2015-04-12 Living Room Trail Hike

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We had a warm winter and the temperature has been hovering in the 60s and 70s these past few days. Sunday was quite sunny with some gentle breeze. Xiaodong and our family decided to hike the Living Room Trail. Near the trailhead parking area, I saw some yellow flowers started blooming. They turned out to be arrowleaf balsamroots. We didn't expect to see these flowers because normally they bloom in late April. Rain is doing very well hiking on his own for most part of the trail. The clouds were very interesting and we all enjoyed the awesome view of Salt Lake valley.

2014-12-26 Fire Wave Hike

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On the day leaving Vegas to go back to Salt Lake, we stopped by the Valley of Fire State Park (50 miles east of Vegas) on our way home. I missed the Fire Wave last year because there was no sign for this unique trail. This year, they put up the sign and we did not miss it. It was a gorgeous day to hike this place.

2014-12-25 Kraft Mountain Loop Hike

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For our Christmas activity, we and 3 other families decided to go to a warmer place. The default for many people is Las Vegas due to its geographic proximity to Salt Lake City. But we don't want to wander in the casinos during the day, so we visited a few places just outside the city. We went to hike the Craft Mountain Loop trail located in the Red Rock Conservation Area. The hike was supposed to be easy, but there are a few spots that require some rock scrambling. Though it was scary at times, but thanks to God's protection, we all made it back to the parking lot and had a great memory.

2014-11-09 Living Room Trail Hike

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Even when Thanksgiving is around the corner, we have not given up on hiking yet. Thanks for a warm summer, there are still some brush oaks turning color in the Living Room trail. Our hiking group had a great time hiking this easy trail. In the end, we enjoy the view from the "Living Room" furnished with rock chair and sofa. The another neat thing for this hike is that kids brought their ukulele and played a song "One Day" (by Plumb) in the living room.

2014-10-19 Bells Canyon Lower Water Falls Hike

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Our hiking group went on a short hike to the Bell Canyon Reservoir. After reaching the destination, we thought it is still early, and decided to hike the lower falls. It was a bit of hard due to steep elevation gain. But the falls in the end is a great reward for everyone.

2014-10-12 Willow Lake Hike

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Willow Lake is an easy hike located in the Big Cottonwood Canyon. Due to a warm year, the aspens have passed the peak color. But the scenery is still worth the short 2-mile hike.

2014-10-05 Stewarts Falls Hike

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This was not the most spectacular year for autumn foliage due to extreme warm summer. However grown-ups and kids had great time hiking the Stewart Falls trail in Provo Canyon.