Backpacking Trip

I just completed a backpacking trip through the southern part of the Wind River Range of mountains in Wyoming. This picture shows the group I went with. To see all of the pictures, visit my online photo album.

Even though the pictures show some gorgeous scenery, they don't do justice. This part of the country is very beautiful. You can't really capture it with a camera.

We were at 10,000 - 12,000 feet in elevation for most of the trip. Since I didn't pack my oxygen tank, breathing normally was out of the question. The hike involved lots of climbing up and down the passes to get to the different lakes we camped at each night. Overall it was just under 40 miles (14.5 of that on the last day)

For the most part, the weather was perfect. We had a hail/lightening storm come in that put us in a bit of a tight spot for a little while, but we survived.

Not so Green (and still happy)

I have never watched Inconvenient Truth, I live in a large home where I run the AC all summer, I drive a big inefficient truck and Suburban, and I rarely recycle. There, I have said it. I confess.

Lately everywhere I look, it seems as if there is some type of media trying to convince me to "Go Green". Fuel-efficient cars, energy saving appliances, natural energy, recycled goods, etc. Maybe it's because I live in Boulder, or even Colorado. People here tend to very Earth friendly.

I am not feeling so green. But you know what, I don't mind. I am completely content with not being green.

That doesn't mean I don't love the earth. I think that God created the earth for our use, and it is our responsibility to take care of it. I am not out there intentionally destoying anything. When I see intentional acts of destroying the Earth I cringe. For example I was just down at the Animas river in Durango and every couple 100 yards there were large pieces of cars, bedsprings, and other metal objects littering the banks. Apparantly people thought it would be smart to use cars to line the banks of the river to help avoid erosion.

So intentionalliy destroying the environment is wrong. But using modern things that make life simpler and more enjoyable can't be so wrong. I am not willing to give up the modern conveniences that I enjoy so much just to be green.

Take for example, my truck. I love my truck! I love every bit of the 6,000 lbs, gas guzzling, 4 wheel drive machine that is definately anti-green.

Would it really help out the Earth that much if I were to sell my truck and go by a Prius? Probably not.

Here are some reasons why my truck is practical:

1. I like to take my family places. There are 6 of us. You need a large vehicle to transport a family of 6.


2. I have 2 big dogs that like to get wet and dirty. There is no better vehicle for transporting them.


3. I like to feel safe while I am driving. When I am the biggest car on the road, that provides a level of safety that I like. If I crashed into a Prius, I think I would come out less harmed.


4. Have you ever gone to Home Depot with an Accord?


5. It matches my life. I am LDS and have 2 boys. That means many years of Scout Camps and Elders Quorum moves where a truck will come in handy.

How about you? Are you Green?

Josh and Rachel start school

Today was the first day of school for Josh and Rachel. Neither of them would let us walk them in (so sad). When Rachel arrived at school she was greeted by upper classmen cheering, "welcome to high school". Both had a great day and are excited for tomorrow. Rachel starts Seminary (6am) on Monday so we will see if she is still as happy then!

Feeling Old

I have some mixed feelings right now. I am ready for Summer to end. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. We spend a lot of time outside doing lots of fun things. However, for some reason, I feel like this summer was especially busy. Swim team, vacations, volleyball camp, soccer camp, etc. I felt busier this Summer than any other time. So much for the lazy days of Summer. So even though I am ready for the next season to begin, I am feeling very old this week and am not ready for what lies ahead. The kids are starting another school year. For the 1st time ever, we will have all 4 kids in school full time. Zach was in Kindergarten last year, but it was half-day so it didn't feel so bad. Since I work from home most the time, Robyn and I were able to spend a lot of quality time hanging out with just Zach. This year we have a high schooler and a middle-schooler! Caitlin in 5th grade, and Zach in 1st grade. I don't feel old enough to have a daughter going to high school. I know the next 10 years are going to really fly by.

Boulder Kids Triathlon

The kids all participated in the Boulder Kids Triathlon today. We all had to wake up at 5:00 am to get to the Reservoir on time. The kids all setup their transition areas, got marked up with Sharpies and headed to the starting line to start the race.

The race starts were a bit chaotic, but they all managed to get through it and survive.

Rachel hated it and refuses to participate in another Triathlon. The other kids all loved it and can't wait to race in another one.

Robyn and I ran a 10K just going back and forth between all the kids events to get photos.

Rafting Trip

The Yorks and the Ellis' met halfway between our homes in Durango, CO for a great Camping/Rafting trip. We spent 4 days hanging out relaxing by camp and entertaining ourselves with the humurous comments of the 11 year old boys. We swear Dallin and Josh share a brain everytime they are together.

Even though it rained everyday, we were able to stay dry and have a great time.

The highlight of the trip was the River Rafting trip we took down the Animas river.

Our guides brought 3 different boats and a River Surf board for us to use.

Robyn and Jessica took the 3 littlest kids down the class 3 section in the largest boat. Although the real reason Robyn and Jessica went in that particular boat probably had more to do with who was in the back than in the front. You can't tell by their faces, but afterwards Zach, Ty, and Brick all said they enjoyed the ride.

The older kids went in their own smaller boat.

Chris and Ike went down in a 2 person "Ducky" kayak.

To see all the pictures, click here

Swim Season

Rachel, Josh, and Caitlin all participated in the Summer Swim program. They all did fantastic. Josh and Caitlin made it to the Boulder Valley Finals and placed as high as 4th place in some of their events.

Online Photo Album

When I post a blog entry, I will usually put a handful of pictures that go along with the particular event. In reality, we usually take a lot more photos than those posted. I have been uploading all of them to Google. If you are interested, check out the online photo albums.

http://picasaweb.google.com/cgyork