Lake Powell

Vernal is pretty great.  Everything is still going pretty well.  I'm trying to do as many fun things as I can before I really have to start getting ready for the school year.  Last week I went with the ward down to Lake Powell for most of the week to hang out and go boating for a few days.  It was so great!  I met so many new people and we all had such a great time.  I got to practice my knee boarding skills, still can't do a spin but it's getting closer lol.  I also got to try wake boarding...I"ll definitely have to keep practicing that for a while but I at least stood up twice on the board so I'm slowly making progress.  We spent 3 days at the lake, 2 of them just playing on the boats and chillin'.  The last day we drove about 50 miles up the lake from Wahweap Marina to go to Hole in the Rock and see Rainbow Bridge.  That day was by far my favorite!  There were 102 people total from the ward and 8 boats so it was just great!  We had some boat problems on the way up there but we finally made it.

Here is just part of our boat caravan.  It was so cool to see a huge group traveling together and they were all our ward. 

Here are just a few once we got to Hole in the Rock.  It was such an amazing place.  We all climbed to the top and a guy in the ward gave a short talk at the top and told the story of the pioneers that went through there.  The spirit was so strong the whole time.  It was amazing.  I"m so glad I had to opportunity to be there.  The story of the pioneers is amazing.  Each time I hear a story of them my love and respect grows for them so much.  They had such amazing faith to do all they did.

 This is the view from the top where they started...

Some of the tracks you can still see carved into the rocks

 From the top looking down...so incredible!

We also went to see Rainbow Bridge Arch which I believe is only accessible by water so that was pretty awesome.  It reminded me a lot of Corona Arch in Moab.  The whole time at the lake was amazing.  I felt like I was home again in the extreme heat and with the red rocks and desert scenery.  I hate to admit it but I do miss Moab a little bit.

It was a long and exhausting trip but totally worth it!  By the time we got back to camp it was way later than we had expected and I had to drive home for a training meeting the next morning.  I was planning on getting back home around 12 or 1 a.m.  . . . we didn't even leave the lake till 8:45. . . so after a terribly long drive we got to Vernal at 6 a.m. prettymuch just in time to get ready for the day and head out.  I may have missed some of the presentations throughout that training  :)  Next weekend. . . .Kiss Me Dirty Relay. . .so stoked!!!

Young Single Adults

What a crazy week!  Lots of stuff is going on for me it seems.  I've finally finished moving and have most of my things unpacked in my new house.  So far I love it!!!  I live in a cute little house with 3 other teachers.  I've only met one so far and she is great.  I think we will have a great year together.  Yesterday I attended the singles ward and it's great!  MUCH larger than the branch in Moab and everyone is super friendly and welcoming.  We had a great FHE tonight, we pulled weeds at the community garden and had pizza and I got to meet some new people and had a really great time.  Next week the ward is taking a trip to Lake Powell to go camping and boating. . . it's going to be awesome!  I can't wait to go get some sun and meet more great people!