New Blog!

Now that my blog is the story of two people, Dylan and Ali, I shall call my new one... DillyDally. All further posts will be posted on the new site. Also, make sure to add my new e-mail address, alidastrup@gmail.com, to your private blogs.

Leaving Moab, Leaving Home

Dylan and I had such a great summer. In fact, we plan on returning next year as newlyweds. Moab has a special place in our hearts. Its where it all began. It doesn't take long for the desert scenery and warm temperatures to invite you calling it home. As we pack our things and head to our original home, up north, we can't help but feel sad. But, as soon as that emotion comes, all we can do is think.. "We are going home to get married. In the temple, none less." We love each other so much. This love can bring us to joyous tears if we let it. We are so excited to establish our home and our new family. September 25, 2009 life begins, again.

Wedding Website

Visit here for more wedding info, pics, RSVPs etc.
Announcements are underway...

"Just when I thought I couldn't get any dumber...

I TOTALLY REDEEMED MYSELF!!!" -Dumb and Dumber-

Back on the saddle through Cataract Canyon, I had the cleanest lines ever! After last weeks runs, I was quite nervous. I am so glad that I got to go back and correct my errors. I had talked about them with a passenger named Toddi on the jetboat ride downstream. That is when she decided to go with me. She knew I wouldnt make the some mistake twice. She had a blast the first day of rapids. I hit them all perfectly. She told me that her loyalties were to my boat. She gave me a huge confidence boost because she wanted to stay in my boat the entire time.I love Cataract Canyon. I learned a good lesson. The river gives no freebies. Six year guide, Dale, flipped in 'Capsize' right in front of me. I had scouted the rapid and knew that he was going the wrong way. Fortunately, I kept my cool and made it through without a lick of err. It felt so good to have the owner of my company on the motorboat give nods of approval after every rapid. Dylan had his own boat this time. He did wonderful! We both had fun, safe, clean runs. This trip really made my season.

Visitors Welcome

Rufio and Snowcat came down to run the river with us. It was so fun! Dylan and I went our to Lionsback and had a weenie roast the first night. Then, the next day, I took them down the daily section in inflatable kayaks. We stopped at the movie set on the side of the river and saw some wildlife. That night, we went out to Hittle Bottom to visit Dylan at work/camp. In the middle of the night, a monsoon hit us. I woke up to flashing lightning and a sprinkle. Just as I woke Dylan and jumped into the trailer for shelter, a wall of water hit us and lasted for several minutes. This was the neatest storm all year. I sure hope more people come to visit us next year. It was way fun.

Cataract Canyon

Humbled. Big Drop II and III. Too close to marker rock on II, not patient enough. Almost hit marker, couldn't recover to make the pull and fell over the ledge wave sideways. Broken oar, switched to spare

. Now for III.. I didn't trust the current, was too far right, dropped into a big hole that forced me quickly off of a pour over. Three times I thought that the boat would flip. Spared not once but thrice. I learned a lot.. My paws are ripped off.

Kens Lake

Today I went to the lake while everyone else was working. I had the day off so I took myself out in a inflatable kayak. All the pals joined me as I was just about to go home. Already a lobster on the places that haven't been exposed all summer, aka where the lifejacket usually covers, I regretably stayed a few hours more. Ouch. It was sure fun though. I forgot how hard it is to swim without a PFD.

Typical Day at the Warehouse

Ah, the lovely days we have had at the warehouse...

Manager Reece calls an important meeting. He gathers the guides together. As he gains full attention of the staff, he turns on the hose and soaks everyone. Fortunately its been between 100 and 110 degrees outside so we were more thankful than anything.

Then there is Steve. Mr. Steve Hazlett, owner of Worldwide River Expeditions. He loves his forklift. Car broke down? No fear, Steve will pick it up and haul it where it needs to be. Boom Baby!

Tuscher Tunnel

Today we meant to go four wheeling with Verl in his Suburban and Dylan's pickup. On the way out, Verl broke one of his rear leaf springs. So, change in plans, we had a delicious tailgate picnic at Tuscher Tunnel. We found a geocache in the darkness. Dylan replaced a his Chapstick for a neat rock that someone had left in it. Yes, he traded Chapstick for a rock. I am pretty sure that is why he will be a great Geologist. He loves rocks.
Trying to keep our eyes open for a vicious flash in the dark tunnel.
We look like moles.

Fourth of July

First holiday celebrated with my new fiance!

Best Surprise Ever

My best friend asked me to marry him! It was so perfect. Dylan and I had been talking about getting married for a while now and its finally here.

I figured that the big question would come sometime this summer but he completely surprised me last Friday.
Look back to February 22 of this year, my blog shows a special trip to Moab that Dylan, myself and others went on. We camped at Big Bend. This was the first place that Dylan and I camped together, only six months ago. We played guitar around the campfire, ate Ramen and talked. At the fire, sitting in front of him, was the first place that Dylan felt "strangely comfortable, or like home" to me. The next morning, while driving to Indian Ladder, I verbally, might I add, jokingly, gave Dylan my heart because of the songs that he had sang the night before (Ray Lamontagne). After a day of hiking and playing at the park, I ended up sick with a nasty virus. We decided to rest at our friend Stucki's family home. With hot and cold chills, nausea, weakness and a wicked bad sore throat. Dylan and Stucki's father gave me a blessing. I was so grateful and later realized how impressed I was that Dylan was ready to give a blessing at any given time. He was a great example of faith and was the gospel man that I have been wanting. Since this trip to Moab, nearly every day has been spent together.
It only took a few weeks for him to say "I love you" and I said it in return. We had gone to the same school, hung out with the same people, played the same sport... but then, I would have never guessed that I would one day be the Mrs. Dylan Dastrup. It was fortunate for us to have so much common history that we got to skip the "Getting to know you" stage. From the beginning, it has been a sincere, genuine love.
This weekend, I was guiding an overnighter that camped at Big Bend. After making dinner, playing games with customers, and toe fishing, Dylan and a few other guides showed up. This is not uncommon to get nighttime visitors. There is a bouldering field for climbing across the street from camp. After strapping on our life jackets and swimming through the rapids a few times, we dried off and joined the others that were climbing. We climbed until dark, then made our way back to camp. The guides climbed on top of the enclosed trailer to sleep while Dylan and I went to wind down by the river. As we laid on the boat, the moon was full. I hugged him and told him that I was glad to have him in my life. Shortly after, he sat up, slid a ring on my finger and asked if I would marry him. Shocked, I giggled and hugged him for a few minutes then squeaked out a definite "Yes!" I laughed and smiled for a while more. As it got later, I called my mom and sisters to give them the news.
I love Dylan Dastrup.
I'm getting married!

Family BBQ

Due to the "change in plans" shown on my mom's blog, the sisters and I got together to have a BBQ instead of going to the cabin. Poor Dylan, he "got the grill" worse than the weenies that we ate did. Travis based the conversation around the alphabet. He asked about the "L" word and then directly following, the "M' word. Travis is sure going to be a good dad when it comes to Katie dating. In attempt of changing the subject, we played on the tramp, ran around with the kids, played some music and funny games, and eventually got Bob' s Brainfreeze snowcones and 11pm. Just kidding sisters, bringing it back to subject, this love is as real as it gets.

Lauren's Wedding

Dylan and I came up for Lauren and Dan's Wedding. It was beautiful. The food was delicious. Lauren looked amazing. It was great to see the old Heber pals and long lost family too.

Repelling

Desolation, Take 3, Action

Once again down the lovely Desolation Canyon. Katie and I were the guides, with nine paying passengers. We met them at Sandwash and made it safely home. They were a great group. We both had close calls on Joe Hutch "cow swim rapid". I got knocked sideways on the last big wave and couldn't make the pull away from the current-rushed rock. We hit it, luckily didn't flip but we got pushed to the left shore causing us to have to break the current and try again.

MuMu Cisco

MuMu's picked up at the local thrift store, inspired by Allison Dastrup.

Big Bend Bouldering

Western and Worldwide River Expeditions got the guides together for some bouldering last night after the jeep trail. Brenna, Kpax and practiced our" Dyno" moves. The moves are much like uncle Mike's raptor impression.

Top of the World Jeep Trail

Dale, Gordo and Dylan took out their rigs today. Dylan researched out a good trail and we headed out. Raylene (Dylan's truck) kept popping off the fuel injector plugs. We would get part way up or down a hill and we would loose power. Good thing he is so smart and could figure out what was wrong with it each time. He is a great man to have around.

Fourth Annual Desolation UVU Trip

Four years ago, I went on my first river trip with UVU Outdoor Education down Desolation Canyon. The rapids were perfect. They were just big enough to get a pre-rapid stomache butterfly, but not enough to scare me away from coming back. It was a friendly, fun, amazingly beautiful experience. One of the best parts of this trip was its ability to disconnect me from the world. It is a place to forget the world and soak in nature and the now. I fell in love with this canyon that year. Actually, it changed my life. Needless to say, the next year, I simply had to go back. On the second annual trip, Kim, the Outdoor Education Director convinced me to go to school and work for her at UVU. She gave me a scholarship to be a trip leader for the Outdoor Adventure Center. Now, Four years later, my day job, as well as my recreating, consist of.. well.. rafting. That trip opened my mind and created many opportunities. Its been a great journey. This is my tribute .

Memorial Day Camping

Dylan and I hitched a ride up early to leave on our UVU river trip. Michael caught up with me at the folks house and invited us to come up camping with him and Micaela and baby Presley. We packed up the car and went. Lara and Curt were there too. It was great to spend time with them. Despite being family, it seems that we don't get enough time hangin' out. Thanks for the invite brotha'.

Kokopelli Bike Support for COPMOBA

Marcus and I got to guide a trip for a group of 25 mountain bikers. They rode from Loma, Colorado to Moab, Utah. This trip was a fundraiser for the maintenance for the Kokopelli bike trail. The group had many camp luxuries including warm showers, restrooms and even shuttled massage therapists at each stop. On the third day, Dr. Ellis Jr had a bad fall down a nasty descent before Fischer Valley. He broke his hip. We drove to the nearest ranch and called for an evacuation. The helicopter came within an hour and flew him to St. Marys in Grand Junction. Jim III, his son, left the trip a day early to go be with him. That night at camp, the group had an auction with donated gear. They made about $4,000. It was an awesome trip but it was strange to do a trip without the river. Hopefully I will be able be on that trip next year!

Carnival in the Colorful Colorado

Today Kpax and Stucki went with me to Grand Junction. We ran an errand for Dylan while was doing Cataract Canyon training. Dylan got lucky finding these parts online. All that the seller asked for was to pay it forward to someone else in the future. He was so generous! I really need to be more like that man. He probably has great karma. It took a while to meet up with the guy in the city so we went to the store and the carnival while we waited for his call. I love the toothless carnies. We didn't ride any of the rides because we were too short. Ok, you are right... we may not have been too short but we pretended that we were because it was $5 a ride. We claimed vertically challenged, not cheap..

Locks of Love

Please read with the voice of Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. Jesterday, Dylan went on the reever. His head got hot. Then- he decided that it was his hair that made him hot. So.. We cut it. Now we donate it to Locks of Love for all the orphans.

Desolation Training Trip

Trip Minutes
Attendees:
Trainers - Reece (Boss Man), Kpax & I
Return Guides - Stucki, Kerri, Ghia
Newbies- Suzy Q, Heather, Dylan, Morgan, Gordo, Jordan, Kimball

Day One:
5 Hour Bumpy Drive
Boat Rigging Olympics
Slept at Sand Wash
No Mosquitos! What a surprise!

Day Two:
Lots of Flat Water!
Taught the Newbies how to Row.
Hit a few Rapids
Made Camp
First Aid Training
Top Ramen 101 - taught by Dylan
Cobbler Surprise Soup (I am bad at Dutch Oven Deserts.. what can I say? who knew you have to drain the peaches?)

Day Three:
Newbies rowed the Rapids
-except for 'Cow Swim Rapid' cause it was stinkin' huge.. Kpax, Boss Man and I, got that one! Yahoo Rapids.
Camped at Wire Fence
Went for a Desert Stroll
Sweet Groover Spot

Day Four:
Crab Tag (great way to stay warm while the newbies rig the boats)
Popped a boat after 'Three Fords Rapid' Oops.
Patch/Repair Training on the Ute Reservation
Take Out at Swaysees

Cataract Canyon

The river season this year has started early for me. Every year, Aspen High School sends a group of students to raft Cataract Canyon. From Tuesday through Saturday we went downstream from Moab until we reached Lake Powell. 60 kids, 10 boats, 10 guides, me being one of them. This was only my fourth time down the canyon. The water was running at 11,000 cf/s. The weather wasn't ideal but everyone was prepared for the windy cold, even hail. Because of the weather delays, we did the stretch of 30 rapids in one day. It was a long push. My nerves remained calm until we reached the big drops. They call them this because of the enormous elevation decrease between the three rapids, much like a really elongated waterfall! I had been through them, yet not rowed my own boat with young passengers in it before. I prayed that the river would have mercy on me, and it did. In big drop two a girl fell out of the boat forcing me to eddie out in Pergatory, upstream current above what becomes Satan's Gut in high water. The girl was pulled back into the boat, cold but ok. We then had to row upstream cross the current and meet the other boats that were waiting in the "Duck Pond", the eddie on the opposite side of the river above big drop three. We scouted it and it looked a lot meaner than the one before. Again with a prayer for merciful waters, we made it through without hitting the boat munching hole that will soon be called Bramas, when the water rises. I owe it to Zac, a high school senior that I had turn around and help me pull away from the danger. After these rapids, my hands were bloody from 6 broken blisters and 3 more waiting to blow. I had such a great group on my boat. The whole trip went so smoothly and everyone made it out of the canyon without any injury. I am now just sad to be back to real life for two weeks. Finals suck.

Midway Memories

Dylan and I have had some fun filled weekends the past few months. This weekend, we had no plans. With a little brainstorming, I decided that I have always liked to go up and visit Midway, so we did. We went and walked around Inn that I grew up at, ate at the hub, and snowshoed just passed Daniel's Summit. It snowed and pounded us. Luckily we bought sweet raincoats at the Heber Thrift Store. I love and miss Heber Valley.

Moab with the OAC

After a lot of planning, the EXPERIENCE MOAB trip finally went! This trip was one of the trips that I had to plan and lead to get hours for my scholarship. We rented a Jeep Commander from Enterprise, packed up John"s VW camper van with and headed down to the beautiful city of Moab. We found a campsite, pitched tents and played guitar. Through the night, it snowed a few inches. When I woke up in the morning to put hot water on the stove, I couldn't help but smile. I love Moab even in the snow! It was so pretty and so different than I am used to living there in the hot months of summer. John helped me make pancakes for everyone before heading into Arches for the day. We saw Balanced Rock, Double Arch, South Arch, Turret Arch, Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and the remains of Wall Arch. I wonder why they call it Arches? Anyways, at Double Arch, we were walking the trail to get under it. Dylan commented how cool it would be to have brought a guitar in to hear the acoustics of the rock. Not a moment later, a violin started to play. It was beautiful, someone else had the same idea. As we got closer, I noticed a man in a cape with a giant book, opened and in hand. I looked up the trail and saw that we were walking right behind a wedding party! We changed path and watched the wedding from the side. It was beautiful. The man marrying them was a close friend and it was obvious that he was fighting tears through the ceremony. There was a unique reverence in the arch. Much different than when I have been there in the past. We got lucky to see something amazing. After Arches, we went back to camp for dinner. Lucky for me, the people on the trip don't mind pepper.. I accidentally dumped half of the bottle in the sauce that I made. I was able to scrape off the top layer but it was still pretty, well.. kicky. Afterwards, we went into town and showed Main Street to the first-timers. We also bought firewood and marshmallows. Dylan wrote and sang a lovely song about the trip. Its too bad that he wont remember it, it all just came out as he thought of it. Sunday morning, we packed up quickly and climbed the Indian Ladder. Everyone loved it. It was a perfect way to end the trip.

Arizona

It sure was nice to get into the warm weather for a few days. Dylan's cousin, EJ, got married... a great excuse to chase the sunshine. On Friday, we packed Dylan's Corolla with 5 people; Dylan's parents, Erik and Allison, his cousin, and the two of us. We stayed at Dylan's sister's house in Flagstaff the first night after going out to Thai. Jet-lag got the best of me causing me to fall asleep upright on the couch. The next thing I knew, it was 5am (close to Irish lunchtime) and I was laying down covered with a blanket, yet wide awake. It took the most I had to keep my eyes shut until everyone else started to scurry about.

We continued the drive to granny's house just outside of Pheonix, on the reservation. We had awesome tamales and visited with the family for a while. Granny's house is next to a gynormous rock hill. We decided to check the surroundings out and climb to the top. I have a secret love for the desert. It was so nice there.

The wedding started at five so we didn't stay too long. We checked into the Fransisco Grande hotel/golf coarse. The ceremony and reception was held there. Meeting the family was like a fire hose to my mouth trying to remember names, but I think that I have them all down now. The reception was beautiful, the food was great, even the dancing was surprisingly fun.

The morning after all the wedding fun, we went over to uncle Hap's desert home. He has a perfect patio for company. Cousin Franki make Elk gravy and biscuits for everyone. Dylan's hillbilly side came out when Hap started shooting the pellet gun to shew the cat out of the garden. They took turns shooting at a decoy squirrel and a bird in the tree. We went on a property tour. Hap has all kinds of treasures, a beautiful desert garden, rotting skull pit waiting for cleaning, giant shop for his business, boats of all kinds, broke-down vehicles, and a fun ATV buggie that we ended up taking a cruise in. The coolest part was that the whole family was there enjoying each other's company.

The 12 hour drive home went well considering that I have been in constant motion for two weeks. We got caught in crazy weather, from scary car-shifting hot desert winds to re-routing due to snow and ice. We got home at about midnight and it sure felt good to know that my travels are over.. until Friday.

Ireland

Spring Break brought lots of fun for me and 9 travel companions. Here are a few pictures, I write about the trip when I get a chance to breathe. I am off to Pheonix.

Moab

Three car-loads of my close friends made the journey to Moab this weekend. The town is much different now, comparing it to when I lived there in the tourism season, June. The roads were quiet, the river was calm, people were nowhere to be found.. not to mention the temperature difference, it was freezing! We took it easy visiting some of our normal hangouts including the good ol' warehouse where our summer family (Hazletts) live, Moab Rim Trail, Indian Ladder, Rotary Park and of coarse WabiSabi, the local thrift shop. We camped at Big Bend Campground, the same site where we spent every third night with youth trips last summer. Only one of us slept comfortable, Dylan. The rest of us waited anxiously in sub-freezing temperatures for the sun to rise. This may or may not have been what kicked off an awful throat infection that I have came down with. Saturday night through Sunday I slept on the Stuki's couch with fever chills, swollen glands and discolored tonsils. I am glad it came at the end of the trip.. It was nice to get away from being busy. Even if it does mean there will be catch-up work. Check out the skinny on NickiSchmidts blog. She does a lot more creative detail than I do.

Sundance

Before heading to Moab I had a few hours to go skiing. I was waiting until everyone got off of their real jobs.. I met a boy named Josh. We skiied the day together and he showed me some fun runs. This is Freddies, a steep black diamond run that had the strangest conditions. Hard and bumpy, not moguls. Also windblown with soft stuff. Doesn't this strangely look like clouds?

SAD Party

Nickischmidt hosted a lovely Singles Awareness Day "SAD" Party on Friday the night before Valentines. Cobabe and I got authentic sushi then made our way to the party. It was official with cookies, chocolates, punch, dancing and a whole lotta singles. Perhaps her scheme was to secretly make people fall in love and get dates. I would say it was a success.. Not that I fell in love and got a date, but.. I did see a lot of telephonic digit transfers going on..

Friday the 13th at Deer Valley

Today I went to Deer Valley with Levi. Kim let me borrow her telemark skis. Levi and I took it slow and practiced our free heeled turns. We got significantly better at it by the end of the day. Who knows if we will be able to walk tomorrow though... Our quads are pretty upset at us right now.

Eclectic Fondue

Just because it is the week of love, or lack thereof, eclectic tuesday included a romantic dinner including chocolate dipped fruits and a delicious meal dipped in cheese. Matt got the good end of the deal with the male/female ratio as 4-1. As usual, we headed to the climbing gym afterwards. As you can see, its always a good time.

New Non-Profit Blog

As if blogging daily events doesn't consume enough time already.. I have started yet another to spread awareness of the projects I am working on. The address is BeautifulHelpingHands.blogspot.com Currently, I am fundraising for Help-International, a non-profit organization that I went to Guatemala with 2 years ago. Take a minute to check it out.. If you are interested in becoming involved, follow the blog! Thanks for all your support.

Baila Baila Baila

After work, Doug invited me to go to Cobabe's Jazz Swing Dancing Class. It lasted for an hour. Fun. I had never partner danced before so it was an all new experience for me. After the class I went to meet some friends at the climbing gym. We bouldered until all of my fingers pads turned to blisters. Yowch. Alex, set up a rope to repel from the bridge near the ceiling. This was my first "free" repel so I was very hesitant. It took some coaxing but I made it over the edge and all the way down. Like a little kid trying the slide for the first time, when it was over, I realized that there was no need to fear, I actually liked it. After, we got in the mood for pizza so we bought a pie and took it to Alexs house to bake. He had been a competitive ballroom dancer at one point so he taught me to ChaCha and Rumba. Way fun. Maybe I can keep up with the little Guatemaltecos at the dance parties now. Actually no, your right.. but... you can totally imagine what it would be like if I could. Yeah..

The Best Day Off Ever

Yesterday Brenna and Katie picked me up to go to the temple at 8:00am. After that we went and looked at a house to rent together for next fall semester. We got a tour and loved it. Next, climbing at the Quarry. We all have passes and have been going a few times a week. Slowly progressing, we all make it up a 5.10d (hard route for our skill level)! We were pretty glad about that. Then after working up an appetite we went to Katies to make ourselves a dang quesadilla. Katie then went skiing on a date so Brenna and I headed on a thrift store hunt. We went to four, ending up at D.I. We must have been in there for two hours. It was fantastic. By now, its dinner time so we made pasta at my house then I took her to take a test at BYU. Later on, we met Cobabe at his house and went on the Gallery Stroll of Provo. There was some amazing art. Apparently, Cobabe is a really good chef. He made us bananas foster over Belgium waffles for dessert. We finished the night of with a movie called Lars and the Real Girl. This play day was much needed.

Cross Country Skiing

Today the UVU trip leaders went up American Fork Canyon to go cross-country skiing at Granite Flatts. It was so warm up there! Its February.. What is going on? Hopefully this is the warm before the storm because this winter isn't over yet.

Eclectic Tuesday: Thai Food and Climbing

A friend of my Uncle Mike, Steve, moved to town a few weeks ago. Tonight, we had him, Nickischmidt and Cobabe join us for Eclectic Tuesday. His dad served an LDS mission in Thailand so Steve cooked us an authentic meal. After filling ourselves until our stomaches were hard and heavy, we went to the climbing gym for an hour.

Super Bowl Sunday

Today was a party at my house.. All day, friends were popping in and out. We had some good chips, salsa & guacamole, veggie tray, BBQ chicken and thanks to Skid.. a whole case of free vitamin water. After the game, we all stayed tune for the one hour special of the office. Here are some pictures from Nickischmidts amazing iPhone. By the way, if you cant tell from the pictures... she is fantastic.

The Canyons

Doug and I went skiing today. Afterwards we got a pizza and went to see Benjamin Button. The snow was good, the pizza was good, and the movie was good too.

Eclectic Tuesday: Music Once Again

This week for Eclectic Tuesday, we went to Brenna's house. We made a swiss dish called Raclette. Basically it is a boiled potato, summer sausage, mini dill pickles and some really expensive cheese. Sounds fattening right? There is a specific raclette grill that melts the cheese to put on the potatoes. I was so full afterwards that I had to lay on the couch for a while.
After dinner, we went to Kpaxs house to have 'band practice', a continuation from last Tuesday. Brian learned one of the river guides' favorite songs. We all played and sang along... "Headed down south to the land of the pine...."

Sushi Anyone?

This was my first attempt of rolling my own sushi. I kept them vegetarian, just in case. I dont know if i trust the whole raw fish handling yet..

Night Boarding

Bailey, Laurie and I took a group up to Brighton to go night boarding. This was a UVU sponsored event through the OAC. The turn out was great we had sixteen people with two more that met us up there. I got to drive the eleven passenger van. It was surprisingly alright snow, considering it hasn't snowed in days. I think it went well!

Another Eclectic Tuesday

Well I've done it... I have pledged into a band. I will be the mandolinist with a group with three males. A new found friend and musician, Johnny, swore me in. It all started with Kpax hosting Eclectic Tuesday. She made delicious Thai food and invited the ward for some family dinner. Brenna, Kpax and I, after eating, began to strum on the mandolin. This of coarse brought attention to the music lovers. Brian retrieved his fiddle Next, Johnny two guitars. We had a whole band. After watching the Obama pledge, we decided to make a pledge ourselves. We solemnly swore to become a nationally known, well-accomplished band. We played everything from Metallica, Green Day and Taking Back Sunday to You Are My Sunshine and Collective Soul. Ok but seriously.. I am not in a band... but I do hope that there will be more of these jam nights..

Mocktail Party - House Warming

Dave Clark had a birthday! I hadn't seen Dave or the Lehi pals in a long time. Strangely enough, they worked with my Wasatch High School friends over the summer doing sales. This gathering was a giant mezcla of my two home towns. I had a great time mingling and seeing old familiar faces. I brought Brenna and Stuki along but they didn't seem to have as much fun as I did, so... We moved on to the next gathering.. This one, was a house warming for my country director when I lived in Guatemala. His name is Doug Wendt. This party was smaller and had a more relax atmosphere. Brenna and Stuki got talking to people and this time.. I had to drag them out! They spent the night one last time while Stuks is in town. I was very tired from the slumber party we had the night before so we didn't stay up too much later than when we got to my place.

Aspen Grove Avalanche Training

Today, early, I went up to Aspen Grove with the Outdoor Ed. employees. We snowshoed up the grove and did back country training and avalanche awareness drills. Garth Tino, my former Wilderness Skills professor came to share his knowledge. We dug pits and buried beacons to practice finding them. It was a great day up there.

Utah Lake : Frozen

Friday night was spent on Utah Lakes 1 ft. thick ice. Skid, Ramsay and I went dumpster diving in Smith's parking lot to gather some wood pallets for a bon fire. We trekked out onto the ice with sleds and three-wheelers. We light the fire, roasted weenies and blew up two M1000 bombs. It was scary standing on the same ice as a bomb, to say the least. We also went further out into the middle of the lake where the Wheela Boys set up their racetrack. Brenna, Stuki and I got pulled in the sled behind Ramsay on the three-wheeler. When the fire grew dim and cold, we headed in to Tades house for hot cocoa. It was a great time!!

Eclectic Tuesdays

Tonight KPax, Brenna and I began "Eclectic Tuesdays". Each week we will take turns hosting and making an eccentric meal. I was a bit late coming home from school tonight. They had already got to my house and changed into my clothes to see if I would notice.. Thus marking a new tradition of dressing up in the hosts clothing. Tonight we made a new rendition of a Oaxaccan dish.

Recipe:
Fry corn tortillas strips with garlic and olive oil
After they are soft, add some red enchilada sauce
Top with
Warm refried black beans
Stir-fried green peppers, onions and spices
Diced Tomatoes
Three Cheeses (Mozzerela, Chedder and Feta Sprinkles)

Delicious!

After dinner, I braided Brenna's hair into a giant beehive with a Samuri tail.. It looked fantastic. We spent the rest of the time planning out a European vacation..

Lindsey Got Married

A fellow guidette got married today. She looked so pretty in her grandmothers dress. The pals went in on a cartoonized drawing of the newlyweds (by Marie)..

Home Sweet Home: Midway

A day with Lance Kohler. We grew up since third grade together. Despite our current busy lives, Lance and I got together after almost five years.. Today we went snowshoeing in Midway. I miss it there. It is so beautiful. We took a stroll up dutch canyon and veered off the path to play in the powder and brush. Just before dark we went to his house and made some dinner. Since I started at UVU, I have had the chance to see many of my good ol friends. Its nice to see them now, all grown up.

Penthouse Baby!

A guy Steve, that we took down the river this summer, gave us a night in his penthouse suite on Park City Main Street. The Cabin crew got together again and had fun with each others company (and the private hot tub on the deck.. no big deal). What a place it was.. It was a good last night for Derek being in town.. Back to Florida he goes.. We will miss you.

My New Place in Provo

I met some girls a few weeks ago that were looking for a roommate.. Perfectly for me, I wanted a place to live near school. The girls are great and its really fun to be away from home again.. No offense ma, but this place sure beats the dark basement... I have lots of friends down here that I haven't seen in a while and I may just get over my 'Provophobia" of 'Zubieland'. Its nice here.

Boarding with Kim!

River Guide Winter Reunion

Derek a.k.a "The Methodist" came into town from Florida, Stuki is back from teaching english in the Ukraine, and the rest of the river rats are on Christmas vacation.. so... last weekend we went to the Evan's family cabin. I planned on cross country skiing five miles to get there but it turned out that Scott VanLeeuwen, a relative, is storage unit neighbors with the Evans. He was just leaving as we were coming. We got talking and he was very cool. He offered us his snowmobiles for the weekend. Doug and I each drove one up and got a fire started while waiting for the others to make it up. The snow was deep up there because there was no base. Each of us got stuck once while trying to make a turn in the powder. Brenna drove the snow cat up and got there soon after we did. We played games and guitar and in the snow. We brought a lot of food but unfortunately... I got the stomach flu Friday night and didn't feel up to eating for almost the whole weekend. I skipped out on the Saturday morning adventure but felt well enough by afternoon to skin up to the waterfall on a split board. We crossed over ice on the trail. The last person to cross, Matt, broke through up to his shins. He was tough and continued to snowshoe, despite his soaking wet and freezing feet. On Sunday, on the way out, the snowcat broke down. Fortunately we had the snowmobiles and were able to shuttle people and gear down to the cars. We had to get creative to get all the stuff down. We had people with backpacks on all four sides, riding backwards while holding coolers, armfuls of cross country skis... It was quite a day, we didn't get out of there until after dark. It was a great trip! I love the river rats.

Christmas Eve

This year the family decided to do the Ugly Sweater contest. For more details about the evening... see my ma's blog. Nana, Laurel, Billy and hank slept over for all of the excitement.. I wish that Christmas didnt have to come and go so quickly..

Last Day.. Moving to Provo!

Last Saturday I gave my boss my two week notice because I had decided to move to Provo! Today when I went in, they had all my shifts covered over Christmas and New Years! Although I did like working there, it was a nice surprise to get these special days off.. So long Samuel Fantastico!

Grandma Moore's Christmas Party

The best things about grandmas party are:

Seeing the long lost cousins and family
Homemade Caramels
Pepper Cookies
Eggnog with real creme
The Nativity Pageant
or this years Family Sharing Time...
Visits from Santa!
and best of all time with Grandma!

Billy, Marie and I performed an instrumental song for our family sharing time.. With no chance to practice it all together, it came out alright.. God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen.

Winter Festival

Kim and I planned a Winter Festival for the Hall of Flags at the school. We contacted all of the local shops and Utah resorts to come do some promoting. They all set up tables and showed off their stuff. Our shopped rolled out a big screen for video games and gave out free snow cones and hot cocoa. It went really well. I cant wait for next semesters trip planning and event coordinating. Its a fun job when they turn out well.

Finals Therapy

I am done with classes.. Finals are drawing near. This morning I went to a planning meeting for next semester in the OUtdoor Adventure Center of UVU. We are going on a lot of really fun trips! Two of my best friends Jakapo and Ramsay will be trip leaders as well. Hopefully I will be able to balance out the play aspect of school with my LAST general education classes! After studying a bit, I needed some theraputic productivity. I made a bunch of yarn on my spinning wheel. Each batch gets better and better although it is apperant that I am a novice! I will have to knit up something warm for Christmas Break! ! ! Wahooo ! ! !

OAC Christmas

This year the OAC went cosmic bowling to celebrate christmas! We had food, white elephant, music and dancing. I started off with a bang.. STRIKE!! Then, I couldn't keep the ball out of the gutters. Later, during the white elephant game, Mark opened a gift. It was a stuffed mystery creature! It resembled a platypus mixed with a dodo bird. Nick stole it but Mark and I conspired to get it back, and did at the end of the game..

Team WarPaint

Last night I hung out with my long lost cousin Nick. We went to a party at the U that Stevezee told us about. We played pool and you can see why Nick and I are now called team WarPaint.. Fortunately the chalk didn't stain my skin for too long. After the party, we went long boarding in some neighborhoods. It was late and cold but it was sure fun. Nick is moving to Provo to come to UVU with me! I am so glad!

Black Friday

I finally fell into it.. I went shopping on the biggest shopping day of the year. Fortunately for me, my style of shopping doesn't draw the largest crowd. I received a VIP invite to come to Thrifttown one hour before opening and receive a $5 gift card. I was second in the door. I went with fellow thrifter named Steve. I guess I am proud of being a VIP thats all. After knocking a few peoples teeth out trying to protect my purchases, I got together with my dad for bagels. Then bounced over to see Twilight with my mom, kevin and the sisters... I liked it a lot more than I thought that I would. My opinion was probably heavily influenced because Marie would clap, bounce and wave her hands with joy every time a new character was introduced. Its hard not to feel her excitement. The night was capped off with another movie and some crocheting at Skids house with all of the clan.. Good day.

Private!!

For all of the friends and followers of my blog, I am going private.. I just dont like the idea that you can google me and find out what I did the previous weekend. Please email me your email address if you would like viewing rights. alivanleeuwen@gmail.com You have until the end of November to do so.. Get er done.

Experience of a lifetime.

I thought that I might tell you all the latest in my life so that I won't have to re-open an old wound every time someone asks.. Doug and I have broken up. It wasn't the most ideal situation, but it ended well. I am very glad to have known him and to have learned so much. Its tragic that timing didn't work in our favor. I have no regrets and left nothing unsaid. I'm now shifting gears into another direction with hopes of finding something equal or better. Here is to a great friendship.

Help Baby Mia

Hello friends and family. Laurel told me about a blog of our old neighbor in Midway, Marie Jensen McDonanld. Her little baby girl just got a heart transplant. If you or anyone that you know would like to donate to help them, here is the website. Keep Fighting Mia.

http://helpbabymia.blogspot.com

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Martin Sexton

Halloween Concert
&
Costume Contest



2 Oompa Loompas out of 1500 people won the backstage passes and merchandise signing.

Provo Peak

Last weekend I went backpacking with the UVU Outdoor Program. We have been recruiting for new trip leaders. We took potential leaders to the summit of Provo Peak. We did primitive fire building Friday evening. Saturday morning we work up early to get to the summit. It was a very steep, shaley pathway that had no switch backs. UP UP UP! After reaching the summit, we hiked back down, loaded our packs, and hiked out all the way to the Y on the mountain above BYU. The summit is just above 11,000 feet, and the Y trail starts at 4,500 feet. In eight hours of hiking we experienced 7,000 feet elevation gain and loss.. I was sore the next day.

Home for a visit. Moab.

This is where I lived over the summer.

This weekend I went to Moab with the Evans family. We celebrated Doug Seniors Birthday, went to the indian watchtower, hiked down Onion Creek, and went to Arches. It was really fun to go back to visit the ol' warehouse. Our boss from the summer let us all stay in the employee housing. I forgot my camera down there, so.. I will just have to post pictures at a later date.

My Fantastic New Job

Fantastic Sams. Tuesday, Thursday. High Roller.

20 Minute Superhero

20 Minute Superhero. A fun game for for any local thrift store.

Each couple has twenty minutes from when they enter the store to come up with a super hero and villain characters for themselves.

Each character has to have:

1. Name
2. Power
3. Weakness

Judges base it on Creativity, Costume and Show.

I got to be the two headed Pepto Pink who controls the populations BM's, Doug as BullsEye, whos weakness is Darts, Dale as Dan the Hunter Man and Tade as Jack the Lantern who kills with her fire..







After, we went to the Smiths house. We played guess 'what is in my bag' and speed scrabble..

My Birthday!!!!

Twenty Two. This was a good birthday. My cousin Rachel had her son Bentleys baby blessing today. Doug came with me to it and we got to see a lot of my Dads side of the family. Afterwards, I went home and opened a few gifts from my Mom. Today was the Sunday we had planned a family gathering for all of the Birthdays this month, that just happened to fall right on mine.. Before the family got here, Doug came with his gift, a yarn spinning wheel! It is so awesome. I can't wain until I learn to use it. Now I can spin my own yarn instead of buying it all of the time. Its rare to get everyone together all at once, so tonight, we got a family picture.

















Left to Right

Back: Step-Bother Mike and his wife McKayla, Step-Sister Lara with her boyfriend Curtis, Step-Brother Steven, Boyfriend Doug and I, Brother-in-Law Travis, Sister Laurel and her husband Billy.

Front: Step-Sister Ashley, Step Father Kevin, Mom Becky, Sister Marie

Babies: Hank(Laurel and Billy), Zack and Katie(Marie and Travis)

Rio Grande

Seven months since I could carry this puppy in one arm. He is huge now. Sitting upright we are the same height.

San Rafael Swell with the Goblins

This weekend we went down to Goblin Valley with a bunch of friends. Some of mine and some of Doug's. With a bunch of glowstics, we went into the valley of the Goblins and hiked around and had sword fights with them. We stayed up late! The next morning a group went biking and we went to do some canyoneering in Crack Canyon. It was beautiful.

Full Moon, Four Friends, Five Sea Kayaks

Last night I went down the last part of the Provo River that flows into Utah Lake. The moon was bright and the water was still. A great night for sea kayaking.

Belle Canyon

Saturday, Doug invited some friends and family to hike up Bell Canyon. We hiked to a waterfall and had lunch looking out on the Salt Lake Valley.

Utah State Fair

Last night we went to the Utah State Fair. I hadn't been since a field trip in 5th grade. It was just as I remembered it. We did the grav-a-tron ride and the big slide. I had my first funnel cake too! It made me understand Americas weight problem. It must have had 2000 calories per bite. We got to meet our friend Keith from the river that has been living in China, working for their government. It was good to see him.

Bowling with the Evans

Triple date with Doug's parents and sister/brother-in-law. Cosmic Bowling.

Snake River

Doug, Brenna and I just got home from the Snake River in Wyoming. on our way out, we went through Evanston. While eating at Pizza Hut, our friends Tim and Audrey who we had been working on the river with all summer, came and suprised us! I was such luck that we would run into them there! Audrey got a job at a Mental Hospital there and they had just moved into the provided housing there at the Hopital. We ate with them and kept on the road. We arrived at Alpine campground and got to test out Dougs new raft the next two days! It was so cool. We met the Kadlecks and other family friends. We ran the same stretch two days in a row. Big Kahuna was kickin'. On the way home we met Tim and Audrey agian and slept over at their hospital appartment. In the morning, we traveled to Ft. Bridger in their VW Bus to the Mountain Man Rendezvous. I got a steel and flint fire kit and some antler beads and sinue from a man named RedWing. I cant wait to go next year!

School Began!

Yuck. Only two more semesters until my associates.

Alpine Waterslide

Doug and I went to go hike to the Timpanogos Caves with Chotz and Z (the newlyweds). The tours were full so we went to the natural water slides in Alpine. Doug forgot to take his glasses off so when he went down, they fell off into the water. We all looked in the freezing water. Z stepped on them and found them unbroken!

Wilco Twice in one Weekend!

The day we got home from the music festival Wilco was playing again at the Red Butte Gardens. This is Dougs favorite band so of coarse we went again.

Jackson Hole Music Festival

Doug and I met friends from UVU in Jackson and went to the music festival at the Teton Village. We saw Dougs foavorite band, Wilco, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Sun Volt, Ben Harper and the Black Crowes. One of the mornings, we woke up to a buffalo near us. We walked over and drank orange juice while we watched it. Skiddy and I came up with a new business called scenic buffalo cuts. See picture for details and appointments.

The Cabin

When we got home from Moab we had time to drop our stuff and head to my family cabin. My mom and Kevin, Steven and Sadie, Doug and I, Laurel, Hank and Dangle were all there. We had a good time on 4 wheelers, playing playdough, and leaving the dog by accident in the cabin. Good thing we remembered half way home.. It was a late night.

Coming Home

Yesterday was my last daily trip. Today I am packing up my Subaru until tonight when Doug gets off his last Westwater trip. We are going to repel off Corona Arch for our last night in town. . This summer went all too fast with some fun surprises along the way. Its been real, but its time to go North and wait for snow to fall. I will begin school at UVU this month. I suppose I will be back to The Canyons Spa for one more season.

Midvale Olympics

The water is lower and slower, the time has come to keep the passengers entertained on the flat sections. Last trip we held water olympics.

Some of our events were:
Ice Cream Fight : Which guide can stay the cleanest?
Dumptruck : How fast can you empty your raft and pull everyone back in?
Rescue Race : How fast can you pull in a friend from 70 feet downstream with the Rescue throw bag?
Hamburger Patty Toss : How far can you throw a leftover hamburger?
BeansAlmondDean : Who can eat the most leftover beans the fastest?
Sunk Ducky : How many people can you fit on a 2 man kayak? We got 17!
My boat took the gold! Needless to say it was a really good Cisco.

Doug's Cabin

After a mandatory meeting for all of the Worldwide employees (going out to lunch), We were all notified that nobody had to work on Monday.. 3 Day Weekend for Everyone! Most of us including; Brenna, Doug, Derek, Sara, Stucki, Dallin, Matt, Nicky, Caity, Brad, and I made the drive. And my pup too! The cabin is above Kamas next to the Weber River. We played croquet in the giant yard, hiked up the adjacent mountain, played guitar, watched a movie, walked to a waterfall.. all kinds of fun stuff. On the way home we stopped at my house to say hello to the family. We ordered pizza and got to act silly because Marie was around to egg on the uncoordinated dancing, raptor like walking and Dougs signature hucky ducky shuffle. The weekend was a lot of driving but all worth it.

Uranium Arch

Verl, who sometimes works at High Point Hummer, took us out the last night to Uranium Arch. Doug and I took turns driving on our four wheeler while K Pax got her first time experience driving Verl around.

Mandatory Meeting

Worldwide had a mandatory meeting the other day. They packed us up in the van and took us out to lunch to do "scheduling". Free lunch at The Brewery!

Body Burnout?

These days I cant even pour a glass of milk without my elbow joints cramping up and sending nerve pain through my arm. Too much of something... The other day I had seen better days. I was on a Cisco in the yellow row boat. The arm pains were very frustrating while I rowed making it easy for other things to hit my nerves as well. There is only three weeks left of work. Unfortunate timing to have stretched something or body aches. I realize that a whole body is taken for granted. The night that I got home from my trip, the crew went repelling near Lions Back jeep trail. At first I was bummed that they chose an activity that would hurt my arm to do, but after 4 Ibuprofen and watching friends do it over and over, I felt a little better and joined them. I helped end that day on a more positive note.

Dallin gets the M. Preisthood.

Dallin a co-worker at worldwide has been prepping for a mission this summer. Last sunday he got ordained. His family came from Texas and went to the Moab Brewery for dinner to celebrate. Dallin is Doug and Brennas cousin so we came along to the family dinner. I got a personal priesthood interview/hot seat from Uncle Gordon about dating his nephew before we all went to a fireside. All went well. He is a great guy! He reminds me of my Uncle Mike.

Desolation Canyon

July 12-17

Three wonderful years in a row I have participated with the UVU Outdoor Education Desolation Canyon River Trip. This year I got to try out a Cataraft! I am not so sure I loved it as much as a normal raft but it was fun to row something different. I came home a few days before the trip to take care of some rigging and other things. I got to spend time with family and friends. At the pre trip orientation meeting, news came that there was an extra spot available. Doug filled the spot. It was really fun to have him there to mix with some of my river posse while relaxing on a private trip instead of the work work work invlolved in a Commercial Trip. All of the rapids went smoothly with the exception of one wrapped ducky/inflatable kayak. Wrapped meaning hit a rock and got stuck from the current pressing down on it. The camping was great, the side hikes were beautiful, the mosquitos and horse flies were unceasing, the company couldn't have got better, the weather topped it all off by staying mostly sunny the whole time. A life changing event, no doubt about it.

Hangin' with the Sis

While up in Salt Lake, Doug and I went to my sister Marie's house for a visit. It turned into dinner, a walk to the local snow shack, and games. When I showed up, Marie and I were wearing the same clothes. She always has tried to be like me. :)

Cataract

Hey everyone! I am leaving on Cat tomorrow morning at 530. I will be home Saturday night. Happy Birthday Laurel! Happy fourth too~ I havent had my phone near. Love you all! Talk to you soon!

I am back now. The water level has dropped out of the "high water" but was still amazing. Running at approx. 32000 CFS. Melanie and I came along as swampers/passengers not guides. A fun memory of the trip was when 6'7 350lb Loenzo flexed his arm to make me a thrown on high. It was a really good time. Bree had berfect runs on the motor. Almost too perfect we barely even got wet. (good thing for me though) On the first day, a clip of an oar pierced right through my knee. Had I been near civilization I would have needed stitches. I saw what my innards look like and nearly passed out. It is healing fine due to Lorenzos steristrip work.

Swamping the Daily

"Swamping the Daily" A phrase that would likely cause a confused look or even a small chuckle in the world of river guiding. A swamper is an assistant to a guide that is usually used for big trips. Last night, I got the privelage of being asked to swamp an overnight trip with Doug, from Dewey Bridge to the BLM Takeout Beach. On this trip, the swamper(me) was used "for company sake..." because the trip only had two customers that were supposedly floating in a two man kayak, leaving Doug alone in the boat the whole time. Our passengers Leesa and Dave ended up not kayaking but riding in the boat with Doug and I. They were really cool! I hit it off with Leesa and Doug did with Dave. We had endless conversation and adventure. Everything worked out perfectly. I love swamping the daily.

Elephant Hill

Doug Brenna Lindsey Stuki KPax Dale Carrie Derek Me

This is the Worldwide crew that came on our weekend excursion to the backcountry of Canyonlands. We took Dougs Blazer and Dales Jeep. When we arrived, we slept in the parking lot at the base of Elephant Hill. In the morning we jeeped up and over and explored the needles district. Sliding through slot canyons and scraping to the tops of rock mounds, we found phenomenal veiws. We also went to the Confluence Overlook, which looks over the Green River meeting the Colorado. This convergence sparates Canyonlands National Park into the three districts, Needles, Maze, and Island in the sky.

Leaving for Cisco

This was my scout group yesterday, Whites rapid is getting bigger everyday. I sunk the bishop. Off for a three day trip. Water is pumping. Be back Saturday night.

Flippy Mcgee

Well it happened. Every river guide has either flipped a boat or is still yet to flip a boat. My story, while not horrendously exciting, turned out to be a cool story. . The river is peaking, the most water since 1997 currently. The rapids all were big and thankfully after last week, went well. As we got to the take out, the normal routine of drop off the passengers then R1 (row it solo) to the ramp around the bend turned to catastrophe. Brian tied a raft to the bow of my boat and then filled it with two inflatable kayaks. I was a bit concerned about "pulling a trailer" into the takeout. He had full confidence in me so and said "Well, you gotta learn sometime" So I made my way around the bend. I felt like I approached it at a good angle and was pulling to the best of my ability to shore. There waited my coworkers ready to pull me in. The raft attached to me stayed in the current while I got into the slack water but the attachment pulled me downstream slowly. I was missing takeout! Too much weight plus too much wind got the best of me when a (later found out on the radio) a 45mph wind gusted and lifted and turned the boat upside-down on me. I quickly oriented underwater and came to the side of the boat. having just spent my muscles trying to get to the ramp, I had a hard time getting back in the boat. I was lucky that the boat flipped a whole 360, that way I didn't have to flip it over again but was unfortunate to have sacrificed a few things like nalgene, visor, and throwbag to the river. I met up with a group from Adrift and they helped me to get to Big Bend, the next take out two miles away. All went well after shifting weight into my boat. I was greatful for Adrift. That wind rocked my socks.

2 cool pics from today :

Dang Duckies

Duckies are inflatable kayaks.

Duckies + 14 year olds = CARNAGE

I'll have to write more later but there were three instances that I had to leave my boat to aid some hairy situations. Two girls stuck in a swift strainer, one boy who got dumped from his boat at the Big Bend take out holding on for dear life to a tammarisk tree in the current and a boys life jacket strap entrapping him to an over turned duckie. messes happen when there is not a guide there in each boat. Needless to say I am exausted.

Jeeping

Tara and Kim were here in Moab visiting for an ESL Outdoor Trip. It was sure good to see them tonight! The worldwide team went out to Klondike Bluffs on a jeeping excursion. Dale, Verl and Doug drove their rigs while the rest of us sat back to enjoy the ride. We didn't find the arch we were in search of because it was dark but it was a fun trip! I really love that worldwide does things like this as a group. We all have pretty great chemistry! I love it down here!