Vacation Time: Fun on the Lake

Our trip to Lake Powell was FULL of activity! I woke up sore every day from doing something physical the day before, was covered in bumps and bruises and even tried a few new things I never thought I'd do. Being in the water with great people definitely made this trip amazing.

 

Take a look at what we were up to!

 Trying not to sink in the knee deep mud while flexing their muscles //
Boy do I love this man // Showers in the lake // Playing with fire

 J slalom skiing // and me skiing on two 

 The Bud Bullet tube // Riding the wake before he smacks his face on the water //
I got owned tubing and yes that's me flying off the back // two great friends

 Four adult men on the alien tube // It spins like a top as you ride //
Which leads to horrible crashes and yes those are J's legs

The brilliant idea of skiing WITH the Bud Bullet // He was so proud of himeself

Destroying friendship-trees with rocks // Starfishing to scare the Shmountain Shlions // 

A couple's wander into the woods // Dressed up for Western Night

Impulse cliff jumping // Spending awesome time with some really amazing people

We all made so many good memories during the five days we spent on the lake. And while I can't say it was my all-time favorite vacation (I prefer real showers and not being attacked by bats) I really enjoyed every minute of this trip. We planned our trip to Lake Powell over 18 months ago and I can't believe it's already done! Until next time Powell!

Vacation Time: Cathedral in the Desert

One of the most amazing parts of Lake Powell are the canyons. There are endless places to explore and I was never disappointed with the gorgeous places we saw. The best though, by far, was Cathedral in the Desert. 

 Slipped the speed boat through an almost invisible crack in this huge wall of rock and it opened up into one of the most beautiful parts of the whole lake. 

Shallow pools. Waterfalls. Cold sand and warm waters. Sheer rock faces with history right in them. Unfortunately because the water level was down about 6-8 feet and we all couldn't spiderman up a rock face like one of our friends, we weren't able to do the hike that takes you back into the canyon even further. 

Still, the beauty of what we did see was more than enough. 

Vacation Time: Lake Powell Views

We're back from our week on Lake Powell and my camera was full of over 200+ photos from anything and everything I could capture. I had never been there before and didn't know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised with the whole trip. To start things off, let's take a peak at how absolutely gorgeous this place really is. These pictures seriously don't do it justice. 

Bullfrog Marina: Day 1

 Beached in Rincon

 Iceberg Canyon

Sunset on our last night at the lake

Vacation Time: Lake Powell

It's official that I don't want summer to be over yet. I've always been a summer girl, hence the reason I moved from CO to CA.I know everyone's talking about fall weather, pumpkin spice lattes, scarves and boots but I am NOT. READY.

So to keep summer going, J and I are headed for a vacation.

Picture these views, while endulging on some delicious drinks, and throwing in tubing, water skiing, hiking and ultimately relaxing. I seriously cannot wait!

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We'll be completely cut off from the world, ie no electricity, no cell service, no internet and I think it will be a much needed break for this busy lady! Plus, I get to spend some quality time with some of my future family. J's mom's side of the family is going too as well as two of our greatest friends who are in our wedding. I've never been to Lake Powell before but I hear awesome things and I can't wait to experience my first house boat trip on the lake.

A Mini-Vacation to SLO

Labor Day weekend was spent driving up the coast to visit my sister's college town in San Luis Obispo. Neither J nor I had ever been there and so we made the trek to see what it was all about. Oh and we also helped my mom and her move all her stuff into her first apartment. 

 Saucelito Canyon Vineards // Tolosa Winery

 Avala Beach

Overall it was a fantastic weekend. 

Went wine tasting with my momma & brought home a bottle of No Oak Chardonnay 

Ate way too many doughnuts (there were Nutella ones! How could I resist) 

Got our pup out exploring somewhere new

Moved a bunch of furniture and boxes

Finally got all my shower gifts that couldn't come on the plane with us

And most importantly, got to spend some time with my little family. 

The weekend was exactly what I needed.

Smells Delicious: Pesto

Pesto is one of those things that to experience it is to smell it. On your fingers after you make it. In the air of your kitchen as it combines with something warm for diner. As you eat it.

 And oh, the ease of growing basil. It's hardy, it's full, it's delicious. 

 It's symmetric, it's aromatic. It smells so heavenly I can't keep from rubbing it between my fingers. 

 And it must be good, someone's been eating it in my backyard. Not to mention the few leaves Ollie's gobbled.

Recipe modified from here and eaten up with yesterday's dinner. Complete with Italian breaded chicken and whole wheat pasta. 

I think we'll make this again soon.