State Highpoint #9 - South Dakota

 Harney Peak (7,242’)

The first state highpoint that required a decent sized hike, and was an actual mountain, belongs to one of the highpoints with the most amount of controversy regarding it’s name. You can read more about the history of the name of the peak here https://www.summitpost.org/black-elk-peak-harney-peak/150511 and for the sake of being void of confrontation, I’ll just call it Harney Peak. Neither Taylor or I had been to the Black Hills of South Dakota, and to be honest, neither of us had even been to the state of South Dakota. I wasn’t quite sure what existed there and didn’t know what to expect. 

Pulling into the town of Custer, it felt touristy, but on a very small scale. There were fun little restaurants, campgrounds, and souvenir shops. I also didn’t know how close it was to Mount Rushmore. I was still getting the area mapped out in my mind and curious about this new spot on the Earth I’d never set foot. I was wondering why there were so many tourist traps. We continued up the road, following the GPS route to the Harney Peak Trailhead, found a parking spot, and began the hike. Taylor’s previous long hike was 4.5 miles, done a few weeks before, and this one was going to be that same distance, one way. She was going to have to double that effort, and I was a little nervous with how she’d do. To my surprise, she was a trooper, and complained very little. I tried to keep her distracted by playing word games and keeping conversation interesting. This peak has 2,900’of prominence and is a relatively easy hike. It’s all class 1, with maybe one or two maneuvers that could be considered class 2. There is a great fire lookout tower on the top of the peak, that was meant as a fire spotter tower, and was built by the CCC in 1938. A big man made dam catches rainwater and it’s quite fascinating. 

From the tower and summit, you can see the backside of Mount Rushmore. So Taylor and I decided to visit the monument after we finished this hike. 

Taylor on top of Harney Peak, with Mt. Rushmore in the distance.

In the summit tower. Check out my cool Bose headphones. The perks of dating a Bose saleswoman. 😉

Taylor in front of Mt. Rushmore. Maybe the future 5th president?

State High Point #8 - Nebraska

 Panorama Point (5,424)

Another state highpoint that left me wondering what the rest of them would be like. Every single point in the journey was completely unexpected and a pleasant surprise. Some felt a little disappointing, only because it was different than what I expected state highpoints to look like, coming from a mountainous state like Utah. But with each new place explored, a layer of understanding was peeled back on what really constitutes the definition of the highest point within state boundaries. And even though I was left wondering how this could possibly be considered the pride of Nebraska, Taylor was having a great time exploring. 

State Highpoint #7 - Kansas

Mount Sunflower (4,039’)

 After helping my new friend, Sarah, move from Virginia to Utah, and knocking out 3 state high points on that trip, I made a move of my own. I was newly divorced, no kids, working as a waiter, and had all the time in the world to start a new adventure. I got a job as a flight attendant and was relocated to Denver, Colorado. After a couple short weeks of sitting on reserve, and picking up the occasional shift, I got the itch to start exploring, traveling, and knocking off more state highpoints. I had met a girl named Taylor, who worked as a Bose saleswoman at the Denver Airport, and we started spending a lot of time together. To that point, I hadn’t done a single state high point alone, and I guess I wasn’t about to start now. After all, the 6 places I’d visited so far, were so off the beaten path, that I wanted to share the love of exploring a new site with the people that I found most interesting, and knew would appreciate it. 

Taylor was originally from Michigan, moved out to Colorado with her brother, in search of something new and exciting. I could think of no better adventure companion, than myself. We packed up a couple days worth of hiking clothes, and headed out to knock out 3 more state highpoints. First stop was right outside the border of Colorado, barely into Kansas. Colorado sits so high in elevation, and Kansas is so flat, and continually slopes downward to the east, that this state high point is as close to the Colorado border as you can get. The highest point in Kansas in on private property, owned by the Harold Family, and they are kind enough to allow it to be visited by those of us that have a desire to check off our bucket lists. As we got off I-70 and headed south across the dirt country roads through the farmland, we were wondering where a high point could possible be. I kept looking for a mound, a hill, or any type of rise in the land. I should’ve  learned by now that some of these high points, are found not by eyesight, but mathematical equations much more sophisticated than I can imagine. Luckily for cell phones, google maps, and GPS, we were guided in the direction of the geographical high point of Kansas. 

The sun was lowering in the horizon, and the warm summer sun had raised big thunderstorm clouds into the afternoon sky. There wasn’t another soul around for miles, and it was one of the most peaceful evenings. Truly magical, and that’s when it hit me, that this journey was going to take me to some of the most incredible places, that I would not otherwise visit. 

State Highpoint #6 - Arkansas

 Mount Magazine/Signal Hill (2,753’)

Continuing with the theme of knocking out 3 state high points at a time, Sarah and I hit one more on the road trip back to Utah. We made one final stop in the first freezing rainstorm that I’ve ever seen. Being a boy from Utah, I had heard of freezing rain before, but never seen it in person. The roads looked wet, but I didn’t realize how slick they were, as I took the speed nice and slow, since it wasn’t my car we were driving. It wasn’t until I heard the tree limbs clinging together like chimes that I realized how thick the ice had become on the trees, and the roads. Another state hightpoint, to which you can drive, we crept up the road and got out of the car for just enough time to get some pics for proof that we made it. 

This has been the only experience I’ve ever had in the Ozarks, and I definitely need to go when it’s summer or fall, and not so frozen. The area looked beautiful and I’ll bet it’s stunning covered in green. 

State Highpoint #5 - Mississippi

 Woodall Mountain (807’ above sea level) - Mississippi

The word “mountain” is loosely used in the south I have noticed. As a boy from Utah, that grew up under the shadow of the Wasatch, I would warmly call this state highpoint, Woodall “bump”. If it weren’t for the road signs guiding me to the top of the hill, I wouldn’t have been able to decipher it from any other small mound in the area, as the designated highest point in Mississippi. And thankfully there was a concrete stump and geographical marker to let us know we had arrived. 

In 2004, an iconic movie, with quotable lines was released, prompting Sarah and I to take this picture. Wonder if you can name the movie.

I’ll bet I could throw a football over them mountains!

State Highpoint #4 - Alabama

 Cheaha Mountain in Alabama

Continuing the pursuit of reaching the highest point in every state took a southern turn, while helping a friend. A lot of these state highpoints are off the beaten path, in places a road tripper wouldn’t normally follow. Alabama was no exception, and it took little convincing to turn a move from Virginia to Utah, into an adventure. Now the story of how we got there is one most wouldn’t dare to live, in 2025. But 2010 was a different time. A simpler more trusting time. See, the quest to reach the highest point in every state, started after a divorce, and needing to find purpose. Needing purpose, found an open mind, and willingness to try new things and be adventurous. So when a friend of mine mentioned that they had a single friend, who was a nanny in Virginia for the summer, and was going to be moving across the country, back to Utah, and could use some help, I just so happened to be free, single and able to help. The girl, took a huge, trusting risk on me, because we talked on the phone for maybe a half hour before I booked a one-way plane ticket to Virginia. I saw an opportunity to turn the drive into an adventure, and show her some parts of the country that neither of us had seen, and make a good story for her. After all, life is for making memories. 

Opening the door to the townhome in which she lived, I had no idea what to expect. Luckily she was clean, organized and well prepared. We gave each other an excited hug, and then got busy packing her car with her clothes, and few boxes from a busy summer. We had to stay busy because we were almost completely unfamiliar with each other, and the best way to avoid awkward silence, is to be helpful. We got her 2002 Honda Accord stuffed with her belongings, and the little bag that I brought, said goodbye to the family for whom she was a great nanny, cried some tears, and opened the words on a new chapter. I told her of my goal to reach the highest point in each state and asked if she was up to seeing some fun sights on our drive to Utah. To my surprise, she was 100% on board. 

We headed southwest out of Virginia, and started towards our first big destination, Atlanta, GA. I’m a big college football fan, and love most sports in general. My friend at the time, was a huge Georgia Bulldogs fan, so we decided to make a quick stop at the University of Georgia, to see Sanford Stadium, and send him a picture of us in front. 

Having been Cosmo for BYU, of course I was more interested in the mascot. We toured the campus a little bit, to familiarize ourselves with how they do things in SEC territory, and see what college life is like for students there. Both Sarah and I had been to BYU, and it’s just a different type of university, so we enjoyed seeing how it’s done on other campuses. Then we headed to downtown Atlanta to spend the night. We made one quick stop to see the home of the Atlanta Falcons, and did our best wing impression. Clearly we were still getting to know each other, trying to make it fun, and she was being a good sport, and going along with my quirky ideas.  

The next day, we woke up and headed for Cheaha Mountain. We got there nice and early in the day and enjoyed a nice sunrise on the drive there. It’s a nice easy drive up to the state highpoint, and can’t really be called a mountain by my definition. It’s just the highest point in Alabama. A nice building and tower exist there, and you can climb up into the tower of the building to get a better look at the fields surrounding it, and then lines of trees in the distance. 

Having felt the excitement of checking off my 4th state highpoint, and introducing Sarah to the concept of state highpointing, we headed west towards Tuscaloosa to visit the site of the newly crowned 2010 NCAA BCS title game winning Alabama Crimson Tide. The first of two visits I’ve made to that stadium, and also the first time I’d set foot on that sacred grass. 15 years after completing this highpoint, I wonder if Sarah ever tells the story of that wild road trip, and her first state highpoint. 

State Highpoint #3 - Pennsylvania

Mount Davis

Having completed Spruce Knob, and Backbone Mountain, and thinking we had time for one more state highpoint in the day, we headed up the road for Mount Davis, in Pennsylvania. It was a short drive, relatively speaking. But the winding mountain roads through the Appalachians take longer than shows on a simple map. At Mount Davis is a huge tower standing above the trees to give visitors views of the surrounding area. There isn't much to see, however, but more trees and you can't really tell you're on the highest point of anything as the rolling hills go for miles. But there was a lot of cool folklore, and horse and buggies in this part of the country. And of course, we had to throw a football off the tower and see if I could catch it. I think I probably missed. But it made the stop that much more memorable.

State Highpoint #2 - Maryland

On the same day that I started the journey, with my friend TJ Mack, we had mapped out a route to do 3 state highpoints in the same day. We left his house in Charlottesville, VA and made our way to Spruce Knob, WV. From there, we took the winding roads through the Appalachians to the small neck of land in Maryland, where the state highpoint is. I couldn't find a great picture of the actual state highpoint, but this small church is very close to the point in the road, where you park on the shoulder and head up the side of the hill to the highest point in Maryland. And this is a great example of the wonders that I've been able to see as part of this journey. I have seen places in this country, that I never would have imagined because some of the high points are so far off the beaten path.

State Highpoint #1 - West Virginia

When I was somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 years old, I found an atlas in the mountain of books stacked unorganizedly on our bookshelf, in our Alpine home. I began studying the pages of maps. I was fascinated with the lines of roads and how they meandered and winded through the 2 dimensional topography. I wondered how the roads were constructed, and why they took the specific courses they did. Then somewhere - and I wish I could remember exactly which state it was - I ran across a little + sign, with the words, "Highest Point in"...... It had the name of the mountain, and the elevation. I thought, "Hmmm.... That means there's a highest point of elevation in every state." I flipped back to the first page of the atlas, and began searching the landscape of Alabama. "Cheaha.... 2407'" The search was on. I found and circled all 50 state highpoints on every page of that atlas, and I said, "I'm going to reach the highest point in every one of these states."
That declaration stuck with me for years. I went through junior high and high school. Left to Brazil for two years as a missionary for my church. Came back and went to to college, and found myself consumed with studies and responsibilities. I never knew how I was going to accomplish this goal. I soon married, and started a career. I found myself with less time to start this goal than ever. Then, I found myself not happy in marriage, and was soon divorced. With a broken heart, I had nothing, but a chance to reinvent myself. As a way to get away, my friend invited me to fly to his house in Virginia to get away for a while. After all, it was through him that I met my now ex-wife. He understood better than anyone that I needed to get away. I told him that I wanted to get out and see the world now, and told him about my dream of reaching the highest point of every state. I mapped out three close points to his house, that we could do in a day, and I talked him into going on a road trip with me.
And so, on October 13, 2009 the journey began.

Spring time in Utah

Lucas loves swinging

 Spring is here in full effect and I am loving the warmer weather. I can't wait to get out and get hiking. But for now, the little time that I have, I am spending with Mary and Lucas. We have been hanging out a lot outside at her parents house cuz Lucas loves to explore.

First time on a horse

A couple Sundays ago, I took Mary and Lucas to Alpine to introduce them to my mom. I stuck Lucas on Chase. His smile says it all :)

"Oh, hey there neighbor"

bed time kisses

A boy and his dog

Why must kids put everything in their mouths? ha ha. He had a heck of a time trying to get the water out of this hose. He could see it, and hear it when he shook it, but could never get it up to his mouth when he tipped it up.

We have started a little tradition of putting him to bed together. Last night he was feeling extra snuggly before going down. His mama is such a good mom.

Love her.

Happy Valentines Day

This Valentines Day came a little early this year. I have to ref a play-in in Juab tomorrow, on the 14th of Feb, so I will be unavailable for fun Valentines Day activities. So I celebrated a day early. This is the beginning of the cake that Mary and I made for her son's first birthday party, which is also, coincidentally, Valentines Day.

Who is Mary you might ask? Well at work the other day, a cute blonde pushing an adorable baby boy came in. I was impressed by her looks, and was curious. She spent a little time in the store checking out some outfits, and was on her way out the door, when I had to stop her. I wanted a little more time with this one. So I suggested a hoodie that I really liked, and thought would look great with her blonde hair. She really liked it too, luckily (phew!) and bought the hoodie, and left. I was happy she ended up with my favorite girls hoodie, but wondered if I'd ever see her again.

Luckily, about a week and a half later, she came strolling and rolling her son into the store. I wasn't going to let her get away this time :) After talking her into trying on a few cute

shirts and jeans, I really wanted to ask her out. But I didn't feel it very professional to do at work. So I awkwardly avoided more conversation. Cuz all I could think about was asking her out, and I couldn't think of anything else clever to say, or clothes to suggest. She ended up buying a shirt I had suggested, but I went back to doing some duties at the front of the store while a co-worker rang her purchase in. And as she started heading for the door, she passed me....... And I finally blurted something out. Don't even remember what I said, but I got her number somehow, by some miracle, and tonight was our first date.







We went out for sushi for dinner. I am not a huge fan of raw things, and have always been a little wary of sushi. But I've always wanted to give it a fair shot. And Mary really likes sushi, so we gave it a go. It was really good, and we had great conversation. She is really enjoyable to be around and has beautiful eyes, and a great smile.

After dinner, we went back to her house and made a birthday cake for her son's first birthday. This picture on the left is her and her dog Baxter. He is a little sweetheart.








And here is the finished product :)
I think little Lucas will really like the cake, and learn how fun birthdays can be.

Well I'm back......

It's been a little while since I've blogged. Not because I haven't wanted to, I've just lacked motivation. Then I watched the latest episode of Parenthood today, and learned that the beautiful thing about each one of our decisions in life, is that it writes a story. Sometimes when we make a choice, we don't realize that it will affect us for the rest of our lives. Some decisions are small and insignificant, but others have long reaching effects. I want to be more conscious of the decisions I make, and write my story, so that 20 years down the road, I am happy with what I have written. And blog posting is a great way to record every day events, and think about the story that I am writing each and every day. And a big thank you to my cousin Rachel, for making me make a resolution to write this year. So here's to you Rachel, and writing and recording my story.

Shadows of Resemblance

The Spearhead!! (as cool as it sounds)

There are so many peaks in Colorado, and I would love to bag them all. But there are just so many hours in a day, and so many days in a week, and very few of them do I have off. So until I find a way to make a living while summitting mountains, I have to be picky. While browsing through a list of peaks in Colorado, one name particularly jumped out at me. It wasn't the tallest, heck, it wasn't even a 14'er, of which I said I wouldn't even waste my time on anything under 14,000', but there was just something about this peak that caught my attention. It was called "The Spearhead". My curiosity got the best of me, and I looked into it's stats. Standing at 12,575' above sea level, it's height isn't it's most impressive feature. But the fact that it's shaped like the head of a spear, and it's perched in the middle of this massive glacial couloir, surrounded by 4 massive peaks, 3 being over 13,500' and the fourth a whopping 14,200', it could have easily been called "The Throne".

And one would certainly feel like a king to reach it's summit. It's northeast face is a giant, flat faced triangle with a vertical height of 900+ feet. The spine of rock that connects it to the surrounding wall of mountains is made up of house-sized boulders, that look like giants are about to have a game of Jenga. And the summit is nothing more than a precariously stacked 20-foot high pile of rocks, like a dainty angel on top of a Christmas tree.

The total hike is 13 miles roundtrip, from the Bear Lake trailhead, and sifts through one of the most beautiful glacial valleys I have ever seen.

By far one of the most beautiful places I have yet visited. Top 3 coolest hikes I have ever done. And now if I could just figure out how to make a living doing what I love.

Kings Peak!!

Well I'm not quite sure if my brain is unscrambled yet, and least not enough to write a comprehensible post about this mammoth hike. Uncle Fred, Dave McConnell and I headed out Sunday night to conquer the "top of the world!!" Well Utah's world anyway. Kings Peak is the 7th highest state highpoint at 13,528'. We had foolishly decided to tackle the lengthy monster in one day, despite numerous witnesses to "NOT ATTEMPT KINGS IN ONE DAY". But Grandpa Teichert had done it at the age of 82, so why couldn't a couple spry 50+'ers and a lightweight 29 year old. The total mileage was 27.5 miles. We covered that distance in 13 hours. We gained some 4000+ of elevation. And by the end, none of us could remember being in worse pain. We came, we saw, we deliriously conquered.