We packed our bags and headed East, to the great outdoors. One year ago, Nick invited me and a bunch of his buddies to backpack up to the most beautiful spot in the Uintas: Cutthroat Lake. Long story short, we built a living room out of rocks, nearby logs, and an old hatchet — AND the rest is history. It was finally time to make a journey back to the lake and see how the “Living Room” had held up over the winter months. This time, we brought an axe and more girls. Thankfully.

AND, most importantly, Nick and I are MARRIED!! It’s amazing how much life can change in one year.

Our destination: Cutthroat Lake^^

THE CREW:

^^Britton and Jamie^^

^^Tim and Simone^^

Nick let me borrow the pack he got when he was a wee boy scout. He was a pretty big 12-year-old, I’d say. I felt like one of those kids who attends summer camp sporting all their older sibling’s gear, hoping to grow into it eventually.

Sadly, the only piece of furniture remaining from last year’s homemade living room was this rock reclining chair. Oh well. At least there is proof of last year’s hard work.

Rise and shine!! So fun to get up with the sun and to hear how alive the world is — birds chirping and fish bobbing at the water’s edge. Seriously, this lake could go on living forever and never notice another human being, again.

We ventured on a morning hike up to a peak, overlooking the lake. It was beautiful, sunny and just perfect. The crisp mt. air can cure anything. I’m sure of it.