Utah

Yes, I have been negligent about writing again. George and I traveled to Utah last month to Canyonlands, Momument Valley and Arches National Parks. Camped for 5 nights. B&B'ed it for one. Hiked every day. Really enjoyed ourselves. This is a view from our tent in Momument Valley during sunrise. We hiked around the "mitten" --as this monument is called--the night before.

MIni tales

I've been so involved with my new life in SE Iowa, that I've completely forgotten about blogging. I have been on some mini weekend vacations though. Discovered Oakland Mills County Park and Geode State Park. Oakland Mills is right on the Skunk River, has hiking trails and a cool new swinging bridge. Plus camping, fishing from the dam or shore and a remodeled nature center.

Went kayaking last weekend at a small fishing lake (Gladstone Lake) in Illinois. Have visited the Villages of Van Buren County, watched a barge and tug go through Lock No. 18 on the Mississippi, discovered new restaurants and generally had fun. Here's a photo taken in my backyard.

Jack Frost

Just got back from a short walk. Very refreshing! 5 degrees with lots of snow drifts. Loved it. Of course, wore my Yak Traks which prevented me from slipping. This photo is from Jack Frost's visit last weekend.