jopesta.com | impressions and reflections

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Rafter Six

I have returned, with a burned face, from Rafter Six Ranch.  Our three day work retreat consisted of mostly cold weather (which none of us were fully prepared for), team bonding of the alcoholic variety, and beautiful surroundings.  Oh, and some work as well.  These orange picnic tables were our conference room, and the sky was the limit. < /cliché >

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Twilight

A quick post to admit that I’m currently addicted to a teenage vampire romance series, and that is what has been causing my lack of updates.  Regular posting is not likely until I’ve finished the series.  (I’m about to finish book  2 of 4.  I started on Tuesday, five days ago….)

Till then - hurray for summer!

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Colorado River

In the middle of our trip, my mom and I took a break from the bustle of the city and took a lengthy bus trip to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. I automatically took on my dad’s role for the trip. All week I had been hoarding food for the trip. A banana or two, some muffins, a bag of chips. All selected from the food left over by the conference’s excessive buffet meals. We woke up bright and early (5 am, yuck!) to ensure we caught the bus at 6, and I promptly fell asleep once we were on the road, missing most of the tour guide’s spiel.

After a few hours which included a photo stop at the Hoover Dam, “forests” of Joshua Trees, and one dusty road, we made it to the west rim of the Grand Canyon.  We promptly loaded onto a small helicopter where I had the joy of sitting up front next to the pilot.  The view was beautiful as we flew along the rim and then down into the canyon, gradually coming to land on the canyon floor.  A short walk took us to the Colorado River, where we rode on a pontoon and admired the scene around us.  This up close view of the Grand Canyon was a definite highlight of the trip.  The Skywalk, however, was truly disappointing and expensive.  While fascinating to be able to look down a steep angle to the the bottom of the Canyon, it was frustrating that I was not able to bring my camera with me, and I’m uncertain it was worth the $33 (USD) each.  Though perhaps being on a helicopter immediately prior maybe ruined some of the excitement and novelty.

In general, seeing the Grand Canyon was great.  I have many pictures, and I’m having a difficult sorting through them all.  This is the first that caught my eye as one I liked, and one that I felt was worth sharing.

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Mirage

The Mirage was my home in Vegas. I absolutely loved the pool, and I even woke up early to ensure I would get my favourite lounge chair. After wandering many of the hotels, I think Mirage was definitely at the top end. Great location on the strip, nice rooms, and a really cool free volcano show every evening (the rocks on the right of the photo). All in all, my mom’s company chose well!

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Leaving for a hotter climate

Today I am leaving for Vegas for a week.  I’m going to absorb vitamin D, shoot as many photos as possible, and generally enjoy the relaxation that comes with being in a different city.  It seems the trip was well timed, as today Calgary is expecting snow.  Goodbye snow, hello +30°C and sunshine!