Keaton Canyoneering

One weekend at the end of November, Keaton was off the grid ... my Life360 had a "last location" but no contact. Cal confirmed that Keaton had indeed had a plan to head out with some buddies, so I didn't worry (too much). Upon his return, I got some photos, video and even a write up!

My buddy Cameron is super into canyoneering. He’s explored a ton of canyons. He asked me, James, and Spencer if we wanted to do a couple canyons with him and we all said yes. The plan was a short trip over the weekend, staying one night. The place we were going to was about four hours out. It was in Moab / Lake Powell / Hanksville area. I actually don’t know the name of the place, but it was in the middle of nowhere and we didn’t have service.

We rode up on Saturday morning with a very loaded truck. There wasn’t much room to spare. The tonneau cover was bulging. When we got there, we hit a canyon first thing. We got our gear and started hiking. It was about 30-45 minutes of hiking until the first rappel. Cameron was really good at informing us what to do and what to expect. We made the first rappel super slow and super careful and knew immediately that this was going to be a ton of fun. There were a few more trips down this canyon, but nothing too crazy. We didn’t have to do any wild techniques or get wet. It was a fairly beginner canyon, perfect for us. There was one rappel that was 90’ and for a bit of it, there was nothing to hold onto, so we were free hanging for a few seconds. That was my favorite part.

That night we made a fire, cooked brats, and ate a bunch of snacks. Cameron brought a laser that lit up these huge red rocks beside us. I brought my telescope and it was a perfect night to look at the stars. It was a ton of fun.

The next morning, we packed up and headed out for the next canyon. This one was quite a bit different than the last one. We hiked to the first rappel, but this time it lead us down into a narrow passageway that went on for a mile or two. The rappels were a bit trickier but not as high. We had to do a lot more stemming here. That’s where you wedge your body between two walls and shimmy forward.

After we made it out, we were headed home. There was a local burger joint in Hanksville that we stopped at before the long journey back. When we got back home, it was simply unpack, go to sleep, and go to work the next day. 10 out of 10 would do it again.

Uploaded the bit of video to YouTube for easier sharing/storage ...

https://youtu.be/NSh8po3Pj5U

Vera vs Stuffed Chickens

Costco carries these cute stuffed chicken doggy toys. I've bought a few for Vera, and around Halloween, there were two "pirate" versions. I bought both. While they are some of the sturdier dog toys, they still don't last that long when once introduced to Miss Vera. 

Cal and Kate had visited, and taken home one of the chickens, but it wasn't long before Cal asked if the second was available. It was time. He took some pictures, the new vs the one Vera had been playing with. One leg gone. Back and head opened, stuffing out.  How long before the new chicken is in the same shape?  Vera looks so innocent in the picture! 

Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving has always been more of a Blackham side holiday. Pammy would go all out with decor and delicious fixings. Clay&Courtney's crew would alternate years with Courtney's side of the family.  After Pammy's passing, we've alternated between C&C's house or hosting (and one year trying out the buffet at the Grand). This was a year C&C were with the Cullimore side, so we planned to have Thanksgiving at our house. Olivia, Ana and the boys joining. Missing Cal&Kate, in St. George with the Allens, and Colton at Haley's house. 

Grayson actually started the day with a half-marathon. Not just a 5k Turkey Trot, but the full 13.1 miles. Usually he likes to rest a bit after (understandably) but today he got straight to work, getting turkey breasts, ham and prime rib on the smoker. 

I'd made roll dough on Wednesday, and got rolls rolled out (orange and regular dinner rolls) and rising, the orange rolls baked (and iced). I'd prepped jello cubes and my CoolWhip dessert on Wednesday too (I hadn't planned properly and had to have Cooper stop at the store to pick up said Cool Whip on the way home from work), and hard boiled some eggs, which I deviled Thursday morning. I peeled potatoes and Gray finished them up (he's got a process, boiled, then through the ricer, then whipped, lots of butter, yum!) Simple Stovetop Stuffing and basil carrots.  There was even gravy (something we don't usually make just for us). 

Cleared of the kitchen table ... we so seldom actually sit down and eat there. With the numbers we had (10) we set up another table in the family room. Note to self, keep some tablecloths on hand. I found a turquoise blue one which was better than nothing, but it didn't really scream "Thanksgiving" ... some candy corn and mini-pumpkins were our decor. 

Olivia brought a cute turkey veggie tray and Ana brought drinks, a salad and some dessert. Landon brought some rolls and a pumpkin cheesecake that everyone raved over.   Grayson complained a little, about how much prep goes into the feast prep for about 15 minutes of eating!

The food was yummy. The conversation plentiful. The television was on, football game playing. A couple card games after the dinner plates were cleared. We went with nice, but disposable, dishes, which cuts down on cleanup. 

... after dinner, everyone (sans Gray&Jen) went to a movie. 

Predator:Badlands

(again ... the tree makes it look like a Christmas picture!)

... got a couple pictures from the "away kids" with their alternate family/feasts, although I joked with Colton that his looked more like Christmas pictures! Cal&Kate in St. George with her folks, Matt&Maci and Ben (and the three doggos). Colton in Lebanon/Oregon with his girlfriend's family. 

 

What are you thankful for?