All 17 of us piled into cars and headed into the sandy great yonder. Red Canyon was a fun 3.5 mile drive in deep sand. Then we ALL got out and explored the canyon. I was so delighted that Patricia got out and walked with us.
I woke up early to go explore some new areas. Darren joined me so we could go see Red Hollow Slot Canyon. We tried to find the Red Cave entrance. No Luck! After breakfast, we all headed out to explore Birch Canyon in Zion National Park. What a treat to do it on Thanksgiving when it was mostly empty. Taking a group of 15 down a canyon is not an easy thing. So grateful I had many others who knew what they were doing. It was a long hour and a half hike out. But lovely and peaceful. Half the group did the Wild Wind exit and the rest of us went up Orderville. We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner that Sandra had prepared. It was a lovely day.
Abby is a pretty amazing girl. She is a thoughtful thinker, a creative girl, and a friend to so many. She is brave and tries new things like basketball without even knowing how to play. We have found her doppleganger, and she lives right here in Draper by us. Abby is growing taller and will soon outgrow her favorite sister, Ella.
It's been an amazing adventure for our family as Ella competed for 6 years with the mnt bike team at her schools. The friends and people she has met are unforgettable. They have shaped her into who she is now.
Chargers rise to the challenge when we fall and rise by lifting others. These principles are at the core of our team values. Describe the ways you have been able to rise and help others rise this year as a CCHS team member
Halfway through my senior year, I started to feel exhaustion and burnout. The constant pressure to do well in mountain biking started to take a toll on me. I mentally checked out, and I didn't enjoy riding my bike like I used to. After a while of feeling this way, I decided that my mindset needed to change, not just for me but for the people around me. It was my last season, and I wanted to enjoy it. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I decided to focus on the positives. I was often reminded that I was fortunate to be part of such an amazing team with people who supported and pushed each other to become better. Once I changed my mindset, I noticed how much having a good attitude can influence others around me. I made an effort each practice to talk to all the girls in my group, as well as others outside my group. By focusing on lifting others, I found myself rising too. It helped me to remember why I started mountain biking in the first place, because of the community and the love of the sport. The team has taught me that success isn't about what place you finish but rather the relationships you make and the memories you create along the way.
