TeNgaio Blog Pages

Stanley Lake 2012

>> Thursday, July 26, 2012

McGown Peak

We've been wanting to check out the Stanley Basin area for quite some time now and with the current heat wave going on, we figured it was time.

Hiking to Lady Face Falls.

Feeding frenzy at the fish hatchery in Stanley.

With no campsite reservations, we were pretty much winging it. Sure, there are plenty of roadside campsites off the highway but of course, that wouldn't work for us. Our first stop was at the over populated Redfish Lake area. Like we figured, no luck. That was fine by me because that place is like Vegas in the mountains – it kind of sucked (for camping, at least). So, going on a tip from my Sawtooth-stompin' friend Marc, we headed to Stanley Lake and scored big time (thanks bro!).

Britt and Madi on the lake at sunset.

Hiking the south shore trail around Alturus Lake.

Chillin' like villains at the "da beach".

Stanley Lake has to be THE most beautiful car camping area I've ever been to. It's unreal. McGown Peak sits above the lake and the water, land, and skies are filled with wildlife. From catching frogs to watching osprey dive bomb the water for a meal to watching the glassy lake come alive at dusk with hungry fish are just a few things the kids loved.

Starting the Lady Face Falls hike.

Post dinner dip in the lake, complete with brain freeze.

The sign says it all.

"Bonzai"!

We spent 4 days at the lake and each day was pretty much: Get up, go hiking and exploring while it was cool, then in the heat of the afternoon, head down to the lake and soak up the alpine sunshine while taking turns dipping in the cool lake. Let me tell you, it was hard to leave. I even think Izzy-dog was reluctant to do so.

The reluctant Sand Dog.

Madi's 2 Wheel-Deal

>> Tuesday, May 22, 2012

On a hunch, we took Madi over to the school after dinner yesterday to see if she was ready to ditch her training wheels. As you can see from the footage, the results were spectacular! Within 10-15 minutes she was riding completely on her own and she didn't want to stop.

We are so proud of your Madi! You are going to have a rockin' good time this summer on that bike for sure.

Happy Birthday Big "E"!

>> Monday, May 14, 2012

We love you kiddo!

North Menan Butte April 2012

>> Saturday, April 28, 2012

On the rim, with the Big Hole Mtns. and Tetons in the background.

The Westside Tengaio's took advantage of the mild temps and hiked the North Menan Butte for the first. It's kind of funny that we've never hiked this before, seeing how we've done other family hikes that are farther away from home and this gem is right in our backyard.

The kids did awesome and had a lot of fun. Ethan is almost 9, so this grade of hiking is something that he should be comfortable on, which it turned out to be a good workout for him. He's got tree trunks for legs so it was all good for him.

Madeline is 5 and I had my reservations on how well she would handle the steep initial ascent from the parking lot. Not to worry though, she's a trooper and did the whole hike on her own. It probably helps that she is quite a spaz and has more energy than most girls her age. I can usually gauge someone's fitness on a steep hike depending on how much of a conversation they're able to carry on while climbing. The hike up didn't even phase her. She talked THE WHOLE WAY. Amazing.

Brittany told me that we have a goal to take Ethan and hike to the top of Table Mtn. this summer. I'm thinking Madi will be a serious contender as well. Sounds like the Westside TeNgaio's will be doing a lot more hiking in the coming weeks. Sweet!

Moab, post II

>> Sunday, April 1, 2012

Friday we headed out to the San Rafel Swell and hiked Crack Canyon. Once you leave the pavement the drive becomes more interesting. Navigating the "Behind the Reef" road is kick ass (I'd love to do a road rally race on it) and the two-track road leading to the mouth of the canyon is even cooler (i.e. technical). The Nazi-Lesbian-Tree-Hugger-Subaru did awesome.

The hike in Crack Canyon is really mellow (flat). The kids were stoked to scramble on the all slabs of sandstone. About a mile in you come to a few technical spots that require some downclimbing skills. It was classic getting the kids down but even better getting ol' Izzy-dog down through the small pitches. Good hike for kids and even dogs who are willing to be man-handled up and down short steep sections of stone.

After the hike we made to 2 hour drive back to Moab and the kids HAD to play on the big sand dune across from Arches Nat. Park entrance. It was pretty classic watching the kids climbing a 100' sand dune. All went well on the descent until Madi took a huge header followed by unexpected head-over-heels cartwheels thanks to her menacing big brother. I swear we are going to rent a big brother for him so he can beat up on (or get beaten upon by, lol!)

The day was closed by fine Mexican food, a table-side magician show and Mom and Dad enjoying a fine Margarita.

We'll be back to Moab for sure.

Here's a Facebook link to pictures from the trip.

Moab, post 1

>> Thursday, March 29, 2012

On a whim we headed to Moab for spring break. The drive was uneventful until we hit a major wind north of Green River. First a tote went flying off the utility trailer, followed by the small charcoal grill that damned near took out a motorcyclist. The last 70 miles were spent at a snails pace so we wouldn't lose anything else. Needless to say it was a relief when we finally rolled into town.

Being spring break, all the BLM riverside campgrounds were full so we opted for a commercial campground. It's pretty plush for camping. We're happy to pay the extra cash for amenities (showers, pool, cold beer!)

Today we went to Fisher Towers and hiked out to the Titan. Last time we were here, only Ethan, Izzy and I made a quick jaunt halfway along the trail so Britt and Madi also went this time. Even ol' Izzy dog made the mellow 4 mile round trip. Pretty cool area but as a climber, I have no desire to do the routes there. Steep featured limestone versus petrified mud? No brainer there.

Tonight it's dinner at the Moab Brewery. Tomorrow we are driving to the San Rafel Swell to check out a slot
canyon and petroglyphs.

The weather has been IDEAL. Low 70's and NO WIND. This how Moab should be for every spring break.

Swimming at Kelly Canyon

>> Wednesday, December 28, 2011

With a serious case of cabin fever overtaking the household, an afternoon of skiing was in order. So to the ski hill we transported..

Despite a late start, warm temps and light rain(!), our cabin fever kept us motivated.

As the kids, mainly Madi, are still weaning themselves off of "pizza-wedge turns" and "noodles", the local family ski hills have been our occassional winter playgrounds. We prefer Peeble Creek near Pocatello but lack of snow drove us to Kelly Canyon instead.

However, all who live in the southeast Idaho region know the only thing classifying "winter" is the calendar - mother nature has yet to catch up.

Nonetheless, the afternoon was spent having fun making turns in the mashed potato snow despite the water logged snow clothes (GoreTex can only keep one dry so for long).

Being the first time out on skis for the season the kids did rather well. I swear that Ethan's legs are almost as big as mine (dad has chicken legs) so skiing the Face run at Kelly's in sub-par conditions is no big deal for him. Madi took more to the rope tow than to Skiers Lane but had a blast with the downhill and even more so with the rope tow itself.

After 3 hours of "swimming" through the brown snow we all concurred it was time to call it quits and warm the bellies with Lucy's Pizza.

Oh, and Old Man Winter, if you're
listening: It's time old buddy.

Christmas Morning 2011

>> Sunday, December 25, 2011

After an extended break from the blog page, we thought it was time to start it up again. And what better time than Christmas.

The kids were kind enough to let Britt and I sleep until 7 a.m. I have a feeling though, that those "late" Christmas mornings are going to become a thing of the past. Nonetheless, the morning was filled with HCS (Hyper Children Syndrome) and even HIDS (Hyper Izzy-Dog Syndrome). Followed by a high calorie/fat/sodium breakfast that, thank God, we only make once a year, it made for an excellent Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and families. God bless.

Oh yeah, and our blog page is now set up for mobile devices too.