When the Stake Splits

Today we learned that 3 wards from our Stake, including the YSA ward, are now part of either a new Marana Stake (Countryside and Tortolita Wards) or the Tucson West Stake (YSA 1st Ward). President Somerville is now Stake President of the newly formed Marana Stake. Jim Springer told me that Wards and Stakes in the Western USA are considered to be, on average, too large.

We have had a lot of rain lately. Weather experts blame El Nino. It has probably been 10 years since I had to cross a running Canada Del Oro Wash while riding up the Charouleau Gap trail.

There was a Tacoma coming the other way.

Haley became a BYU fan Saturday and is now at the airport waiting for her rescheduled flight to Rio. We are praying she stays safe.

Eric and Krystal went to Boise.

Gordon will be stopping by on his way to LA and Johnny gets his punk on.

Here is the the SBNation guide to hat angles...

Temple Events

We had an extremely eventful two week period, starting with the Krystal receiving her Endowment in Brigham City.

... followed by the wedding of Eric and Krystal in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity the next day.

We were able to meet many of Krystal's family including her parents. We are excited to add her to our family. I think she is exactly what Eric needs in his life.

Eric and Krystal looked great and so happy to be together.

We were able to get everyone on the steps.

All expressed their excitement...well most did. Johnny and I seem too mellow about it.

Here is the Reese-James side of the family.

And here is our immediate Reese family.

Eric and happy nephew, Johnny.

A sacred occasion.

 ...but also joyful.

Felicia and I drove to Utah and Idaho in the truck so we could deliver a chest of drawers for Eric and Krystal. here is our favorite Sleep Inn in Idaho Falls.

We passed through the beautiful red rock country of AZ and UT

Here are shots from Bryce Canyon.

While in Utah, I was able to give all my children a father's blessing e to do that. They all have key life events happening.

Finally, the Tucson Temple ground breaking ceremony was held this weekend on 10/17/2015, Pres Uchtdorf gave the dedicatory prayer.

Ride, Ride Like the Wind

I had an off-Friday this week and decided to take a trip to explore more of the AZ Backcountry Discovery Route. The route took me South on Hwy 83 to Sonoita and then to the border. This area is full of grassland and ranches and there is not a cactus to be seen. The altitude is 4000 feet and above.

The Steak Out in Sonoita 

At this point I had to use the restroom in the Sonoita general store but they only allow paying customers so I bought a blueberry poptart for $1.99.

The hotel in Sonoita

Who knew that Arizona had 'Wine Country'? I can't appreciate the wine, but I can appreciate the beauty of the vineyards.

Lightning Ridge Winery 

The route leaves 83 to take Canelo Pass Rd. I had such a long way to go (such a long way to go) to make it to the border of Mexico.

Canelo Pass Rd

From the top of the pass I could see the distant mountains that were in Mexico.

View South from Canelo Pass

I was actually riding the AZBDR backwards because it starts at the Mexican border and goes North. I followed the route down from the pass into the beautiful San Rafael Valley. This valley is hundreds of square miles of grassland and, surprisingly, I didn't see a single cow.

San Rafael Valley

Another view of the San Rafael Valley

I crossed the Santa Cruz River here.

As I approached the border, I came upon the pond with a Great blue heron and other waterfowl in it. Of course they all flew away as I got out my camera. The little two-track trail over the ridge at the left of the picture below is the trail to the border.

Pond near the Mexican Border

The border fence is visible at the top of the ridge.

The fence is not particularly imposing here. I assume it is because it is relatively easy to see someone moving the the grassy valley.

Arizona-Mexico Border looking East

Here I am positioned to defend the US from Terrorists and Drug Gangs by throwing them a Poptart

Arizona-Mexico Border looking West

I was surprised not to encounter the Border Patrol at the border but I did see a RADAR balloon deployed.

I rode along the fence a bit and found this rather porous spot - attested by an abundance of footprints.

Somewhere along here I picked up a piece of cut barbed wire in my rear tire.

 I began the 115 mile ride back from the border stopping at this overlook of Parker Canyon Lake.

Parker Canyon Lake

When I dismounted at home I saw something in my tire. The tire had kept pressure all the way home so I thought it must not have gone in far.

 It was a piece of barbed wire. When I removed it, the tire quickly deflated with a loud HISS-S-S-S.

My motor used 1/2 quart of oil on the 230 mile ride. My water pump started seeping. I now had a flat tire as well. I decided this would need to be my last adventure on the KLR. It doesn't make sense to spend $1500 repairing this motorcycle that would only be worth that much after the repair. I will start dismantling it and selling parts on ebay.