Chats in High Places

Russell and I have gone on quite a few hikes this summer. We've been up in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon and Millcreek Canyon. We also hiked Ensign Peak and are looking forward to climbing Timp when more snow melts.

Every time we hike, we have lots of time to talk. We share dreams, plans, ideas, and funny memories. I love that it's just me and him and nature.

On our recent hike of White Pine Lake, we got so far up that we were tromping through snow and ice. There was such a runoff that most of the trail was covered in water so our feet were muddy and wet and cold. Also I swallowed a whole Life Saver and fell down a lot. Amid my angry outbursts and tears (which Russell handled with kindness and understanding), we had some good conversation. We talked about the worst possible situation we could find ourselves in.

Here's mine: stuck in an elevator with Charlie Sheen and Michael Moore. Covered in a painful sunburn. The floor is littered with writhing snakes and I have no chapstick.

Here's Russell's: stuck in a fabric store. Pine needles and long hair constantly swiping across his face. There's no windows and it's sweating hot. Some giant Celtic woman is dancing around the aisles and playing the panflute.

After that, we started listing topics we always find hilarious:
Segways
Toupees
The word "wet-nurse"
Brass instruments - especially the tuba and French horn
Poop jokes
Medieval times
Jar Jar Binks
Yanni
Anything from What's Up Doc? or It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Dwight Schrute
Pets that have real people names like Adam or Megan or Trevor

There's lots more, but there was only so much time to for us to chitchat between my crying about the Life Saver lodged in my throat and swearing that I'd never climb a mountain again. I guess I can be a bit dramatic at times.