A View From The Third Coast: A New Year and a Long Look Back

Sitting here on February 3rd, 2010 it is astounding to think of all that has transpired since our last blog post in October of 2009. The entire Holiday Season has been neglected, and the newest year has come to be. We hope that whoever is reading this is enjoying a happy and healthful 2010 thus far.We have had a busy, but fantastic 3+ months since then, enjoying life with our new dog, and trying to make the most of the short days and cold nights brought on by Old Man Winter.

Winter has even brought some beautiful snow to the high northern deserts of Arizona, and the Navajo Nation. Since then, the snow has melted into the dry, dusty earth to create a sludge-like layer of mud that clings to anything and everything it can. Instead of "Snow Days" students and teachers can count on the inevitable "Mud Days" which make the thousands of miles of unpaved roads nearly impassable. It is, in fact, one of these days which has given me the time to update our blog.

We have also been somewhat consumed with the planning of our wedding in April 2010! After much debate and discussion we decided that our wedding would take place at South Mountain Park in Phoenix, AZ. Invitations have been sent, and RSVPs are being returned as we speak.

We are really looking forward to spending time with some of our closest family and friends!

What follows is a smattering of photos from the past few months organized by event.

Pine, Arizona

Jillian, Clover, and I woke up early one frosty fall morning to enjoy the wilderness of the massive Tonto National Forest near Pine, AZ. A cup of coffee, some fresh air, and a crisp sunny morning gave us our momentum at the start of

Clover loved every minute of the hike; the soft pine needle covered trails, the crisp air, the leaves, the smells, etc. etc. etc.

We enjoyed the gradual climb up to, and through, a coniferous forest with views of the mountains behind us. It was amazing to see a diversity of cacti, shrubs, and trees, yet another environment that Arizona has to offer.

Halloween 2009

Each and every year our friends Mike and Andra throw a serious Halloween Bash. The spirit of this holiday is strong among many community members here in Chinle, and as a result, this party is something that everyone looks forward to in order to unwind, enjoy beaucoup laughs, and boogie on the dance floor.

Gracious Hosts Andra and Mike appearing as Hardcore Harley and Mclovin'

With some last-minute brainstorming and pumpkin carving, Ryan and Dave emerged as Smashing Pumpkins.

Ryan as a Smashing Pumpkin in Disbelief

Our good friends Julie, Dave, Ryan and Patricia pose for a photo appearing from left to right as; Barack-oli, The Smashing Pumpkins, and a cleverly devised Blue Bird flour sack.

Little White House Ruins

Off of the "beaten-path" is a small uninhabited canyon, which houses some examples of ancient ruins of the cliff-dwelling people known as the Ancestral Puebloans. We gathered at the base of the canyon on a cold, gray, and windy day; Dave, Julie, John, Jillian and I, as well as a our small pack of dogs; Sacco, Allie, and Clover.

The trails follow an old jeep road, and as we ventured further into the canyon we realized that we were protected from the day's torrid winds and scattered showers. It was an incredible hike with incredible company, and it was great to get outside and take a peek at a relic left over from an ancient way of life.

a beautiful canyon

the old jeep road

Before we knew it, up to our left, and nestled into a wrinkle in the rock were the ruins. Crumbled ruins could be seen on the canyon floor, but the remains of a dwelling still exist in the cave 20-30 feet of the ground.

Little White House

The colorful view back down the canyon

Around the corner we found a seep in the canyon wall, and more ruins tucked into the rocks above.

An upstairs level is within sight, but not easy to get to

Posing for the Perched camera

Gallup, New Mexico

We enjoyed a short day-trip to nearby Gallup, NM on a Saturday in November. Gallup is where we can go for a variety of grocery needs, including the nearest location where we can buy that blessed nectar of the gods...beer. On this particular trip we were excited to explore the High Desert Trail System which has been developed around the community of Gallup. After finding a trailhead and examining the map we chose a short loop to hike.

The trail winds around the base of strange rock formations, with some routes that lead to the top.

Rock cairns dot the landscape along this trail

It was a brisk November day, but the sun was shining and we enjoyed spending time in the fresh air

Sepia Cairn

A cat overlooks you as you hike below the highest ridge, from a distance you aren't exactly sure what to think.

Mushroom Valley

One of the nearby remote areas which is accessible to those with 4WD is fondly referred to as Mushroom Valley. In this aptly named valley can be found fields of strangely shaped rock formations that appear out of the ground in oddly shaped patterns. On two different occasions we ventured into this area, to play an improvised round of frisbee golf, and a couple of weeks later to enjoy some fresh air and the solitude that envelopes this hidden area.

a horse caravan we passed en route to Mushroom Valley, with slickrock in the background

happy cow

a few examples of this oddly-shaped sandstone paradise

Thanksgiving Weekend: Salt Lake City, Utah

We had planned this weekend for months, and for good reason. We were going to make this a true Holiday, we being a band of friends who had first congregated at Alma College some 6 years before, and join together for some great times in the Great State of Utah. For four joyous days we reveled in each other's company, enjoyed good food and beverage, and laughed out loud for real. Here are a few memorable snapshots from said weekend...