4 Wheeler Ride

IMG00008.jpg, originally uploaded by Lee Bracken.

We went for a 4 machine ATV ride up Ox Valley this evening. It was fun for the kids as we saw lots of deer with fawns and even a snake to torment. Rand, Shemri, Jake, and Braden in this photo. Lara and Gunner was on another, and Colten and Megan on the third one. I rode the fourth one. It was a beautiful ride.

IMG00012.jpg, originally uploaded by Lee Bracken.

Flat Top Summit

IMG00002.jpg, originally uploaded by Lee Bracken.

Saturday evening after work Charlene and I hopped on the 4 wheeler and rode up to Flat Top. We decided to hike to the top of the highest peak, and this is a cell phone photo shot from the very top. The hike was through a lot of short heavy oak and lava rock and we took some comfort believing that rattlesnakes don't normally live at this high altitude. After hiking back to our ATV, we only went a short distance before seeing two rattlesnakes, one of which was pretty big. Good thing we saw them "after" the climb and not before or you would not be seeing this picture.

Rome

At the huge Colliseum of Rome. Capable of seating nearly 70,000 people to enjoy a variety of gladiator games for their entertainment.


In front of the amazing Pantheon. This building has been in continuous use for nearly 2,000 years. It remains an engineering and architectural marvel. The outside seems plain, but the inside is stunning.


Inside the Pantheon.


In front of the Vatican and St Peters Square with the imposing St Peters Basilica in the background. The location for the filming of parts of "Angels and Demons".

Venice

The Grand Canal in Venice. No roads and no cars ! The only way to get around is in a boat or gondola or on foot through the maze of narrow walkways and alleys.


Charlene seems to be pondering the fact that she really is in Venice!

Switzerland

Another view of Mt Eiger from a lower level near the village of Murren.


Charlene and Lee at the top of Mt Schilthorn with the imposing alp peaks behind us. Mt Eiger and its famous "North Face" is on the left.

Nineteen friends and family gathered at Hoover Dam for an overnight canoe trip down the Black Canyon portion of the Colorado River. We had excellent weather and had a wonderful trip as we paddled 13 miles to Willow Beach, Arizona. We hiked several slot canyons and explored some hot springs.


Mical, Diana, and Trevor flying our pirate flag as we paddled down the mighty Colorado.