Flaming Gorge Hiking

Sheep Creek is supposed to be a "geological loop." 5 miles in the road is closed, apparently they are "blasting out the mountain" and widening the road. So we parked the truck and went for a walk. The water is still high and the walk was just beautiful.

After searching the mountain sides the entire time, I finally spotted Big Horn Sheep. You're supposed to see them in Sheep Creek right? Those buggers are hard to spot!!! They were quite a ways up the mountain side, but I still got some pictures.

A baby big horn.

Our second hike of the week was the Bear Canyon Trail. The sign says 1 1/2 miles, it's actually 2 miles each way. Oreo had a blast!! We let her off leash. She would run way ahead, then run back to us, then run ahead and back again. Guess she went closer to 4-5 miles each way. The views at the end were great. Again, Steve took me hiking and we got caught in rain. At least this wasn't a "Hawaiian tropical downpour!"

Flaming "Gorgeous"!!!

Thank you Lori for the word-play idea!

There is a reason John Wesley Powell said, "We name it Flaming Gorge."

Here are some views with the reservoir nearly full.

Red Canyon Overlook

Canyon Rim Trail

One day, we went with my parents to explore the area and find camping areas. Dad took us to one of his favorite areas, Deep Creek. The drive was beautiful, and we got lots of firewood.

We then headed up Dowd Mountain. The area has great 4-wheeler trails, scenery, and wildlife. Once at the top, the views were incredible.

On the way back down, Mom says, "Go that way." Talk about 4-wheeling in the GMC!!! Dad even had to put it in 4-wheel drive for the rocky section. It started to rain, the rocks were very slippery. Fun, Fun, Fun day!

We were fortuntate to see lots of wildlife over the week. The deer were quite tame this time of year. One even posed for the camera.

Hard to see, but a bald eagle! I didn't have my "big" camera with me.

Okay, I know she's not "wildlife," but she's really cute! Well, maybe she is wildlife...when she gets the "rips" and runs around like a mad dog while off leash during our hikes.

Camping was so much fun. There were some gorgeous sunsets, and some rain. Who cares about getting a little wet when sitting by the campfire? Oreo didn't mind...she was dry and warm.

The rainbows were beautiful, saw one every day!

Happy 4th of July...small town style.

Dutch John, Utah is not a big town. The biggest claim to fame is housing workers building Flaming Gorge Dam and now a tourist hot spot for the outdoor enthusiast. During the 4th of July, they put on quite the party. A breakfast at the local ward house in the morning, car show at the lodge with petting zoo, food and drink, and fireworks at the local park at night. Years ago the fireworks were shot off the dam, but traffic was a problem.  My parents and Steve and I had fun snacking and watching the small town put on a show. Unfortunately, there were some real losers setting off fireworks behind us...one wayward firework nearly hit us. Some people just haven't grown up; or they don't understand safety.

Preparing, never seen so many cars in Dutch John before.

Zuehlsdorff Family Reunion June 2011

As many of us that could headed to the Rock. Since my grandparents are residents at Sage View and unable to travel, the reunion was in Rock Springs, Wyoming this year. Thanks to Traci for organizing everything and getting advice from others. Seeing the family was terrific!! Some I haven't seen for over a decade! (Am I really that old?)

My grandfather, John, was one of 10 children (in no particular order: Deilda, John, Aaron (Swede), Velma, Leith, Jewel, Noel, Arlen, Roger, and Dwight). It has taken me years to remember all their names and who are descendants of who. I'm still working on the generations after my father. Auntie Velma has been working on the family history, ancestry, and geneology. She was a tremendous help in identifing people in pictures I scanned from Grandpa Z's house. I can't thank her enough for spending the time to look through the pictures with me. And OH MY GOODNESS!!! The stories she told us about ancestors and family. I had the most fun listening to her talk. Sure wish we lived closer so I could see her more often! Just wait, Aunt Velma, you may be getting some visitors sooner than you think!

Upon arriving in Rock Springs, there was a little get together at Uncle Swede and Aunt Millie's. Steve and I arrived late as he had to work and we didn't get to town until late. Sure good to see so many people there. Saturday, the family spent the day at Garnet Park. Catered food, games and of course, PICTURES. My cousin Dotti is a photographer and took the group pictures. Grandma and Grandpa Z weren't able to make it to the park, so they are missing from the pictures. I got some pictures, but they are definately not as good at the professional ones done by Dotti. I took one of her daughter, sure wish it had turned out better, cuz it's CUTE!!!

The last morning, there was a continental breakfast at Sage View so Grandpa and Grandma could join the festivities. The family sure filled up the sunroom.

Grandma Z's Birthday was the same weekend.
Actually there were several within the few days before, during, and after the reunion.
 Great way to celebrate: with the WHOLE family!

Swede, Millie and their children: Byron and Dwayne

Sean, JP, and Chris

My family

Grandpa John and Uncle Arlen

Aunt Leith and Uncle Swede

Grandpa John and Auntie Velma

Grandpa John and his youngest brother, Uncle Dwight

My dad (Dee), Valley Jo (Aunt Jewel's daughter),
and Uncle Roger (grandpa's brother)

The picture is grainy, but it's really cute!

Lordy, Lordy! Look who's 40!

Last weekend we had a barbecue! Big barbecue. We had to celebrate big for Steve hitting the BIG 4-0! Yes, the brown bear is 40...doesn't act or look like it, but 'tis true.

Steve worked his tail off in the yard making it look great. He also smoked pork roasts and we stayed up WAY too late pulling pork. But it was worth it. The pulled pork was amazing. Exactly what he wanted for his birthday. I stayed up too late not only helping to cook, but making a collage of Steve pictures. Fortunately, Dawn had an easel to display my hard work.

Getting ready for the party. Oreo had to rest up and it's a good thing she did. She ran and ran and ran. She had the tough job of cleaning up after all the kids. She then slept for 2 days after...she didn't come out of her box!

Of course there were decorations...but I didn't put up the banner across the garage.

Lots of food: pork, rolls, veggies, fruit, chips...all the good stuff.

Yard games: Blongo Ball and Tether ball were out. Our house doesn't have too many kids toys....so I bought bubbles. They always go over well.

This busy mama got slimed with barbecue sauce from one of the kids...that's okay when they're this cute!!!  Duncan taught me (the nurse) how to clean a scraped up knee.

The collage of Steve.

Happy Birthday Steve! Here's to many more. Love you.

Gee, Another bag!

Mom's been requesting these for friends. Apparently, they make the best knitting bags. So I have made yet another. I wish the pictures showed off the sparkles better...they're the best part!

By the way, Alana loved her bag for her retirement. I have requests in for 15 and 20 years from now...when others are ready to retire. Congratulations Alana, enjoy the grandbabies and time!