it going? Is anyone out there hailing from or visiting Moab? Here's a shoutout to y'all! It's so funny how in the 5 days of being here that we've run into a few of the same people/groups either out in the wilderness or out and about in town! What a small close knit region! Where all of the locals seem to know each other & everybody and their mother is into the outdoors! Kudos to such athletic nature lovers! Speaking of being a nature lover, I'm taking you back to the year 1999 in my TBT (Throwback Thursday) story of the week! Which will be posted later today.  TBT - at Yosemite with Brigitte and Michael (circa 1999) Before going way back to 1999, let's take you back to yesterday and catch you up with my current SCOOP!  Ready to head out and "catch" sunrise! Up bright and early yesterday...well actually it was kinda dark and early. We headed into the park and straight towards the windows trailhead (about a 20 minute drive). Sunrise was at 6:15a, and we pulled up just moments after the sun began to peek. Aiming for early morning shots and to capture the magic moments after sunrise we waited toasty warm in the truck until the light would pass over Double Arch and hit the North and South Windows. Then taking the short hike out to the North Window to take a looksie toward Turret Arch and capture all of the striking beauty as the new days sunlight had warmly glowed upon it. Well at least that's what I and several other photographers were going for... But alas the lighting had failed us and aside from the magnitude of its beauty (not to mention the fun I have climbing on the rocks).  Not at all the lightening that I wanted! But as for my snobbish picture taking ways - it was rather lousy and I was not a thrilled camper...so to speak. Breakfast was next and I was looking forward to ordering the Veerito from Love Muffin Cafe, as in its description it had reminded me of those DEEELISH breakfast burritos from the Albuquerque balloon fiesta! And although this one was a tasty burrito, I still haven't found a burrito that could meet or match the standout one from New Mexico! After breakfast we headed straight for Chile Pepper Bike Shop to meet our shuttle.  Luckily this is a mostly downhill ride - because after all of the impact my knees took yesterday, my right knee is feeling a bit thrashed! (Review the ouchie end to a ski trip HERE) Sadly on the drive out we saw 2 Tipped over cows in the open range. Not quite sure what happened to them- but overheard someone saying that one got hit by lightning. Our first stop on this Gemini Bridges ride was to go see the Gemini Bridges - go figure!   Gemini Bridges  After a few more scenic stops (the entire ride was scenic), some fun rock climbing, and plenty of picture taking...    The downhill part was over and we huffed and puffed pedaling uphill and then once we reached the top we got poured on! There was even hail!   It's Raining, It's Hailing... I was soaked and now specked in mud! Yup, I was a muddy mess. I stuffed my jacket under my shirt in attempts to protect it to some degree. After the 12th mile on the Gemini Bridges Trail we were finished climbing, time for our reward! Lightening stuck in the distance and the thunder clapped angrily as if applauding us for a job well done. There was still 10+ miles to go...and now it was going to be against the wind! Well, at least it wasn't windy and raining on us... But no sooner had the thought crossed my mind did we start descending and the rain start up again - it was a light rain this time around. Even with the wind, we were breaking the 20mph speed limit, and it was the wind that held us back from going too fast! At 23 miles we crossed over the Colorado River and rolled back into town, stopping along the way to grab some fun pics of course.  After we loaded the bikes back into the truck, it was time for some retail shopping therapy! The skies had still been a dark gray, but then all of a sudden we could see blue! And that meant one thing for us - heading back to Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset pictures!!!  Lasal Mountains During our drive we were able to finally see the Lasal Mountains that have been socked in since our arrival. They had beautiful white caps and must've got a fresh new dumping with all of the storms rolling through! So you've probably heard of storm chasers...? Well I'm a sun chaser! I chase the light. For Sunrise, for Sunset, and for those amazingly warm lit moments that we like to call magic hour.   Dead Horse Point after sunset And on today's agenda we have to make up our postponed bike ride, we're going to see more dinosaur tracks, and then we're leaving Moab and going to visit Capital Reef National Park on our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Catch ya back here tomorrow from a new city! -T  |
