Just another reason why not to have an inclined driveway.

I drove from Denver, Colorado to Alpine Utah without chains.  It snowed most of the way but no chains required.  I get to Grandpa Spence's house at 10:00 PM at night.  The driveway is about 75 feet long and I need to put on chains to get up the driveway. 

The top of Grandpa's drive way.  Notice the chains.

The Attack of the Killer Elk

Sun Tzu once said, "The art of war is deception".  This is also applicable in the animal kingdom.  Sara, Nick, mom and I were having a peaceful stroll through the Garden of The Gods park near Denver Colorado.  As we were walking an Elk was strolling along with us.  Thinking to myself, "how beautiful, one of Gods creatures in all it's grace, peaceful, tranquility, a friend to all".  Because of its close proximity to us I thought it wanted to commune with man.  I started to capture this peaceful moment by way of digital media.  Then out of nowhere the dang thing charges me.  What the freak!  The crazy thing is, I see it charging me, but I keep taking picture of the assault despite the large antlers waiting to impale me.    

A nonchalant stroll to gain our confidence.

A casual interest.

Feigning a peaceful interest in us.   We kept our distance as not to spook the docile creature.

Acting as if he was to pass us by without indecent. All along gaining ground on us.  Oh the deceitfulness of the beast.

Then he looks away as if to show a lack of interest in us.  There in lies the deception.

Then he turns and charges at me.

Notice the rage and intent of his attack.

Notice that I keep taking picture as he comes within 6 feet of me.

A near miss

Then his retreat along with his victory of his contact with man.

Then off into the bushes probably laughing and wondering if I peed my pants.

I will admit it was awesome seeing such a majestic animal so close and in full gallop.  Hearing his huff strike the ground so close.  It wasn't until after the indecent that I thought of being impaled by the dang thing.

Day after Thanksgiving hike at Garden of The Gods Park

Garden of the Gods is a park just south of where Sara lives.  We had a nice time just talking and enjoying the beauty.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Sara's

Sara went to a great deal of preparation with the dinner.  It was fantastic and a lot of fun with Nick and Sara.

It begins

Nick helping out.

Bacon in the skin

This looks gross, but the stuffing was great.  It looks like something that should be coming out of a turkey not going in.

All Done

Depending on who you talk to either mom or Sara dropped the turkey.  I only see Sara.  This was the after dinner clean up.

On our way to Sara in Denver

As we began our trip we made a stop over in Provo to pick up Nick.  Then we were on our way to Sara's in Denver.  The first few pictures are a good argument why not to live in Utah.  But in defence of Utah, it has some of the most beautiful scenery.  The winds were blowing at about 50 MPH and the temp according to out car was 23 degrees.  It really is actually amazing being there in person.

Nick by the lake



Nick catching some air.

Nick by the road to Wyoming





Wyoming



The land of desolation, Utah

Notice the snow being thrown by the wind.

Near Park City Utah