50.18 Utah: Alta: Germania and onto Sugarloaf Peak with a brief stop part way up Mount Baldy...and call back the past.

Why don't we pull up a couple of chairs and enjoy the sights instead of trudging up higher?

Okay. Have it your way.

"I think you like". That's a view toward Hidden Peak (to the right and below American Forks), a place we've hiked 3 times at 3,000 feet per session, each a different route. (Don't you hate boasters!) 

We've worked out why the US Post Office loses money. Imagine sending a postal worker up to the peak each day to collect mail. Nearly as bad, Jen asked me whether I'd brought along stamps. She wrote a letter because she had nothing better to do. Note the post box to her left.
Worth the climb for the view.
Another angle to view.
As we approach the saddle, we view Sugarloaf. Two weeks prior, we climbed the more difficult side. (Now we are smarter...and cowardly.)
A lake on the one side.
And (a) Cecret Lake on the other.
Suddenly, Jen changes her tune and looks for an easier way.
The epitome of life: Struggle.
Struggle 2 (too).
Struggle 3 (too) on Baldy from the non-trail side.
Views to live for.
A wet and probably smelly back but what a view...not the back, the front...no, not that front, the mountains and coloring.
After a couple of thousand feet lower, Jen approaches some of the views seen from Sugarloaf earlier. What was the point? Therein lies a major issue of life.
Last week we spoke of our 'cat'. This is our dog; we call him 'Moose'.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

We received another wonderful email from Doug Morton this week in which he educated us further on some Utah history. It reminded Jen of a blog we'd written in August 2011. Clearly, we were somewhat younger at the time, more intelligent and with a good grasp of history ourselves. Doug's note prompted Jenni to seek out the article which obviously displays the level of our intelligence at the time. Unfortunately, it has deteriorated (our smarts) a little over the years but we still remember the alphabet...all 18 letters and in sequence. 

Hoodoos at Peek-a-Boo, Bryce Canyon, Utah.
Here's the article: 

  "Speaking of the French, we are now able to give you an understanding of this hoodoo business. Yesterday, we mentioned the two opinions on their formation. The minority view goes something like this: When the Gauls conquered America, a long time ago; they established footings in the west and also, in Quebec. The latter was just to annoy the English, we believe. The leader, Blad der Gaul, had a vision that a certain Mr. Smith would form a great nation in this part of the world. He was impressed with the premise that there would be a large female but only a small male population--‘more moms’ than dads. This appealed to his fascination with polygamy; so he decided to pursue his dream. He summoned his assistants, UT and AH and explained his idea. 

  

UT and AH, after finally understanding the plan, called the natives to a meeting. For a franc a month plus a baguette a day, the locals agreed to a contract whereby they would beautify the state for the future generations and tourists. The Gallic artistic flare was foremost in his mind. Each person received a hammer and chisel, and set about carving shapes out of the rocks. The result: A large section of land is covered with hoodoos. 

  Blad der Gaul was impressed. He again summoned UT and AH but this time to congratulate them on a splendid effort. He named the state in their honor. The idea came to him when the two stood side by side, names stenciled on their chests, while accepting their certificates of merit. ‘Eureka,’ he shouted. No, that’s not right, he thought. After putting on his glasses :‘UTAH’, he exclaimed. 

  Of course, the other theory is that the cracks in the rocks fill with rain, freeze overnight, the ice expands which pressures the rocks to crack and over time, odd edges are formed. Who could believe such a theory? 

  The former idea is lagging somewhat in support with only one adherent. However, add another follower and it will amount to a growth rate of double (100%)—try beat that."

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Fall color shot of the week...okay, two. 

From Mount Aire.
On the way to Wire Peak.

Finally, the end.