Independence Day

Since Logan celebrated the 4th of July on the 1st of July, Andrea and family went to Salt Lake over the weekend to celebrate with Jason's family. That left us alone to figure out what to do on the 4th. We decided to take a hike up Logan Canyon and get shakes at Bear Lake.

We hiked the Limber Pine Nature Trail, which is not very long and very scenic. It really felt good to get into nature again.

Limber Pine Trail

Overlook into a mountain valley 

This is a nice, gentle trail

The trail overlooks Bear Lake

 We went into Garden City for a shake. We ended up having lunch which included a hamburger with a gluten-free bun. We then drove around the lake, a 50-mile drive.

We were still very busy getting the yard and house in order, including cleaning out the garage. I went to the University (USU) and was asked if I would be willing to teach a class for this fall. Two faculty left the department and two others are on sabbatical so they are empty handed. I'll teach the beginning circuits class.

Wednesday, Kohler, Lauren, and Brynlie were trying to catch butterflies in the yard (catch and release, of course). I offered to take them to a little juniper park at the mouth of Green Canyon. It was a lot of fun.

I know there is a butterfly somewhere

Kohler, that's not a butterfly net 

Happy butterfly hunters

On Thursday we met with the Andersons, who will take our places as Area Technology Specialists in Brazil. Since they used to live in Logan they came here from Orem. We had quite a training session then went to eat dinner at the Elements restaurant. We hope they get their visas soon. They will really enjoy their mission.

The old and new ATSs for Brazil

 I have worn out my walking shoes so decided to get some new ones. On Friday I tried them out on the Gateway Trail to Logan Canyon. It starts at First Dam and joins in with the trail in Logan Canyon close to Stoke's Nature Center. It was a nice hike except for one thing. Diane couldn't find her walking shoes for our morning walk (Kamary borrowed them without saying anything) and developed blisters from her other shoes. She made it to the end, however.

New trail in Logan Canyon

Ducks at First Dam

When we got up Saturday morning we had a flat tire. We couldn't find the warranty information and couldn't remember where we bought the tires (there are still many things we can't find). After putting on the spare I took the car to Big-O where they fixed it with no charge.

On Sunday we had a conflict. There were two couples we knew in Brazil having their mission report at the same time in two different places - the Zaugg's in Bountiful at 11am and the DePaula's in Orem at 10am. We decided to go to Zaugg's since it was closer. After the meeting we went to the Mountain Shadows 1st Ward sacrament meeting. This was the Portuguese Ward where we served while waiting for our visas. They have split the ward. It was good to see some of the people we worked with.