The Timpanogas Killer

We got to start out our Utah vacation with an amazing backpacking trip up the backside of Mount Timpanogas! I literally thought I might die several times, but it was SO awesome!!! Just to give an idea of the pain we suffered (or should I say the feat we conquered!), the trail is 15 miles round-trip with a 4400’ elevation gain. And we were carrying 35+ lbs of overnight camping gear. What an adventure! Our tough clan included my twin sister Allison, her husband Adam, my studly twin brothers Zach and Isaac and Nate and I. The hike was breathtakingly beautiful with huge rocky cliffs, fields of wildflowers, waterfalls, glaciers and meadows. You can’t help but smile in amazement of the great outdoors (even when your legs are on fire)! We practically ran up the mountain to enjoy the beautiful sunset and set up camp before dark. (We camped in a beautiful valley next to Emerald Lake.) After our tents were up and we were all fed and in PJ’s, we squished in one tent and played a couple very humorous hours of Scum! It was so much fun to spend time with everyone just laughing and enjoying each others company. We were also joined by a heard of 9 mountain goats (7 adults and 2 babies) who literally camped out about 10 feet from us the whole night! Despite being sore and bruised the next day, it was one of the most fun hiking trips we’ve ever been on. I seriously was contemplating talking everyone in to going again the next weekend, but we all settled with the decision to make it a yearly tradition. Can’t wait for next year!

The Gang!

Our goat buddies! (Who weren't in the least bit afraid of us.)

Enjoying some early morning Hot Chocolate!

The moose I was happy to see from a distance. :)

At least I wasn't the only one whipped on the way home!