I Wish I Could Take a Hike...

...because I haven't hiked enough this summer.

Here are a couple trails in Logan Canyon that I was fortunate enough to hike recently. In June I attempted to hike the Jardine Juniper trail with some friends:

It has been quite a wet year; this dewy plant testifying of such:

Not far up the trail we had to jump over a small stream, but we managed well enough. Then, a bit further, we were faced with the challenge of a raging river. To cross or not to cross over the log? That was my question.

The girl in the above photo (whose name I have forgotten; she is my friend Heather's friend) fell in seconds after this photo was taken. So sad! It was actually really frightening, because she fell in to her left and was swept under the log. But, she was okay! Whew!

Soon after that event (that sealed the deal on "not to cross over"), a few bikers happened along. They must have felt the one-log bridge was not enough for them to walk on and balance their bikes while crossing, so they recruited our help to add another log.... er, tree.

They crossed without incident. And we made our way back to find a drier trail. I think I'll check out that trail again in another month or so. It's supposed to have beautiful fall foliage anyway.

Here I am on my rock of choice:

When we passed the small stream we had jumped over earlier, it was more of a muddy, rushing river than before. Just within that hour the run-off had risen considerably. Yikes!

We headed to the Wind Cave trail, but instead of heading west toward the wind caves, we headed east and up... UP... UP! toward the ridge.

It was beautiful! And quite steep. Here's my great friend Katy (read her point of view here):

At the ridge we had a view of the north end of Logan, through Green Canyon...

...as well as an unobstructed view of Logan Canyon to the east...

...and the Wellsvilles to the south-west.

Here's a great view of the China Wall geographical formation along the south side of Logan Canyon:

With the snow still on the peaks, and the rest of the world green and blue, it was very reminiscent of the alps. My friend Jeff definitely helped convey that alpine feeling:

And here's my rock of choice:

Fast-forward to August.

I went on another hike with my friend Porter. We started at Second Dam and hiked the Bridger Look-Off trail. We started in the evening and were lucky enough to see the sun set:

By the time we made it down to Spring Hollow it was getting pretty dark:

Luckily I had brought a head lamp, and we made it back to Porter's truck safely. But, all along the way I kept freaking myself out, picturing things jumping out at us from the trees!!