GNIRRRR 2008

The Great Northern Iowa Radical River Run Race took place over the weekend. My teammates were Ben and Heather and we enjoyed the "organized chaos" as our tee-shirts read, on Saturday morning. The fog was thick which added to the mysteriousness of the event! It involved 10 teams that had to run 4 miles, canoe 3 miles, portage 1/2 mile and complete 4 mystery events which involved carrying eggs, croquet, basketball, and cutting open a pumpkin to use it as a pale to collect water and dump into a 5 gallon bucket. Rather than try to explain further, I'll let the pictures tell the story. It is truly a one of a kind event that has grown in interest...3 teams in year one, 6 teams in year 2 and ten teams in year 3.

Wedding Congrats!

Wedding congrats go out to Keven and Leigh and Josh and Jackie!
Wishing God's blessing on your marriages!

Backpacking at Pictured Rocks

The backpacking trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan was simply awesome. I've never been on a backpacking trip before so I greatly enjoyed the new adventure. I had told our Outdoor Rec Coordinator at work that if he could convince my co-worker, Kristy, to go, I too would sign up for the trip. To my surprise, Kristy signed on and I was soon in a 15 passenger van on the adventure with her and a few new friends! Justin went to school in the UP so he knew I would love the autumn colors and he was certainly right!

We camped for three nights, moving our camp each night. Our hikes consisted of a 6 miler on Friday, 13 miler on Saturday and 5 miles on Sunday. I estimate that my pack weighed 30-35 pounds so needless to say, my body is a little sore today! The weather went from cold to cool to warm as we hiked and we did endure some rain on and off. All in all, it was an amazing trip. Me at the trailhead ready to begin the journey.
One of my favorite spots along the trail.

L to R: co-worker Kristy, student trip coordinator Amanda, and D.

Kristy and D.

Preparing dinner. Trip coordinators. Andy, Adam, Amanda, Eli, Nick, Mike and Forrest.Miners castle. One of many waterfalls along the route. Group photo along the trail. Look at the beauty of the trees! An example of the trail we hiked. Beautiful beach! A few of our trip participants took a dip in Superior-not this gal!Group photo on our departing day.

Adventure Awaits

I'm leaving on a backpacking trip today to MI with our Outdoos Dept. at my work. I've never been on a trip like this before so I'm excited! I got all my food put into baggies last night and got my backpack packed! Justin advised me to try a few "hills" with my pack on by going up and down the stairs! Hope I'm ready! More pics to follow when I return.