4th of July, 1997
Josh, Julie, Ashley & Ruskin came up for the 4th of July as mandated by custom of long standing – They unloaded and scooted back down to Springville for the patriotic merriment. Dinner at the Pasta Noodle, fireworks at the city park, up close and personal. Then a downhome dance on he parking lit. A good time was had by all!
(– ???)
It has become important to note who won what games. Ruskin & Julie beat the socks off of Ashley and I in a pre 4th celebration Rook game. Then on the evening of the 5th, Ruskin again embarrassed Ashley, D.D. & myself in a rousing game of hearts. But the final and best victory would not go to Ruskin but a more worthy opponent. It was horseshoes. The teams were me & dad vs. Ashley & Ruskin. They were beating us 8 to 2 and we were playing to 10. Then D.D. & I went on a tear and emerged victorious, 10 – 9.
Also worthy of mention was a day hike to Cable Mountain. Ashley, Ruskin, Julie & I left at about 12:45pm due to much sleeping in (mostly by me). We had 8 bottles of water equaling about a gallon and a half. Plus sandwiches, binoculars & extensive camera gear. The round trip took a little over 4 hours. We had exactly enough water and not one drop extra.
Note: To all day time July hikers, take lots of water, more than you think you will drink, because you will.
On the hike we saw what we believe to to be a Gaws hawk & a Peregrine falcon, numerous lizards and that’s about it.
After the hike we roasted vegetables and some huge t-bone steaks, baked potatoes, and had corn on the cob. We thought we had severely overcooked but we ate every scrap. Julie and I drank a 12-pack of cream soda Shasta over 2 days. It was too sweet for everyone else and we were very dehydrated after the hike.
Sunday was for traditional cabin breakfast, eggs, bacon and hashbrowns. Then we sat in the shade as much as possible and played rummy and read books. We did fulfill Aunt Nellie’s edict to take photos of each couple on the swing. Mom & Dad were a reluctant couple but we took a lot of photos for posterity’s sake. Then Mom led us in a rock garden recooperation project. We tipped up all the tipped over rocks and then she raked some piles. It is time to depart. Another successful and hot 4th of July in the cabin heaven somewhere near Zion.
– Josh Aikens
Hope to see everyone on Labor Day.
– Uncle Jim