In the springtime

Okay, this posting features some cool pics from different activities.  I will do my best to give an accurate description of each one. 

In the springtime of 2015, I accompanied Mike's Boy Scout to Topaz Mountain.  Being a qualified geology merit badge counselor, I was asked oversee this particular area of the trip.  The troop consisted of only four boys on this trip, but two others were not able to go because of family vacations.  

 

On the way to Topaz Mountain, we stopped at Drum Mountain.  It is called this because some say that if you are really quiet, you can actually hear deep, beating sounds coming from underneath the terrain that sounds like Indian drums.   

Well, I listened for this audio phenomenon, but I was unable to hear anything of the like.  But, we did find a great agate location, and collected some great samples.  One of the boys found a rock horny toad, and we all got to hold it before turning it loose.  

Horny toad.

A volcanic extrusion on Drum Mountain.

What does one do at Topaz Mountain?  Well, of course, collect Topaz, but this requires a lot of bending over.  Mike's posterior makes a good target for either a passing horse fly, an upset mule, or a swift boot kick.  

You may notice that the group is facing uphill.  The angle of the sun reflecting off the crystals determines the direction one faces.  Our group collected exclusively using this method.  In the upper right hand corner of this photo is a pit of worked rock.  Many people have use hand tools to try to recover the crystals, but splitting rocks is not my forte.  

During the camp, each scout took his turn at specified duties.  Mike, of course, made sure that things were done properly.  How do you prepare a "smash" burger?  Mike knows how, and his instructions for cooking are "low and slow."

A lonely dirt road winds its way to Topaz Valley.  The outcropping in the foreground is lava.  The background cliffs are composed of rhyolite.  On previous trips we have camped right up in the valley bowl, but because we were pulling the scout trailer, we camped in this spot.  

Years ago nice topazes about the size of the tip of a little finger could be found readily in the dry washes and on the hill sides, but now-a-days you have to be lucky to find them anywhere.  The place is really becoming picked over.  The scouts hiked up to the top of the ridges, and reported that crystals were plentiful, but that kind of climbing was to much for me.

In the springtime, Rachel performed in the violin section with her orchestra.  Her parents presented her with a beautiful bouquet after the concert.  

Mike, Rachel and Katie

Also last spring, Sam was advanced to the office of Teacher in his church men's organization.  This office is for males between the ages of 14 and 16.  

Sam and Jeff

Grandpa and Sam

Is this a bad camera angle or are we all leaning to the right?

Also in the springtime, at Dayle's graduadation, we got to see his mustang.  I nicknamed it the Green Hornet.  No wonder he was so popular in High School!

An eyeopener

On a beautiful summer Sunday morning, we found ourselves in a Farmington church awaiting the baby blessing of Forrest Belton.  Steven the father had invited me to stand in the circle.  As that group of men held the baby in their hands, I felt humbly grateful to be there touching one that had so recently been in God's presence.   

 After the service, a nice luncheon was held for both family and friends at the home of Steve and Kayla.   

Vanessa & Forrest

I know I'm getting older, but to think that Carla and Brent are now grandparents is really an eyeopener to me.  But, I guess time moves on quickly, and I realize that in a few years, I could be a great grandparent.  

Carla & Brent

I was so impressed with the maturity of the Noakes kids.  Many years ago when they lived in American Fork, they were still little.  Kayla was still in junior high and she was the oldest.  Garrett was really a fun little boy, and look at him now - out of high school and finding his way in life.  

Garrett showing off his fancy suspenders. 

In the Church foyer, Kayla proudly shows off her son, while Steven signs the official Blessing Certificate.

Bev loved bonding with Forrest.  Even though he won't remember any of it, she will.

Forrest

Forrest, Carla and Brent

I suppose the two finger extension could be called the Noakes gang sign., and you gotta love the shades.

Shades were the fun thing of the day.  Even Steven's mother was talked into wearing one of them.

Melody  & Forrest

e

"Us men love our shades."

With them on.

With them off.

Family get-to-gather

Summertime means summer fun and that means Family get-to-gathers!  Even at the Parowan Gap!  

This place is one of those treasures that that happens to be close to the freeway, but rarely visited.  On our way to the cabin, Grandma Zucc and I, not wanting to arrive there too early, decided to check out the Indian writings close to town, and wow, we were delighted with what we found.

So, a couple days later I brought some family members back for a closer look.

Julie, Katie, Mike, Erin and Jenna



  The following photo is just a small part of the vast amount of petroglyphs in the gap, and the good part is that you don't even have to leave the car to see them. 

This "glyph" shows the times of the seasons

About a mile from the indian writings, we visited the dinosaur footprints.  Like the "glyphs,' the "prints" are easily accessible.

Julie's hand is dwarfed by this footprint.


Before we left the area, I just had to have my picture taken with my lovely granddaughters.  

Erin, Julie, me, Jenna


A massive chunk of conglomerate that had fallen from an outcropping high above had come to rest on the valley floor.  Once, many millions of years ago, this area covered by lots of water.

Having completed a summer course of physical science, Julie was pleased to actually experience geological features, such as sedimentary strata, non-conformities, lava flows, and fault lines.

Conglomerate and Julie

Julie points to a dino footprint


Recent water erosion caused this hole in a massive chunk of sandstone.  Julie was gracious enough to pose, showing off not only her big smile, but also the size of the opening.  

So, upon returning to the cabin, we quickly put on the helmets, and mounted the 4-wheelers.  Before long, even Rachel was riding by herself.

Nick and Rachel



Part of cabin fun is the prizes.  Jeff proudly wears one of them.

And soon little Rachel just had to try them on.