Transitions

Due to the slowing economy, I have lost all of my hours at Riverton Music. :(
Rather then hunt for a new job, I have decided to put all of my focus on teaching piano. I now have studio space at the Riverton Music in West Valley (4100 S Bangerter Hgwy) so I will be teaching there and in my home 4 days a week. I charge $60 per month for a half hour lesson once a week.
Please tell everyone you know who might be looking to start their little ones on the piano.

Come, Come!

All Horse Parade

Sandy's South Towne Center attracts equestrian friends and fun

South Towne CenterSandy, UtahJuly 11, 200910:00 a.m.The All Horse Parade moved to a new location in Sandy City in 2006. The event enjoyed unprecedented success at the new venue and, thus, Sandy City will again host this Old West parade.
The route is approximately 1.3 miles, starting at the intersection of 10000 South and 240 West, going east one-half block to the west-side lanes of the Centennial Parkway. The route continues south on the Parkway, looping around at the end, then turning north up the east-side lanes of the Parkway, returning to 10000 South. The route then turns east one-half block to Civic Center Dr.; north on Civic Center Dr. and going around Sandy City Hall to return to the starting point.
The Days of '47 All Horse Parade is fun for people of all ages. Entries in the parade represent the finest horses, carriages, wagons, drill teams and authentic costumes in the West. You will likely find the "Cold Water Gang" stirring up trouble before, during and after the parade. Bring the whole family and join us for an exciting time at one of the country's largest all horse parades.
For information regarding All Horse Parade registration and entries, please click here. The registration form for All Horse Parade entries may be obtained here. Click here for a copy of the route map for the All Horse Parade.
FREE admission.

Bryce Canyon

This weekend Russ and I went on a camping trip to Bryce Canyon with my cousin Sarah and her hubby Ben. They've been married for about 2 years, but because they live in Ceder City, we've never really had the chance to get to know Ben. In fact, because Sarah and her family (Uncle Don and Aunt Debbie and Co) always lived so far away I didn't really get to hang out with Sarah much growing up. We had a great time getting to know each other!

Ben and Sarah

Ben and Sarah got there first and found us a killer (FREE!!!) campsite. The plan was to meet them at approximately 8:30 at a visitors center at the junction due to lack of cell service. We rolled into town about an hour than expected and could not find the visitors center they were talking about. We drove back until we found one in Red Canyon, but we weren't sure it was the right one. We waited about 10 minutes after we were supposed to meet and I decided we would drive until I got cell service then we would wait there until I could get in touch with Sarah. Luckily she had the same idea. So we were able to connect without any problem. (The Visitor's Center Sarah was thinking of was not even in Bryce!) It was just about dark when we got there so Russ and I set up our tent while Sarah made us a dinner of mac and cheese and hot dogs. Ben and Russ got a fire going, quite impressive considering the wood was wet, so we toasted Mallows and made s'mores with Andes mints. Yum!

After a chilly night, (we think it was so cold because the air was so damp) we woke up to a gorgeous blue sky. We ate a quick breakfast, made our lunches and headed for the canyon. We hiked Fairyland loop.

Here is nps.gov's description of the hike:
Fairyland Loop Trail begins at Fairyland Point, at the northern portion of the park, and takes you through spectacular hoodoos and scenery along the rim and into the canyon; including a spur trail to Tower Bridge. The Fairyland Loop Trail also includes a portion of the Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Fairyland Point.This hike is considered strenuous due to its length and meandering trails with multiple elevation changes. It is best to carry plenty of water, 1 quart (liter) for every 2-3 hours of hiking per person, as this hike typically takes 4-5 hours round trip over the 8 mile (12.9 km) length. In the summer sun screen or large brim hats are recommended and are even a comfort year round to avoid sunburn.

Topographical image of Fairyland Loop Trail


The hike had just started, and we were going down hill, so we're still in good spirits!

Tower Bridge. This is where we had lunch.

Me and Sarah!





Going down. Look at that sky!


And that sky! Southern Utah has my favorite sky. Its just so blue!


After our exhausting hike we decided to cool our feet at Tropic Reservoir with a little fishing. (Ben and I fished, Sarah sketched, and Russ enjoyed the sensation of the baby fishies nibbling his toes. We all enjoyed that last bit actually!) The cool water completely refreshed our tootsies!






After our non-productive fishing trip it was back to camp to start dinner. We made tinfoil dinners with a twist! My Uncle just got back from a fishing trip in Alaska where he caught tons of Salmon! He very generously gave me an entire side of fresh caught wild Alaskan Salmon! We brought it along and cooked it with squash, zucchini, potatoes, shallots, carrots, butter, and dill. It was probably the best meal I have ever had on a camping trip!

With his welding gloves, fire is no mach for Russell Muscle!

After a beautiful sunset, Ben and Russ built a bonfire. (What is it with boys and fire?) We had some more S'mores, some hot chocolate, and went to bed. This night was much warmer, and we slept so much better. (Though at about 3 in the morning I had to potty, which is never fun when there isn't a bathroom!)

Yes, that is a log sticking up out of the fire. Sigh....boys....



The next morning we broke down camp and drove to Mossy Cave for one last hike.

Waterfall!

Playing in the waterfall! (The rocks were very poky and ouchy on bare feet!)

In mossy cave. It wasn't very mossy though.

The traditional tourist photo!

Thanks so much, Sarah and Ben, for an amazing trip!

Girls Trip!

I was lucky enough to be invited to go on a road trip with my bestie Sam and her cousin Kira over Memorial Day Weekend. Kira was going to spend the weekend at her Mothers house in Redlands. Much fun was had by all!

How I've spent my spring!

So far, this spring has been really amazing! I've taken a couple great hikes, been fly fishing with my brother and started riding again. We've also had some interesting visitors to the Sorenson household! Here are a few pictures showing what we've been up to!

April 3

I decided I'd had enough of the fake spring in Utah, so Russ and I drove to Zion National Park for the weekend. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, not too hot, and a perfectly blue sky. (I love the color blue the sky seems to be when contrasted with the red rocks of the canyon. I don't think I have ever seen a bluer sky.) Russ and I hiked to Angel's Landing the first day. I love that hike! While the first 2 miles are murder on the lungs, the last half mile with its drop offs is exhilarating! There is such an amazing feeling of accomplishment when you finally reach the top. The next day before we drove home I quickly did the Emerald Pools (Russ was feeling a little sore after Angels Landing after twisting his knee). I've never done that hike in the spring. I can't believe how many waterfalls there where. It was definatly worth the extra soreness the next couple of days. I forgot to take my camera to capture the trip so here are a couple pictures stolen from the Internet!

The last 500 feet on the trail to Angel's Landing.

It's a good thing those chains are there,

cause I sure used them!

The view from the top. It feels like you're on top of the world up there, but, there is another hike that is called Observation point. It's 8 miles r/t and actually looks down onto Angel's Landing. Maybe next year...

Looking down onto the switchbacks. Fear of heights is not an option!

One of the many waterfalls on the Emerald Pools trail.

The upper Emerald Pool.

Salt Lake Hikes

My goal this summer is to go on a hike every week. So far its been slim pickins' on my trail choices because of all the late season snowfall. I've been on 3 hikes so far and two trails. So far Echo has been a great little hiking buddy. She seems to know when I'm going and rushes out the front door before I can close it. If the car is open she hops right in and waits patiently in the back seat.

Grandeur Peak

Again, I forgot my camera. I had to trek through quite a bit of snow, which made the hike that much harder, but I made it to the saddle (I couldn't make it the last 500 yards because there was was too much snow to get to the summit) but from you still get some great views of Salt Lake.

The well maintained trail leads to Grandeur Peak, one of the more prominent peaks of the Wasatch, and a great view out over the city. The trailhead is at the Church Fork picnic area.

Location: In Millcreek Canyon just east of Salt Lake City

Difficulty: Intermediate

Length: 5.6 mile round trip.

Elevation: 2400 feet

Time to Allow: 3-4 hours

Season:Late-May to October

Salt Lake Overlook

I've done this one twice, once by myself and once with a friend. The second time I actually remembered to take my camera!

Desolation Trail to Valley Overlook

Length: 4.8 mile round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Description: Hike through forest and along open hillsides to a vista overlooking Salt Lake Valley. Trailhead is in Mill Creek Canyon, just past Millcreek Inn (about 3.4 miles from the canyon mouth). I hit a little bit of snow on this one, but I bet by now it's almost gone. I love this hike! You wind your way through forest until you turn that final turn and there is the Valley. It completely sneaks up on you!

Fly Fishing

My brother, Trevor asked me to start fishing with him this summer. I figured it was about time I live up to the Howard legacy, so I've been going once a week. The first two Thursdays we hit the Middle Provo where I caught a bunch of little Brown Trouts. Yesterday we went to the Weber where I caught an OK sized Brown and two large (but ugly) white fish. I've found out how much I love fly fishing and I feel myself becoming more comfortable with the fly rod. It's amazing to me how time seems to slip away when I'm on the river. I don't need any of the usual distractions I need in "real life". Instead of listening to my music I really enjoy listening to the sound of the river. The constant flow of the river flowing over rocks, the cries of hawks in the distance, the swooping of swallows as they catch flies on the surface of the river, and the chirp of frogs in the nearby ponds.

Wasatch County Wranglers

This year Jayme and Trevor kicked off a riding club in Heber. (They were tired of driving the horses to Salt Lake once a week.) Practices started about two months ago, but because of other obligations I haven't been able to go. Now that school's out and Bell Choir is done I am able to ride again. Because my horse can be a bit of a butt head, I am riding a neighbors horse. Her name is Dixie, she is a Paint and she is perfect. It is so nice having a horse that will do what I tell her. Her trot isn't too bouncy, and her lope is smooth. I'm so excited for future practices!

Wildlife Week

I came home from something last week to find Russ home from work. It turns out he had come home from work early to help Mike with the 50 lb beaver that found his way into our back yard! Mike had gone outside to investigate why the dogs were going nuts. There he found Mr. (or Mrs.) Beaver cornered! We have no idea how he got into our yard, but Mike and Russ sucessfully got him back over the fence into the golf course with out any incidents. Mike did call animal control first, but found out that if they come to pick up an animal they have to put it down. I'm actually impressed that they would let us know that before it was too late! The same day Russ found two snakes in my Strawberry patch and a mama duck with 6 baby ducks on our front porch.

I have lots more pictures to add, but blogger is being dumb and won't let me add them. I'll try later. :)

Side note

I will also be playing in Music and the Spoken Word Sunday the 14th. It is on KSL at 9:30 am. I probably won't be on TV, but it might be fun to look for me anyway :)

'Tis the Season!

If anyone wants to get into the Christmas Spirit this year I have a couple of FREE performances you could come to.

The first performance is my vocal jazz group "Salt City Jazz" It is in the TB building at the SLCC Redwood campus Friday the 5th at 7:30. We are singing a bunch of traditional Christmas Carols and we're pretty good, so it should be fun. FREE!

Next I will be in the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert playing the bells. If you don't have tickets already, too bad cause they are all gone, but if you do, keep an eye out for me!

Monday Dec 15 I will be participating in the Grand Theaters Messiah; a Community Celebration. This is extremely fun because they mix Gospel and jazz versions into the traditional Messiah, I promise at the end you'll be dancing along.

The last (Phew) concert I will be in is my Bells of Joyful Sound Christmas concert. It is the Sunday before Christmas (The 21st I think) and is also FREE! It will be at the Granger Community Church on 3200 W 4100S. I think the start time will be 7ish.

Whew! I will be a very busy girl this December, but I am very excited about performing! It always puts me in the Christmas Spirit.