minnesota, meet california. california, meet minnesota.

This photo makes me smile...I love my friends!

I have to first say what incredible incredible people I have in my life. I know I say this over and over, and sound like a broken record, but it really is true. And, one of my favorite things is to introduce friends to each other! So, what better place for it to happen then at the Grand Canyon? I found out some of my bestest friends from Minneapolis were road tripping out to the Grand Canyon, and since it's only 6 1/2 hours from me (how crazy is that!), I knew I had to meet them there! So, my adventurous California buddies Danny & Colleen accompinied me to the great GC! And, it was incredible.

We took off early (ish) on Saturday morning, and were wondering how the weekend would go, after looking at the weather and seeing the 60% chance of thunderstorms all 3 days we would be there! It rained a little on the way there, which provided some fun shots, as well as an incredible sky and super green trees.


We got to the Grand Canyon area, and had to look for a camping site. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, of course everything was booked....so we camped in the National Forest for free! We set up our tents close to some others, then went to watch the sunset over the canyon. It was gorgeous, and we had fun climing around on the rocks (mom, don't worry, Colleen and I were safe...Danny on the other hand, we were worried about him).

We got back to our tents, and the people that were camping right next to us were there. We asked them if it was okay if we tented next to them, and they said no problem. They asked where we were from, to which we replied "California". We in turn asked where they were from, and they said "WISCONSIN"! I said no way, that is where I grew up, where are you all from? They were a college group from Stevens Point, how random! One of the guys asked where in Wisconsin I was from, and I told him it was close to Ladysmith....and guess what....he is from Ladysmith! I knew him from High School, we have some mutual friends. Small world, isn't it?

Sunday morning we woke up, packed up our stuff, and went hiking. I was so excited to be able to spend some time at the Grand Canyon, and I must say, the view from the top is beautiful, but the view from hiking down into the canyon is incredible! We had our lunch packed, our camel packs filled with water, and were ready to go. The way down was so much fun, but I was unsettled because I saw the look of pain and frustration on those that were on their way back up. We said "hello" all cheery to them, and they looked at us and said "enjoy the way down, that's the fun part!". I took all the photos on the way down, because I knew I would have to concentrate on the way back up :). On the way back up, I told Colleen how much I wanted a shower, and as I finished the sentance, the thunder cracked and it downpored! It rained most of the way back up, which was refreshing.

After our hike, we got some food, firewood, and went to my friends campsite! I was so excited for my friends to meet each other, I could hardly contain myself. I knew Danny and DK would hit it off, as they share the same birthday, the same name, both went to private schools and worked at Jewish Community Centers. We ate dinner and had S'mores over the fire, and laughed hystarrically at DK's blind dating stories.

Monday we woke up and walked around the Canyon, it was so much fun to just be in the presence of my Minnesota friends. We took some great photos, ate a picnic lunch, and enjoyed the view! It was a fabulous Memorial Day weekend, and I can't wait until I get to be reunited with them in August, and again in October for Amy & Noah's incredible wedding! And, my friends hit it off so much they are now Facebook friends :)

Love these girls!!!