D is the new C

I seemed to be embroiled in vitamin hell. On the way to Fitnesss Ridge, the shuttle driver regaled us with the benefits of vitamin D, especially vitamin D3, and how vitamin C is so 2009!

Then on our arrival, we were seated with the inhouse counsel for Garden of Life vitamins, who confirmed our humble driver's enthusiasm in that Vitamin D is definitely the new C. Of course, Garden of Life vitamins are the best, he assured us, not being made of synthetic but only natural ingredients, and delivered not in splendid, synthetic isolation, but entwined with a "combination of nature's most powerful whole foods and ingredients to provide optimized nutrition your body can easily digest and absorb."

We got plenty of natural vitamin D today as temperatures rose into the mid-80s under a glorious sun. We completed our first 6-mile hike today and caught the tail end of the desert flowers:

The splendid cylindrical Cactus Barrel,







the vibrant red Indian Paintbrush,













and the delicate violet Desert Poppy



















were abundant on the normally barren, semi-arid, scrublands of Southern Utah.

Unfortunately, I rather over-did it on day 1 - just too competitive when it comes to sport - and am heading to bed early to nurse my aches and pains and over exposure to the sun; and, we get to do it all again tomorrow!