The not so secret Cecret Lake

Our goal to hike more often this summer hasn't panned out as successfully as we'd like, but this past Saturday we did get up in the mountains and enjoy some magnificent views!

I really just need to purchase the book, Best Day Hikes in Salt Lake so I can quit putting it on hold and waiting for my turn at the library. I knew this hike was listed among the many in this book and wanted to try it out with the boys. Alex is still too little, so he gets to be packed around by some lucky party, namely his dad most times. The two other boys are really enjoying our hikes, now that they have their own hydration packs. Thanks, Costco!!



Cecret Lake is located in the Albion Basin up Little Cottonwood Canyon just beyond Alta. We were lucky to get a parking space at the campground and didn't have to take the shuttle. There were tons of people there hiking as well as many others there for the Wildflower Festival.



The hike was about 3/4 to 1 mile each way, depending on what map you use; just right for little people. It was a rather steep hike at the end, and I was feeling sorry for Mark having to pack Alex on his back.



The boys loved seeing snow, climbing rocks, and I loved the beautiful flowers. The lake really was pretty.



When Mark asked Aaron what he would have changed about the hike, he simply said he wanted to go longer. Crazy kid! He carried home a HUGE rock in his backpack. It was super heavy too! After we got home, I caught him putting his small boulder in the microwave and setting the timer for 100 minutes. When I asked him what he was cooking for so long he told me he wanted to see his rock melt. Okay, where does he come up with these ideas? Really!? I'm not sure our microwave could take melting a rock. It dies after popping microwave popcorn. Mark hates the poor thing!

Alex did some rock climbing of his own while he and I waited for the big boys to explore the lake and venture off the beaten path.





All in all, Cecret Lake was a great hike for us! Mark it off our list, Mark thinks we're going to do all the hikes in the book! We'll have to see about that!

I hope she'll come home with me...

The new van is still at the lot. She couldn't come home with me on Friday. I get to pick her up tomorrow and take her to our mechanic to have her checked out. If it all pans out...I'm bringing her home for good. I hate to even say anything just in case something does go wrong. I don't want to even think about that.

2005 Sienna - I'm not sure if she'll get the title of van car or not?!

Mark leaves for Wisconsin on Monday morning, so needless to say, I get to buy her all by myself. What a big, grown-up girl I've become!

Where are you?

The summer is nearly half over, and where have I been? Not at home. I will most definitely have to post the events of our summer thus far. For the last week that I have been at home, all my extra time has been spent on the computer, but not blogging. I've been searching for a new car.

Yes, it's true! The van-car is no more. After a very dumb accident, one that I'd rather not talk about, she has gone home to Honda heaven.












This is what she looked like.....

Everyone is fine, except for my arm which is still giving me trouble. If it weren't my left arm I may seriously take the doctor's suggestion of having it amputated. Thanks, airbag! The thought of replacing the van-car has been a bit overwhelming and one I'd rather not repeat anytime soon.

All that said, I just spoke to Mark and he said, "I need you to pick me up at 5:00 p.m. Bring your checkbook."

Yeah! The search must be over! But I'm starting to get worried that we're saying goodbye to the balance of our savings account! Bye, bye money for a new road! Bye, bye money for a new house!!

And in my own girly-girly way all I am wondering about is -- is it going to be the red one or the gray one?
Pictures coming soon of the new addition to the Gull Family!!