Laboring... with the Locals and on the Trails

Another summer winds down as buses hit the roads and students hit the books. Well, at least the buses are out - not sure about all the students! Coincidentally, I came across the following words of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." In that verse it seems Paul is referring to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And then in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul tells us how the Scriptures were created: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Hmmm... looks like I better get studying too if we are striving for perfection!

But, before I do any studying (let's procrastinate like all good students), you're probably wondering what crazy things I've done this weekend. You'll have to wait a few days for Monday's escapades, but here's Saturday's adventures in pictures.
Heading up Little Elk Creek Trail, a 4 mile hike that puts you up around 9,200 ft.
Water - check.
PB&J - check.
Granola bars - check.
Extra socks - check.
Bear spray - check and double check.
Looking back at the mountains behind me. This is one of those trails that goes up, up and more up. First through a lower canyon and then on to an upper meadow/canyon.
This must be "Point" on the left with some pretty wildflowers growing. They must have run out of creative names for peaks in this area.
This one's for Mom in case she hasn't gotten any flower pictures recently.

Looking back at the canyon as the Palisades Reservoir barely comes into view.
Hiking up a little further you can see the Reservoir better. Wait, is it raining on my car?

"...red and yellow, black and white..."
And no, I have no idea what these are (except weeds if they're growing in your yard).

Up a little higher and looking back again.
Yet there's still so much to hike!

The final climb. OK, so there was a back way up, but that required bushwhacking, or should I say, weedwhacking?
But then when you get to the top, here's your panoramic view looking South.

The top is a ridge or saddle between two canyons. Looking West you can see the ridge line on the right and the canyon meadow on the left (only a few hundred feet straight off this cliff).
Looking North across the canyon.

Zooming in on the mountain range for a rewarding view of...
...Grand Teton sticking up in the distance.

It's hard to see through the haze, but since it's one of my favorite peaks, I had to post another picture.
A great place for lunch...

...and more pictures.
Oh, and headstands too, of course.

After heading down the mountain (OK, so it was more of a run and tumble) here's a view of the thunderstorms heading over Palisades reservoir.
Another view of the reservoir, the same one you could see from the peak.

I suppose it is clear that I love being outdoors. But I want to be sure and round out my cultured experiences while in Idaho. So what better thing to do then stop in at the local Truck and Tractor Pull! A what?!? Yup, these events are even sponsored. What do they do? You're going to go watch a pick-up truck pull something? What's so exciting about that? The answers are all the same... "I have no idea!" So, figuring that I could always resort to people watching for entertainment, I headed to Rexburg to find out more!Here's a quick video so you can be cultured too! A souped up tractor pulls a "weight transfer sled". As the tractor goes down the track, a big weight moves towards the front of the sled, slowly bogging down the tractor. (Let me know if you need the free-body-diagram.) The tractor that goes the furthest wins. OK, so I never did figure out what was so exciting, but now I know. Besides, have you been to a tractor pull?

It sure would be easier to work on my car if the hood opened like this!

This looks like the midget (Joe) class.

Based on all the flags and logos, this must be a very American sport. This guy's wife was allegedly responsible for the eye lashes and lips, but he's still driving it.

An old truck about to pull.

That was all for Saturday, but only the start to an adventurous weekend. Stop back soon for a look at Monday's adventure!