Antelope Island 3.24.12

Antelope Island sits peacefully in the Great Salt Lake and is home to much wildlife. In the past, every spring, we have camped there as a family. For the last many years we have missed this trip as a family. When the older children one day were taking about antelope Island the the younger ones showed interest, we decided to go again.

We left right after work, and arrived about 6:30. The campsites are nice, but basic. No running water or lights. We enjoyed it like that.

That night we attended a Solar System presentation at the visitor's center that the kids loved. While driving there nature wished us goodnight with a beautiful sunrise that reminded me more of California or Hawaii than Utah.

Saturday after Breakfast we went on a cross country exploring hike on a hill above camp. We saw any animals including hawks, bison, antelope, deer, rabbits and others. The kids and I loved it.

One of their favorite things was exploring the many tunnels and caves made by the the rocks and rainwater eating away the material.



I love this picture because the entire Hike the older children helped the youngest navigate the rocky terrain.

After the hike we headed down to Fielding Garr ranch, which is farther south on the Island. There you can tour the old ranch, practice roping and just explore what it was like to live on the Island.

I had to add it...

Dawn ended up with the stomach flu, but was adamant that we stay. She laid in the tent while we spent the day exploring.

For Lunch we sampled the Buffalo Burgers from the Island Buffalo Grill, they loved them and pronounced them sweeter and more filling than beef. (I have no idea what that means)

After lunch we Played in the Lake and bubbles, made sand castles and skipped rocks.

Notice the rock in this picture...

After the beach, we tried to rinse the sand and salt off us, which was utterly fruitless. Then headed out for our last adventure which was to explore the rocks on lady finger point. This point is very important in the park's history as it was on the end of this point, after a short hike, when it was decided to make a park here on the island. Finally it was time to bid farewell so the children played sharks and minnows while I packed the van.

On our way home they were all chatting how this had been one of the greatest camping trips ever. We saw tons of animals, explored, played, ate simply and had a great time.

 This time of year is a great time to visit the Great Salt Lake Park.

Ol' Jack's Treasure

St. Patrick's day is usually a fairly calm Holiday for us. Sure there is a visit from a mysterious leprechaun set on wreaking havoc, but other than that, some green waffles and other green items, non-eventful.

So in the morning I decided to go for a ride... I figured it would be the last day for a while that the trails would be dry with the storm coming. It was fantastic.

I took this picture with my tripod, and forgot to put my helmet back on...the trails were dry.

When I got home I invited the children to help me clean out my car, and much to our surprise they found a rolled up, rather ragged looking, piece of paper jammed in a bush. It appears the wind must have blown it there.

It was hard to make out as it was rather faded and dirty, but the children did see a faint scrawling which read,  "Ol' Jack's treasure, don't be touchin".

They screamed for excitement and joy (I'm sure all the neighbors were now aware of the find) and ran in the house proclaiming, "We found a leprechaun's treasure map". Clothes were quickly changed, break feast hastily eaten and off we went. You see, they wanted to find the treasure before Jack did. We followed the clues, which were not simple I might add, to Provo canyon. Eventually ending at the squaw peak road closure gate, so with map in hand we headed up the road.

Following the clues we were led off the road into the scrub oak.

After a little searching we found the resting place of Ol'Jacks goods. It turned out to be 42 chocolate gold coins and 42 1 dollar "Gold' Coins.

The older Children played along while the younger children relished in the fact that they had indeed found a leprechaun's treasure.

They were some excited children.

They spent the rest of the day practicing fighting skills and building traps  in case the leprechauns attacked, wanting to regain their lost treasure. Fortunately no such event occurred.

Although they said they found another treasure map that had blown in...

Happy St. Patrick's day!!!



Antelope Island 3.11.12

Early Spring Biking in Utah is always a little difficult to come by. As the snow melts and the temperatures warm the trails become muddy and sticky. Too sticky and muddy to ride. There are a few places however where we have usually found success, Price or Antelope Island state park. This Saturday we opted for the latter, and we were very glad we did.

This Is Guthrie out on Elephant head point. It is a beautiful place that made us feel like we were on a ride in California and not Utah.

Again, views from Elephant head. Unfortunately it was a somewhat hazy day and the Camera could not do the view justice.

If you notice, Guthrie is not wearing clip less shoes nor peddles. He is testing out flats for a while based on the experiences of many that using flats makes one a better rider. He found them enjoyable and different, but more difficult in technical terrain.

There was a small amount of snow on the shadowed edges of the trail, but only a few wet spots scattered sporadically.

We ended up riding 24 miles of mostly single track mixed with a few miles of double track. While the trails are mostly intermediate, there are a few very technical miles on elephant head, white rocks bay, and the loop past elephant head.

This is a great spring/fall location to ride. However, I would stay away in the summer. The heat becomes oppressive, there are bugs by the millions, and a stench from the dying brine shrimp that is anything but pleasant.

If you have not ridden or been to Antelope Island it is definitely worth a trip. If mountain biking isn't your thing then Hiking Frary peak may be. It likes in the middle of the island and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Not many places in Utah where you can climb a peak and be surrounded with water.

Happy Adventures...



Sedona Arizona Marathon Bike Trip

Biking as much as we do, we are always looking, searching for new areas, trails and adventures. For quite some time Sedona Arizona has been on our list, but the 8 hour drive was just farther than we wanted to drive...normally. However, when we had a free weekend and over the edge sports had just published some pictures with a brief story about their trip, we decided it was time.

We left Utah at 5:00 Friday night and arrived home 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning. 17 hours driving, 12 hours biking. It was amazing!

We arrived in Sedona around 1 a.m. and found our campsite out side of town, with no real map, we were going on the details and explanation of the staff from Over The Edge, which luckily was accurate. We pitched a tent and were asleep by 2:30. We woke up at 6 and by seven were in the car ready for the first trail.

Our Morning View, no clouds, Bikes...we knew it was going to be a great day.

The First trail we rode was the Aerie/Cockscomb trail, a short 6-7 mile loop that is fun. It essentially winds around a small mountain, is somewhat technical in places but also flowy and fast in others, and the scenery was amazing. Definitely a repeat.

After the morning ride we headed into town to visit Over the Edge sports and get more beta about which trails to ride, including a map. (One side note here, there are trails all over Sedona and the map is not great, we got lost multiple times and even had a gps. Next time we plan to download tracks and follow them.)  We decided to do a big 35ish mile loop that started right at the shop. So we headed out of town;

And begun to climb, and Got Lost. But just look how gorgeous this area is.

We ended up doing Airport loop, the climb up was technical with baby head sized rocks, surrounded by cactus, but still a great time.

Flat tire, I hit a cactus.

Descending the airport loop is fun and scenic!

Now this is where the Pictures of Guthrie end. We began the actual real loop and my rear hub started having issues. I didn't want to get stuck out on the trail 15 miles from town so I rode back to the shop and rode a smaller loop closer to town that will still a blast, then rode in to meet Guthrie.

The new/used bike, (New to me) 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert. I loved how it rode, plus now the blood doesn't show when it gets on the frame. This is where I waited for Guthrie.

He never showed because he got lost, and found his way back to town on a different trail, so I rode back to town alone, arriving at 6pm, just before dark.

We packed up the car and drove home. It took me 4 liters of mountain dew to make it home without falling asleep. I was in bed by 6am, then awake at 11 for church...I had to teach. Then I slept.

Sedona is an amazing place to ride, we will definitely be doing it again. However, some things we learned.

1- Gap (a town in AZ is creepy at night).

2- In Sedona, maps are not enough for a long ride. Ride with someone who knows the trails or download gps tracks before. (this is what we will be doing)

3- The trails and scenery are amazing, this is atleast a once or twice a year trip.

4- I want to go and stay over night to see the town, it looks sweet.

Christmas tree sledding.

Fun with family and Cousins!!

You know you've met Mike Gillings if. . . a 70th Birthday tribute!

My dad, Mike Gillings just turned 70, I hope at his age I still have the energy and vigor for life that he does.

Get to know him a little better.

You know you’ve met Mike Gillings if…

• On a week long scout trip the last advice to the scouts is “Say goodbye to your mom, you may never see her again”.


• When the word “only” is used to describe at 11 hour work day. Such as, “We only worked 11 hours today.”


• After a 12 hour work day you see a man on a “short” 12 mile run.


• When asking someone why they work on Saturday he responds, “The Lord said six days shalt thou work.”


• You share terrible event in your life and his response is “wait, I might have a tear in my eye. Nope, it must have been dirt.”


• If you fall, get injured and are in major pain and he says, “Wow that was awesome, get up.”


• After going on an amusement park ride a man comes up, shows you a bolt and says, “This fell out when we were riding.” Then when later asked, why do you have a bolt in your pocket he replies, “I always do, don’t you?”


• If when on a job and the superintendent says to the brick masons “after you are gone, I’m going to have to fix all your problems” a man climbs down off the scaffolding, pulls some change out of his pocket and says, “This should cover it.”


• When hiking and reaching the bottom of a large hill to rest he says, “You never rest at the bottom of the hill, only at the top.”


• If when hiking along and the rest of the group stops to rest and a 60+ man approaches and says, “I’m not stopping”.


• You see a man on a scaffold, blood running down his face with his hat pulled down tight, and you ask him what happened he says, “I sliced my head on the roof and the blood was getting in my eyes, so I pulled my hat on tight, now try to tie my hair together.”


• You leave to hang out with friends and he says, “If you get home late, my only rule is don’t wake me up.”


• If you see a man picking maggots out of his boiling ramen noodles, then still eating the noodles.


• If he describes a scout hike by saying, “Have you ever heard of Hell week in the army? This will be worse.”


• He falls asleep driving…or…marching…or…hiking…or…singing in church…or…while laying bricks…or…in a puddle during a snow storm.


• You see a man sitting on the stand in church popping little white pills.


• At 10:00 p.m. he falls asleep while talking to you.


• You see a 70 year old man who rides bikes, and then lift weights after working a full day.


• At 50 he could still out water ski anyone.


• You look into a pot, filled with anything he could find, and when asking what it is he responds, “Cowboy surprise.” Then his daughter leaves crying.


• When someone throws up in a car, causing a chain reaction his only response is, “Oh this is great.”


• When throwing up while sea fishing on a boat, his only response is, “Come do it over the side, it will attract the fish.”


• You see a man using a trowel with writing on it and you ask, “What is that?” and he responds, “The one the scouts presented to me, what else am I going to do with it?”


• He gets a wheelbarrow for Christmas, on HIS Lehi Block Credit.


• He suggests his “indestructible” son who is about to serve a mission hikes over the pass first to see if Lightning hits him.


• He describes gun owners as, “so wimpy he can’t fight so he needs a gun.”


• He backs into a gas station cover, smashes it and then looks at his son in the passenger seat and says; “Well, go tell them.”


• He describes you as a “Wuss”.


• He says to his kids, “if you eat your vegetables, you will grow up big and strong like your mom.”


• When on a hike another scout leader asks, “Who is this guy? Tie his shoe laces together next time you see him” as he mockingly waves to you from the top of the massive hill you have yet to climb.


• You meet a man running down Mt. Timpanogos with his severely dislocated arm in a sling because he didn’t want to waste money on the helicopter.


• He served more years than you are old in the scouting program.


• He leaves you behind on a camping trip and when you ask him why his only response is; “I said we were leaving at 5, you were late.”


• At a family party he is down stairs reading an encyclopedia because he is “Bored”.


• He opens and closes his flip phone multiple times because he doesn’t like or know how to use, the “back” button.


• You see numbers and addresses written on the unfinished wood wall of a house and he says, “Don’t cover that, I need it.”


• His address and information book looks more like fire kindling.


• At 70 he is in the 1% for weight, and health in his age class.


• He will serve in any calling for any amount of time and never complain while magnifying his calling.


• He has 4 of 5 children who served missions and 5 of 5 who are married in the temple and attributes it to “Just being Lucky”.

Here is the video:

Birthday Cakes - The Psycho Clown

We are anything but professional Cake Decorators, nevertheless out children still ask us to make cakes. Over the years we have produced many certain types; Barbies, Purses, Monsters, Towers, Chinese walls, Cars, Trucks, etc. Below are some examples.

The Motorcycle Hill climb for C.

This was actually for Scouts

Of all the years, this has been one of our favorites. He wanted an abominable snowman who was attacking the others snowmen and little Bears (In the Pretzel hands). It didn't quite work out. But S loved it! He proclaimed it instead, a psycho clown snowman!!!

He wanted it to look like it was on fire.

He always keeps life fun and interesting.

The last/First ride?

Every year, when the first snow falls, I try to do one last ride. This year, or I should say season, was a little different however. Because the temperatures were so mild and there was a lack of snow, we continued to ride through November and December. Last week I even was able to do two night rides, wearing only a long sleeve jersey and long pants, that is crazy!!

This year the first snowfall, that stopped biking (maybe, as it was so minimal) , didn't happen until January 7, 2012. So I rode from Timpanogos park up racecourse to the "altar" (the pile of rocks in the first picture), Down crank to Beginning of Dragon's back then dropped into Johnson's Hole and back down to the parkway trail and my car, about 9 miles overall. Not long, but long for January 6th.

This picture is looking down into "Johnson's Hole" as it is called. This is a newer trail we just recently found and is a fantastic addition to the trail network at the mouth of Provo canyon.

Utah is such a fabulous place to live. Within one hour of our home there lies, Payson canyon (black hawk, Bennie), Spanish fork canyon (Three fork loop, Monk, Strawberry ridge), American Fork Canyon (Ridge, Ant's knoll, Tibble fork) Corner canyon, Lambert...Etc. Within two hours there is Price, The San Rafael Swell and  Salt lake valley. Within 3-4 hourse lies the world famous Moab with all it has to offer and St. George/Hurricane with what some regard as the best trail in the United States, Gooseberry Mesa and it's twin, little Creek, among many other greats (Guacamole, Slickrock swamp, Grafton, Zen, etc).

People travel around the world to ride these trails. Trails which grace the cover of multiple magazines regularly. Bike tests are done there. Outerbike is held in Moab. MBA action devotes entire photo sections just to Moab because they receive so many pictures from there.

And we can ride it almost any time we want.

Yes Utah is quite a place for the Mountain Biker or Outdoor adventurer.

I am glad to call it home. 



New Years Eve's Kokopelli ride

It is rare to have good biking on New Year's Eve. Moab occasionally has lower level trails rideable, St. George may have a few of our non-favorites and other than that, locally, there just isn't much available.

We have been wanting to explore the Kokopelli trail system near Grand Junction Colorado for some time. So with the weather holding, Guthrie wanting to test his new Christmas bike  and the trails in decent condition we decided to head down Saturday morning at 4 A.M.

The trail system around Loma (near Grand Junction/Fruita) is quite expansive. We wanted to ride as much as possible so we hit Mary's Loop, Horsethief, Steve's Loop, Lion's Loop, Mack's Ridge and returned on Moore fun.

The views are gorgeous with the river, the red rocks and the light dusting of snow.

Testing out the suspension and seatpost that drops at the touch of a button.

Mack's Ridge, the trail follows the Rim. The climb up was a steep fire road, but the sweet singletrack on top and the descent to the bottom was worth it.

The look out off Moore Fun or Mack's Ridge, I forget. The day began windy but by afternoon we only had a long sleeve shirt and leg warmers. Actually a great day for riding.

This is a section of trail on Moore Fun, or as another rider put it; "ain't moore fun". It stood out in my mind because I was on a hard tail (no rear suspension) and it was a little rough, but still worth it. The ride/hike in the snow up moore fun was a little tedious as the trail is steep, rocky and had about 4 inches of snow on it. But the riding at the top and descent was worth it.

Grand Junction is worth trying out. With Tabegauche and these trails it could easily provide an enjoyable and long day of riding. Plus, any time you can ride 25 miles on New Years Eve in 30-40 degree weather it is worth it.

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