HILLYARD HAPPINESS

As our summer weekends are slowly disappearing, Landon and I have been trying to pack in as much fun as possible before we are suddenly drowning in homework again. So we went to see the fam bam this weekend up in Idaho Falls. We were totally unprepared for hiking, but borrowed some socks, shoes, and backpacks and were set. It was a treacherous, steep, 7 point something mile climb to the upper Palisade Lake, passing the lower lake on the way. Well okay, it was more of a nature walk with a few switchbacks mixed in, but 15 miles roundtrip is still hard on your feet, at least for those of us outdoor amateurs. 

We putt along the trail, laughing and having a fabulous time - enjoying the surrounding scenery and friendly creatures. We came across this squirrel that was either so afraid of us that he just froze pretending we couldn't see him, or was happily posing for a photo shoot. He didn't scurry away at the sight of hikers like the rest of them. And of course Landon thought he was funny pretending to pop him with his gun - I promise he didn't ever shoot. 

As we old folks creeped along in the rear, Erin and Erik kept speeding ahead  - ignoring the tree hugger signs and short cutting the switch backs - haha. We stopped for a quick break at the Lower Lake and munched on some protein packed trail snacks. Only 2.7 miles to go!

The upper lake was amazingly beautiful. It was extremely clear and even somewhat turquoise. The guys rigged up there fishing gear, we snacked a little bit more, and even swam across to the mini island in the 50 degree water! The white mud over there was so soggy that walking in it was nearly impossible. It just sucks you right in. We heard Ned talking back on the lakeshore, but he was by himself. Landon, there is a squirrel in your backpack trying to sneak some food!  yelled Ned. He was talking to him, trying to get him out. As for the rest of us, we realized there was only one way back from the island - through the water. We all took a deep breath and plunged right in. 

Along the beach we found the squirrel's little home (a whole in ground) with a bag a potato chips being held hostage inside. Ned caught the lucky fish of the day, a whopping 5 ouncer! Yeah, we let him go - haha. None of us were looking forward to the trek back to the truck, but of course we had no other choice. We snapped a few pictures in the most original Captain Morgan stance and off we marched. It never felt so good to sit down in the truck with the air conditioning on full blast. On the drive home we made a mandatory pit stop for a frosty beverage and square ice cream - which appears exactly as it sounds: ice cream cones scooped in the shape of a square. Who's brilliant idea was that?