Thanksgiving Break

My break was phenomenal. I did so many cool things (but little homework). I already wrote about the family dinner, but failed to mention my other two fun activities.

Hike to the Wildman’s Camp

My sister Jill, nephew Tyler and I returned to one of the favorite camping spots of my youth. As a teenager, my friends and I often used to hike and camp out at ‘The Wildman’s Camp’. The campsite is in a small desert forest in the Superstition Mountains. One of my friends dad discovered the place and we have been attracted to it ever since. When the water is running there is a swimming hole (with a small waterfall) and beautiful desert scenery.

Since there are no trails into the campsite I was a little worried I would not be able to find it again, but once out in the desert I had no problem remembering the terrain and how to safely navigate through the prickly desert.

Tyler took most of the pictures below. The whole hike was a lot of fun. We chatted the whole way and walking through the small grove of mesquite trees brought back a lot of good memories.

I was tired when we got home, but happy I did it.

Airplane Ride of a Lifetime

The most exciting thing I did all weekend was to go up in an Extra 300L plane and do acrobatics. Jay (brother-in-law) got free tickets to a place out at Williams Gateway Airport where you basically go on a roller coaster ride 1800 feet above the ground.

I can’t even begin to explain what kinds of maneuvers we did—everything from small roles, to huge loops. One thing I remember, and is easy to explain is when we stalled the airplane going straight vertical into the air and let the plane fall naturally backwards through the exhaust until we flipped over and pulled out to level.

I was up there for 45 minutes and probably did 15 different stunts, ranging from easy to advanced. The pilot did each stunt, and then let me take control of the plane to do the stunt myself (He told me which way to push the stick, and which pedals to push). Throughout the course of the flight I experienced -3 G’s (when I thought my head was going to explode) to +6 G’s. The whole flight was super intense and a blast throughout.

Thanks Jay, for making this amazing experience possible.

Here a few pics from these awesome activities.

Scott

Jill and Tyler

The cactus growing out of the rock fell over and died because the roots cracked the rock.

Me, explaining something cool I recently found in the scriptures. Afterwards Jill said I am just like my Dad. I take any opportunity I can to teach an important principle.

Tyler, the tree hugger....this one isn't so pleasant is it?

The truck was just barely able to make through the road we traveled to get to the trailhead.
Wow, that was close.

Better than any Roller Coaster

Ready for take off

Jay, coming in from his flight

Thats me:

Thanking the pilot for the ride of a lifetime