Mussels in Brussels

I traveled to Brussels, Belgium to attend a conference. It was a quick trip but I certainly made good use of my time. I presented a poster that earned an award for being the distinguished poster at the conference. I saw the sites (not much to see in Brussels), had amazing food (must try the mussels in Brussels), drank delicious beer (mmm, raspberry beer!), and even played some blackjack at a casino!

Frenchman Mountain

Rick and I hiked up Frenchman Mountain. It's an awful hike up, with absolutely no scenery and endless elevation gain. But the top is an unbeatable view of the valley.

Scrambling at Calico Basin

Mike, Kristin, and I spent Labor Day scrambling at Calico Basin, one of my favorite hiking spots. It was a beautiful day. The last picture of the bee won me first prize in my hiking group's photo contest - I got free Jimmy Buffett tickets!

Gold Strike Hot Springs

Rick, his girlfriend Loren, and I went to Gold Strike Hot Springs for a day of scrambling. I had done this hike with Joe in January, and it was quite the challenge. It follows a creek down to the Colorado River, and much of the hike involves climbing over boulders using ropes. This time, the hike was much easier for me, I assume because I am in better shape and because I have a lot more experience scrambling now.

Within minutes, I had already injured myself. The rocks in this area are very sharp. I lost my balance while standing on a rock about 6 inches off the ground, and it cut my hand when I braced myself falling. This is not a good sign considering the boulders that I would be climbing down later in the hike are 10+ feet off the ground!

A sweet little frog that posed for me.

The creek, close to where it meets the Colorado River.

The Colorado River as seen from the trail.

Me standing under a very wimpy waterfall.

Me using a rope to climb up a boulder.