Our last trip saw us return Febuary 23 from Jordan and Isreal. We had finally hit 21 countries before I was finished my 21st year on this planet. It honestly feels surreal to have travelled so extensively while in university full time studying engineering and graduating at the top of my class. The following weekends I travelled to St. George as I was exhausted with school and wanted to be anywhere but at uni. I had a lot of fun doing that. See some photos below!
Dino Tracks!
Sunset Dinners
Flying into SLC
March 5th was my last weekend travelling to SGU as the following weekend I was waiting in the airport and just as I was about to get on the plane, we received a UBC wide email stating anyone returning after the 13th would have to quarantine for 2 weeks. I had to just walk out of the airport since I couldn't afford to miss school and they hadn't announced an end to in-person classes. I am so grateful I went the weekend prior because I got to have an in-person interview and seal the deal with Jviation. March 16th, 2020, UBC announced that all remaining classes would be taught online: "In light of the growing national response to COVID-19, all UBC students planning to travel home may now do so" the email stated. That was my cue to pack up my apartment and head out to St. George, thinking I will be back sometime late that summer to get my things, but boy was I wrong on that! I didn't end up getting my things till December 19, 2020, 9 months later! I missed the flight that night in March to get to the US, so I spent the night with Rachel and left the following day. March 17, 2020 I was home with Hunter for the foreseeable future. We were both so happy to be together. Two days later on March 19th, I found out I was chosen for the job I applied for at Jviation. Of course we celebrated with ice cream cake!
I spent the next 2 months finishing up school and started working May 19, 2020. Once exams were finished and I didn't have to study 24/7 Hunter and I spend the time before starting work traveling locally and playing in nature since that was the best socially distant activity. We also bought a car since we now needed two vehicles to get to each of our jobs.
Birthday delivery from my mom
Awesome birthday present from Hunter, I think he just wanted me to make good foods
Birthday dinner over Snow Canyon
Hiking Red Reef Trail with water present!
Range Rover Evoque @ Snow Canyon State Park
With a more capable car, a range rover evoque, we were now able to visit some more out there locations, and we sure did. We took it some places we have now taken our new even more capable 4runner to and look back and think how insane we were.
Hiking at Three Falls in Hurricane
Gold Strike Mine out near Gunlock
A little bit of Zion
Heading into Peekaboo Canyon in Kanab
Petroglyphs at Little Black Mountain
Hiking at Cascade Falls
First day of work!
Celebrating after finding out I graduated at the top of my class.
Safety first on the job!
Once I started work, I was exhausted for about a month until I got into the groove of things, but I was so happy to have a job immediately after graduating, especially given the circumstances. School was not over quite yet though, I still had to take the FE and PE exams. These exams are required in the process of becoming a fully licensed Professional Engineer in the US. I was extremely lucky to be able to squeeze in studying while working. My first job was at the Cedar City Airport on the Runway Reconstruction Project. It was so exciting to be working on an airport we fly in/out of!
Working with electricians on the Cedar City Airport project
We still kept up our weekend exploration adventures even though I was studying for my FE exam. I studied for ~4 months and thankfully passed on my first try (as Hunter would say "would you expect anything else") in October 2020.
We walked every night after work on some awesome parks in our area
Tokervill Falls
Floating near our house
Enjoying the cool weather up Kolob Terrace Road
Floating by Zion
Graduation!
Finally got my degree delivered (it is now hung on my office wall)!
Another walk at a park in St. George
Escaping the heat in Pine Valley
Before we knew it, it was July 4th and we headed out to Jackson. I used my Go Pro which I bought as a graduation gift for myself. For it's first big use, I made a cute video of our trip. Make sure to set your video settings on youtube to the highest quality using the gear icon!
Seeing a bear up close and personal
Jumping into the cold water at Phelps
The Cedar City Airport coming to a close on the Runway Reconstruction project
The grand reopening of CDC
Teaching Hunter's coworker and her daughter about the airport reconstruction
Visiting Cedar Breaks National Monument
Taking a weekender back to Jackson and eating Pinky Gs with a great view
My all-time favourite photo!
A very photogenic dog
Hiking in Jackson at Hidden Falls below Inspiration Point
Cascade Canyon above Inspiration Point
In August we hiked the Zion overlook trail, which was pretty awesome
On another one of our local walks, we found two porcupines eating some seeds from a tree
Red Reef Trail without water
This sometimes is filled with water and has a small waterfall
Aspen-Mirror Lake in Duck Creek
Hiking at highland park
Some nature before my FE exam near SLC
Between starting work and my first exam, we sure packed in a lot of activities. It really has been a blast getting to explore local areas and I really don't think we would have done as much as we did had we not been in a pandemic. Once I finished my exam, work was starting to slow down because construction was coming to a close for the winter months. Hunter and I both were working from home, which was really nice. It allowed for even more evening and weekend adventures.
The end of October/ start of November also was very exciting for me not only because I passed my FE exam, but I got to Vote in the USA for the first time. It was great getting to vote and every vote matters!
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Fort Pierce
Snow Canyon Overlook
Anasazi Trail Petroglyphs
Sheep Bridge Park in la Verkin
Playing in the Zion fall colours
At the end of November we were itching to do more exploring and so we expanded our adventure radius and headed to Valley of Fire to hike and camp. I used my GoPro and put together another fun video seen below.
Valley of Fire Video
Nice fire in our backyard
Taking the R.R. places it probably shouldn't go - Signal Peak
Our dust trail lingering
A walk by Dino Crossing
Before we knew it, it was already December and Christmas was right around the corner. Covid still was peaking everywhere, so we didn't have plans but to spend it together relaxed at home and face timing our families. We had a few highlights in December including Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, hiking Angels Landing in Zion, and finally getting my things back from Kelowna!
While we don't get snow, we sure do get a lot of Christmas lights!
Red Rock Canyon Video
Angels Landing was a big deal for Hunter and I. We had always wanted to do it but were unsure because of how strenuous it can be and Hunter is not a fan of heights. Angels Landing is very scary because in the last section you are holding onto chains as you climb to the top. We had planned only to climb to Scouts Lookout, but I made us go the rest of the way because we were right there. Because of the last-minute decision, we ran out of carbs for Hunter to keep his blood sugar up and had to ask some fellow hikers for food. The experience has made us change how we pack anytime we leave the house. We have plenty of sugary gummy bears and lots of water now. This was one of my biggest video editing experiences as well since we ended up with 5 hours of footage. This is the first time I am sharing the video, so please enjoy and leave a comment if you want on the Youtube video!
Walter's Wiggles
Right on the edge!
The big video that took me 11 months to finish! Don't forget to make sure your video quality settings are set to the highest option using the gear icon!
After picking up my things December 19th, we decided to drive to the Hoover Dam as it was 15 minutes away
On the way home from picking up my things we stopped at warm springs natural area
Christmas day we went for an evening adventure as Hunter worked during the day. We headed up to find some snow up at Kolob Reservoir. We had an amazing sunset too at our favourite spot. That weekend we also decided to visit Jackson and go skiing at Snow King. I finally got to use the new skis that I have had for 4 years and my newly purchased boots. It was a lot of fun!
Kolob Resevoir was frozen over
Our favourite spot up on Kolob Terrace Road
Hunter's family's cat - little black kitty
On top of snow king
January 10th we went morning skiing at Brian Head ~2 hours from St. George. It was a disappointment compared to JHMR and Snow King, but I am glad we tried it.
It took a while, but Hunter finally convinced me to go on a bigger trip since the start of the pandemic. We went to Tuscon AZ to see the saguaro cacti. It was an awesome weekend trip and quite strange to see cacti everywhere rather than trees.
The little Collins (+1) and one bigger Collins today!
Little Hunter and Bailey and much older Hunter
Mask up!
Multi-arm saguaro
Authentic Mexican dinner
Another loop behind Red Cliffs with Signal Peak in the background
After some fun adventures post FE exam, I got back to the books to study for my PE exam which is the final exam I need to become a licensed engineer in Utah. Once I pass that, it's just a matter of waiting to hit the 4 years of working experience requirement. Most people plan on studying 4-6 months for the exam. I am also taking a course to help prep for the exam it's been very helpful.
Even while studying and working, Hunter and I always made sure to find time for weekend activities. We decided to buy a drone to take some cool videos/pictures and help explore locations. I have always wanted one and we took the plunge to get one. We bought the DJI mini 2 which doesn't need a license to fly because it is under 250 grams!
Drone picture of a canyon
Drone video around our neighborhood
Some more action with the Drone
Valentine's day treats from my mom!
Skiing at Powder Mountain near Salt Lake
Gooseberry Messa
SNOW!
Oscars Mexican near Zion
Hop Valley area
Big horn sheep
Once March came around, I was sent out into the field for construction management and inspection at work. I expected to be away for 3-4 months, but ended up being away for 7.5-8 months total! Thankfully having flight benefits came in handy for a few weekend trips and visits with Hunter and while away I got to accumulate a ton of hotel points.
I often get asked "what do you do" as no one really knows what aviation infrastructure engineering is. The best way to explain it has been to say "everything you see behind the fence at an airport, thats what we do". This summer I tried to find a better way of explaining what I do, and I found that photo/video stories really helped. You can see my photo stories here on my Instagram Highlights (https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MTE3ODU0NTcyMjIyMTIy?utm_medium=share_sheet)
Back to playing in Zion on the Weekends
Goodbye Range Rover!
Hello shiny 4runner
To celebrate taking my PE exam and buying our new car the day before the exam, we took it on a trip through Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, enjoying the new capabilities of our truck!
Dinner in Torey
Hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls
Burgers at Burr Trail Grill
Breakfast at Kiva Koffeehouse
Hells Backbone
After our great adventure of taking the PE exam and exploring with the new rig, it was back to work and just weekend adventures. We wanted to test out what our truck could do, so we went everywhere. In about 7 months we have put 10,000 miles on it and every mile has been absolutely amazing! I wont bore you with more words, instead just enjoy these photos from the month of May. Pictures are worth a thousand words anyways!
The Great Chamber
Toadstool Hoodoos
Glen Canyon
Condors
Horseshoe bend
Our first desert tortoise after being in SGU for ~5 years
Campfire with friends!
Figgy!
Campfire video
Bridge on the road to Browse.
Utah's giant sequoia
The guard station in Browse
Gooseberry Messa Drone Pano
Camping on Gooseberry Messa
USGS Survey pin out on Kolob Terrace Road
Hunter and I finally decided to take a first class run one weekend and I am so glad we did! We didn't do it for the first class pillows we always have wanted... It has been so long since we have enjoyed our typical habits, it was a great splurge to do the quick turn. The flights we took were incredibly empty, so we went for it!
Snacks in the Alaska Lounge at LAX for a NYC turn
UA dinner on the plane
Our favourite stop at Yankee Pier
I finally got to return all my PE books to my office after taking the exam!
Beaver Dam Wilderness area
5am hike at Taylor Creek in Zion Wilderness
In June, I was still working in Provo. Being so close to Salt Lake City, we took advantage and flew quite a bit. Our biggest highlight was going to Atlanta to the Aquarium. We also went camping and went to Jackson one weekend.
Varsity is like Billy Ks back home!
Jelly Fish at the Aquarium
Giant whale shark. We could have spent all day staring into this massive tank of beautiful fish.
I got to touch things!!
Bridal Veil Falls in Provo area
Smith Messa looking out towards Gooseberry Messa
Camping in the Uintas at Mirror Lake
Upper Provo Falls
Beautiful Drone Shot
Mirror Lake
Our lovely camp site
Marmot!
Going on roads we probably shouldn't
Dick's Burger Shack
Teton approach
Russell Cabin
Schwabacher Landing
July was another exciting month of us staying busy. We went to San Francisco one weekend, drove our 4runner to Jackson the next to position it for Hunter's birthday and flew back home, then spent the last weekend of the month camping at Colter Bay for Hunter's birthday. Camping was such a blast and we got to go on an amazing hike to Delta lake, proving that Hunter and I can complete longer, more intense hikes!
Muir Woods National Monument
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Hunter always manages to get the best photos of me!
Dinner at a Thai place called ThaiTanic Streetfood
An evening stroll after dinner past a Marina
All packed up for camping!
Kayaking at Jenny thanks to Hunter's brother Hayden!
Our Colter Bay camp site
The truck looks mighty fine in the Tetons
Off to Delta Lake
Grouse
Pika
Delta lake!
Signal Mountain Nachos!
Relaxing after a crazy hike!
Grilled cheese on a campfire
Hunter opening birthday presents
Driving back to St. George we had to stop for raspberry shakes
Hunter dropped me off at work in Provo, and then brought me lunch before he returned to St. George!
August was an exciting month. I was sent to Broomfield Colorado, which is near Denver and Boulder, for a 90 day project at Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (BJC) as the primary inspector with another coworker. I was incredibly excited to go because this was my first "solo" project. I use the term "solo" loosely because I shared the title of RPR (resident project engineer) with another coworker who has been working for ~3 years in the electrical department, but I had more field and construction management/inspection experience than he did. He had more background in design, paperwork, and support functions overall. The differences in our strengths and weaknesses really complimented one another and our project was recognized by many in the company. Our project finished ahead of schedule and under budget which is pretty amazing for a first "solo" project. My coworker and I worked an insane amount, and the hard work really did pay off. I am glad that I was trusted after only 1 year with the company to go out and work on a project with little supervision from more experienced people. There were definitely challenging times on-site and moments where I just wanted to be done the project, but overall the experience I gained from this project is invaluable. Im very proud of my work and am so glad my employer recognizes my ability as well.
Aside from working 12-16 hour days 7 days a week, I was able to squeeze in a few trips back home. This was super important in August because Hunter and I moved! Our landlords sold their house, so we had to find somewhere else to live, and we found the perfect apartment. We found a senior living apartment that was accepting a few "under age" residents that has a pool and hot tub, activity room, gym, and more. When house hunting, we always came across exactly what we wanted, but then there was always an age limit. I ended up just calling one, and they told me they were accepting a few young people, so we immediately applied and were accepted! Top floor corner unit too!
Hunter was amazing and drove me to BJC allowing me to catch up on plenty of rest before working
Driving to Colorado we went through a flash flood and rain storms. We had to take a 2-hour detour due to a mud slide closing a canyon.
Stopping at an overlook along the way
A detour through Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument
Over the rockies!
A quick weekend back to SGU to say goodbye to this beautiful view
Indian Dinner with Hunter before flying back to Colorado
Lunch date in Denver with Hunter
Snooze breakfast with Hunter
Butterfly garden in Broomfield
Getting the Keys to our new apartment!
Welcome to our new home!
Breakfast in St. George with Hunter
Another lunar rock 4runner in St. George
Sunset at BJC
Dinner with Hunter at Viva Chicken
In September Hunter and I took a trip to New York City to visit the memorial on September 11th. It was an incredible museum that is huge inside. The video footage and stories shared inside just makes you speechless. If you ever have the opportunity to go, I recommend you do. While I was just a baby and don't remember the day, this museum does an excellent job at describing the events from all perspectives.
Memorial in the LAX airport
Aloft Hotel in NYC
Dominique Ansel breakfast
Lunch at Katz's Delicatessen
Walking in Central Park
Found an awesome pasta place for dinner in NYC
Breakfast on our way back to the west coast
The next week brought sad circumstances as my grandmother passed away. I was able to fly home to be there for the funeral and while we were mourning our loss, we also celebrated our family. Given it had been over a year and a half since I last saw my mom and siblings, it was exciting to be back, and with everyone all at once. I also got to meet my Nephew Zackery for the first time since he was born. I knew that my grandma would be happy watching us be together and having a nice time while sharing stories about her.
1.5 years since being in Canada, but a year and 8 months since seeing my mom
My grandmother
Ice cream cake family tradition
All the siblings back together plus some
Brittny swimming with Zoey
Stormy, Zoey, and Zack
Brittny and Zack. He is so cute!
Zoey looks just like my mom and I when we were babies too
The awesome mug my mom got me
The next weekend Hunter came to visit me in Colorado and we got to go to Rocky Mountain National Park as well as Pikes Peak. We had a fun jammed packed weekend.
Cog railway
A little sleepy at dinner after long day, but dinner was DELICIOUS!
October meant one more month in Colorado. I was looking forward to returning home and getting to spend time in our new house given we have rented it for 3 months and I think I had spent about 10 nights in total there. I was able to make another 2 trips home for some fun before actually returning to St. George for the rest of the year. October 22nd I left Colorado at noon for Provo as we were going to finish up the permanent pavement markings (paint), but as I was making my way there (8 hour drive) the contractor notified me it was raining and thus pavement had to be pushed off to the following weekend. I was annoyed, but also excited because I got to go HOME! I drove straight home from BJC only having stopped 3 times! That is pretty impressive for me given I hate driving for long stretches (I am a better passenger).
Fall colours up at Kolob
Kolob reservoir fall colours with crazy low water
Cooking steaks on the apartment grills
Exploring in Wolf Hole Spring
Inside the hole
The joys of BLM land and cattle grazing
A giant sinkhole out in Gold Butte called Devils Throat
Amazing aerial taken with our drone!
Little Finland
SUSHI!
A 2022 inferior 4runner, the grill just looks so wrong!
Driving up Signal Peak
Muddy and then clean 4runner
A bit of flash flooding
Snowy Cedar Breaks
Sheeps! Driving in Dixie National Forest near Cedar Breaks we ran into shepherds herding sheep.
Fall colours contrasting against the lava rock
Breakfast in St. George
Exploring the Rock Corral near Beaver
Being home for a little under a month now has been wonderful. Its so nice to come home and see Hunter every night. Last weekend Hunter and I went to Toroweap with Cody and Kenna (and fig!). Getting to see the Grand Canyon from the North rim (not the touristy part), was pretty amazing. We also got to see some really pristine petroglyphs nearby! Hunter and I will definitely go back!
Breakfast at First Watch after returning to St George
Evening walk with Hunter and we found a massive Grasshopper. Did you know locusts and grasshoppers are the same thing?
Finally got my degree up in my office!
Off to the Grand Canyon
Can you spot the difference in the two photos above?
I just got a new phone with the amazing capability of removing unwanted backgrounds, such as the pesky road sign ruining the nice BLM sign. I see this being very useful!
Can you spot the difference again? Its pretty incredible how the AI works. I bet if I just posted that one photo without the post and its shadow, you would have never known it was edited!
A bathroom with a view! Unfortunately, they didn't install windows.
Figgy was afraid of the bridge to the toilets
Helping Kenna, Cody, and Fig make fun tictoks
Pristine petroglyphs
Hunter and I making cute videos! Make sure to click on the gear and turn the quality as high as possible
Baking cat green onion and cheddar biscuits because that was the only cookie cutter I had on hand
Well, this finally brings us to the present. If you have actually read all of this and looked at the 400+ photos, congratulations and thank you for taking the time to catch up in our lives. We love to share our adventures with everyone and I should have 100% kept a more frequent log of our activities with more details shared, but no one really knew how long the pandemic would last, and even today it's still ongoing. Hunter and I are extremely grateful to be fully vaccinated now with the booster shot. Since the world is getting back into a new routine, and we are vaccinated, we made the decision to take out first international trip since Jordan in February 2020 and visit Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. We will be leaving on the 12th and returning on the 21st of November! I fully plan to blog, so stay tuned for those. Almost two years later, a full-time job at an excellent engineering firm, and we are getting back into our amazing travels!
delightful. It is now past midnight but I COULD NOT STOP!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Nice to catch up.
ReplyDelete