Finished posting photos from our week long adventure in Southern Utah. We hiked over 40 miles, including an overnight trek through Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the US.

Buckskin Gulch was incredible and my first time doing an overnight backpacking hike. We camped for the night on a sand bar in with canyon walls all around us. It was spectacular. And I not only survived the miles of hiking, but thrived.

The entire trip made us want to return to this area of Southern Utah. There are other national parks to explore, more hikes to do, and more places to explore. It’s truly an awe inspiring landscape… a showcase for how water shapes the earth in crazy and beautiful ways. Itching to return when the weather cools down again and have more time off.

Plot: A hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit.

Starring: Stephen Dorff, Elle Fanning, Michelle Monaghan and Benicio Del Toro

Release Date: December 22

Anticipation level: CAN’T FREAKIN’ WAIT! And hi, Stephen, I’ve missed you!

Watch for us in the blur… starting at 3:27.

But first, we picked up Baxter who didn’t make the trip with us. We missed the little bugger so much. Then we had to unpack, wash, and clean our gear and clothes. Catch up on emails, TV, and drama. And go see “Robin Hood”, which we loved. (Being that I’m a big geek about Medieval Europe history and art, this movie and “The Secret of Kells” were tailor MADE for me… SO WELL DONE!)

And, yes… also time to start a new blog. Introducing PuppyHiker.com. Ridiculous. I know.

Yes! Done! Finally!

Last night, I finished sorting, tagging, and posting photos from the big trip to France. Hard to believe it was a year ago I was waking up in the Loire Valley and then driving to Paris on Cinco de Mayo.

I miss the feeling of that entire trip. The best chocolate ice cream ever to be eaten, the feel of the breeze on my arms, the sunshine filtered through lush green trees, cobblestones under my feet, riding the metro to explore new places, living the life for just a moment in such a beautiful and alive city…

Will try to post my favorite photos from the trip soon. Still trying to catch up on so many things. All while getting ready for the next adventure. A week of hiking in Zion National Park. Something I’ve been “training” for since the start of the year. 7 big hikes increasing in length. Past two weekends we successfully completed 10+ mile hikes. It’s been joyful to discover so many hidden gems in my own backyard. Southern California has marvelous beauty amid all the chaos.