Feeling Refreshed and Ready!

So, I spent the weekend with my Dad and a few friends. We took the mules to Green River (yes, that's a town) to explore the local scenery. Oh my...the scenery was spectacular, beautiful, breath-taking, awe-inspiring. To try to convey the feelings I experience when I'm on the back of a good mule on top of a mountain in country that few people have ever seen is nearly impossible. There just aren't words that do justice to the views and land formations in this area. Here are a few pics:

This is a friend who ended up being the last one down "the crack." We ALL led our mules down due to steep terrain, narrow walls, and loose rocks under foot. Although it's hard to tell from this picture, it was quite a RUSH to look down this narrow spot and wonder...should I get off? Where will I land if my mule stumbles? Will I be able to get down on foot as quickly as my mule will? Should I stay on? In the end, we decided we would've been fine to ride down rather than lead our animals, but being the first little "spot" of the day, we were a little skittish. (Some would say we were smart rather than stupid...but you had to be there.)

I love to attempt to capture myself in interesting places...I often forget that while I'm enjoying myself, I rarely wear make-up and I look quite weathered...just enjoy the scenery.

This is on a rim overlooking the Green River. That dark line is a row of trees growing along the river on either bank. The river is rather wide here and a chunk of the landscape. However, from the elevation we are at, it's hard to tell there's a river anywhere at all! About 30 feet behind me (down a gentle slope) is a sheer drop about 300 feet down. That's definitely NOT a place to lose your hat. I love the "table"-like rock formation in the picture...it's about 150 feet away (as the crow flies) and probably 20 or 30 feet tall. Ya know, it's hard to believe the Earth has such diverse features until you have the opportunity to see a handful of them. This is one I won't soon forget.

Such one more. I hope my dad doesn't mind that I post this...he truly is a hero of mine.

This is northwest of Green River looking back toward town. The point you see on the left side is actually the other side of a giant bowl that we were looking down upon from our mules. With the clouds and background, I couldn't resist snapping this shot of my dad in a state close to Nirvana.

I gain a greater appreciation for my Heavenly Father each time I am able to see for myself His hand on Earth. The diverse beauty I have seen on the back of a good mule make me want to be a better person and grow closer to my Heavenly Father. If I can't be in church, there's no place I'd rather be than enjoying nature with family and good friends.