I made plans. Rearranged them. Then altered them once more. There is always a detour somewhere, so I knew these plans were in no way solidified.

​Thus I found myself on the road a day ahead of schedule.

I’d categorize Utah is my freshy fresh 2017 love interest (the Supes are my local love and Canada is my big love). There are wonderful national parks in the state, but I’ve found that national parks only seem to have one or two relatively short trails that dogs are allowed to hike. National forests, on the other hand are prime time adventure dog real estate! 

30 minutes in, I lost the trail. I didn’t know I was lost until I saw the actual trail again.

​8:22 am. The valley sprawled out ahead of us, empty of visitors but full of adventures. 

​Things I’ve decided to do: 

1. Visit a place new each month, even if it is just a new hiking trail on a mountain I’ve hiked before (stepping out of my comfort zone, exploring is fun)
2. Explore more of my home state/region (this is my home; shouldn’t I know this area best?!)
3. Continue adventuring solo (plus the two beasts, obviously) (I love doing literally whatever I want whenever I want!)
4. Go on an adventure with friends (without the two beasts – gasp!!) (major leap outside the comfort zone – I have to consider other people and their opinions! Yikes!)
5. Visit Jasper/Banff (again), because why not?! 

Technically I started out strong checking off 1-3 with a hike on Ridgeline Trail at South Mountain on New Year’s Day, just me and the pups. And then another hike via Javelina Trail with the same crew the following weekend. 
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So I guess this weekend was a super bonus excursion for items 1-3.