Today is Monday, April 6, 2026
Issue #306 — By Rachel Brandes
“Always remember, YOU have the power to brighten someone’s day!”
– Unknown
Feline Tomfoolery
Dear Strange Black Cat,
Who are you and why are you so handsome? This section is for us because we are the most handsome. How dare you try to encroach on our space? What was that? You say our human saw you on her walk and photographed you? Okay, we will take this up with her. She’s in big trouble now.
Stay Handsome, Brady & Belichick
Brady & Belichick are Rachel’s adorable felines. These two cute boys turned two on May 4, 2025.
Moments by Mira
Ever After Photography PNW, located in Gig Harbor, Washington. Click the link below to see the creative catalog of work on Mira’s website.
The Phobia Experiment
As part of mental health awareness, for the first 26-weeks of 2026, Rachel will explore her phobias A-Z. This experiment is to bring awareness to why the fears exist and attempt to reduce the impact they have on her daily life.
Phobia List Website — Check it out
Ophidiophobia: is the fear of snakes. She isn’t sure why, but Rachel is more afraid of coming across a snake than a bear. Maybe not as much as a cougar but she is definitely irrationally afraid of coming across a snake. Getting out in Utah is definitely putting this fear to the test.
Blake’s Adventure in England
Rachel’s eldest son, Blake, is currently stationed in Cambridge, England. He isn’t great a remembering to share pictures, but Rachel got him to send a few shots taken while he was out for a run this past weekend.
Alec’s Adventure in Finland
Alec is Rachel’s second born and quite the adventurer. This week, he and a group of friends are visiting Finland. The photos below were shared from a day spent in Estonia.
That’s One Killer Climb
Pictured above are the Herriman stairs. That doesn’t look so bad, right?
Leave it to Rachel to select something like hiking the Herriman stairs for fun on a Saturday morning. Her idea of fun sometimes baffles those around her. This sure doesn’t stop her from getting out there and adventuring.
Herriman is located 20 miles south of Rachel’s home in Salt Lake City. The Wide Hollow Trailhead improvements and construction on the new stairs began in October 2025 and is nearly complete. Construction of the on-site restrooms have begun along with a lower area staircase.
Pictured above is a ‘decorated’ rock large enough for climbing with a great backdrop.
The Herriman stairs are comprised of 258 timber steps taking hikers up .46 miles with 156 feet of elevation gain. To add to the difficulty, the stairs aren’t all the same depth.
On a scale of 1 to 10, Rachel gives this climb an 8.5 on the difficulty scale. It was extremely difficult. Her glute muscles were on fire and her breathing erratic. At least she wasn’t alone while she panted her way to the top. Only the furry climbers didn’t seem out of breath.
Pictured above is the view from the top.
Rachel continued hiking up one of the paths for a higher vantage point. She followed a couple with a dog up one of the paths and tried to keep her distance. From their conversation, it sounded like they were on a first date.
She was excited to come across a stick hut with a mailbox, flag up. For the generation that doesn’t know what flag up means, it means you have mail. Rachel stopped for pictures and added a note to the book inside that was clearly marked private. She had fun reading entries from other hikers before moving on.
Rachel passed the first date couple when they stopped for a snack. On her way back down, she smiled at the couple and asked if she could pet their dog. She was subsequently rejected by the dog with a growl. She commented that he must smell her cats and began to walk away.
Just as she turned, the woman looked at her and said, “you have the prettiest face.” Rachel can’t recall the last time a stranger gave her a genuine compliment. Rachel thanked her for the kind words and floated away on cloud nine.
The quote selected at the top of the issue really speaks to this moment. All of us have the ability to brighten someone’s day. Those five words really brightened Rachel’s.
Rachel had taken several pictures while on this adventure. The two below were a couple of her favorites.
When Rachel had passed up the first date couple on her way up, there was nobody else ahead of her on the trail. This had her on high alert for snakes and mountain lions. It didn’t help that she continued to hear an odd sound in the distance. She couldn’t place the sound and finally got far enough out to get nervous and turn back.
On her way down there was another hiker headed up. He asked Rachel if there was anything good ahead. She said, “maybe a mountain lion by the sound of it.” He laughed and said, that’s a jackhammer. Sure, it was a jackhammer. A jackhammer mountain lion trying to trick Rachel into being eaten. Rachel was relieved to know she hadn’t been on the verge of attack.
The selfie below was taken as Rachel descended the stairs, which were a lot easier on the way down. She’s excited to return for a sunrise hike at some point. This was another beautiful Utah adventure. Until next time, be well.
