Now I'm Zeus

Last week I went on my first significant hike since moving to SLC. I climbed Mt. Olympus. I can still hardly believe I live just five miles away from a trailhead that goes 5,000 feet straight up a mountain. This has got to be one of the better metropolitan area hikes around. I waffle back and forth between calling it a hike and a climb. When I read that it was just 3.5 miles each way I figured it was going to be a piece of cake, but it's nearly a 5,000 ft. jump in elevation to get to the top. Do the math: 5,000 ft./18,000 ft. = 28% average grade. Given some of the trail is almost flat that means some seriously steep hiking/climbing. The last half mile or so is a rock climb, especially when you can't find the trail and end up going up the north face of the moutain...oops. Somehow I did manage to make it to the top and I was greeted with a nearly perfect view. You can see the picture chronicles of my journey here.

For those of you not living in Utah, the hike kind of reminded me of the Mt. Wilson trail (see also mtwilson.edu) in Pasadena/Sierra Madre. Mt. Wilson is longer but this means the elevation gain is spread out more. The guel is still worth the wait...a nice city view from the top.

Five days after my hike the first snow came, but I'm hoping to sneak in another good hike before ski season begins.

Two years ago...

It's hard to believe! It was two years ago today that this little guy landed in my life. I could easily be like every other dad on the planet and go on and on about how he is the most special kid around, but I'll just tell you all why Jenson is so special to me.

1. He has a great head of hair. The few times he has had his hair cut it was dad who was kicking and screaming. I like it long.

2. He is a jokester. He lives for the next laugh. I can already see his mind trying to figure out the next way he can pull one over on me.

3. He is affectionate. Lots of little boys are not, but he'll cuddle with me whenever I need it, which is all the time.

4. He loves his big sister. I can't wait to see him protect her when they get older.

5. He's a momma's boy. He might be my little buddy, but he LOVES his mommy to death.

6. He does everything at full speed. There is not one lazy bone in this kid's body.

7. His smile keeps me going even when most everything tells me to quit. This I am eternally thankful for.

Happy Birthday Jenson! I love you!