Today is Monday, October 5, 2026
Issue #332 ~ By Rachel Brandes
SALTY STAR RUN CLUB
Joining Salty Star Run Club on a Saturday morning is never a disappointment. The photo below was taken on 9/26/2026 after a trail run in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Feline Tomfoolery
By Brady Wilfork Snugglebum & Belichick McDaniels Runtzilla
Elegant Poses by B & B
Moments by Mira
www.everafterphotograpypnw.com
Located in Gig Harbor, Washington, Ever After Photography PNW is owned and operated by Mira Nachtigall, a long-time friend of Rachel.
Mental Health Minute
Shared from Pintrest: @souders614
“ In a world obsessed with being extraordinary, there is a deep peace in just being a good human.”
– Unknown
One Month Update: The Struggle is Real
Rachel has reached the one-month point with her new medication (for background, check out Issue #328 by clicking below). Over the past four weeks, she feels lighter, both physically and mentally. She only had two binging episodes throughout the month, which is a great improvement.
While the voice in her head hasn’t been silenced completely, she has hope that it will continue to improve. Her physician has challenged her not to look at foods as bad or good. A treat is okay; there is no shame in wanting and having a treat.
SEPTEMBER AT ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
September was a fairly uneventful month at the Salty Lake City Orangetheory Fitness (SLC OTF). That is likely because October is one of the best months at OTF and they lull members into a false sense of security with September. Don’t get her wrong, Rachel loves October at OTF. More on that later.
During September, Rachel’s body felt good and she was able to attend a total of 12 classes.
She rocked her New England Patriots shirt for Team Day.
She got her butt kicked during a specialty workout called The Chipper. Let’s just say, it was an intense workout.
Having experienced a few Octobers at OTF, she is very excited that the fun is soon to begin. October will host a couple of benchmark classes, including the 500-meter row and 12-minute tread, which Rachel loves (the latter). The best part though… Hell Week.
The last eight days of the month will be Hell Week. Eight intensified classes and all with a theme. All members attending those classes will have the intensified workout, but the members that sign up to participate in the challenge of attending at least four of the eight classes will receive an official OTF Hell Week shirt after the challenge.
This year, SLC OTF is going with a Harry Potter themed Hell Week. The members haven’t been let in on all of the secrets just yet, but they have encouraged anyone interested to take Official Hogwarts House Sorting Quiz.
Rachel took the test. Which house did the sorting hat select? You’ll have to wait until next month to find out. If you would like to guess, scroll to the very bottom of the issue and add your guess in the comment section. Click the link above in italics to take the quiz yourself and share your house results.
buffalo point trail
Well, it’s about time…
When Rachel first arrived in Utah, over a year ago, she discovered Antelope Island State Park just 21 miles to her north. An island surrounded by water, yes, please. Even if that water is the Great Salt Lake (stinky). The island is home to free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), and many other desert animals. Antelope Island comprises 28,022 acres and is 15 miles long and 4.5 miles across a its widest point.
(Source: stateparks.utah.gov).
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Rachel finally visited Antelope Island. The hike she really wants to do on Antelope Island is the Frary Peak Trail, which is 7.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,270-feet. AllTrails (hiking app) rates this hike as hard. This is not a solo hike. Not for Rachel in any case. So, on this Sunday, she opted to hike the much more solo-friendly Buffalo Point Trail. This hike is a 1-mile hike with a 229-foot elevation gain. AllTrails rates this one as moderate. This would be a perfect sunrise hike.
Let the adventure begin
Rachel loves a good sunrise hike and the best way to enjoy a sunrise hike is to arrive at your destination at first light. First light is generally an hour before sunrise. This allows for the most beautiful experience.
Rachel arrived so early, she had to wait at the park gate for about 10 minutes before she could enter and cross the Davis County Causeway — a narrow, man‑made road that spans the Great Salt Lake and connects the mainland to the island. A short 7-mile drive and she reached the entrance. Side note: Rachel made a rookie error and had her windows down. She couldn’t believe how horrendous the smell was driving across that causeway. There are simply no words to describe how bad it was. Luckily, the rest of the visit was smell-free.
When she reached the trailhead, it was still very dark. The moonlight didn’t lend enough light to see much. Rachel, being prepared, used her flashlight to navigate the trail. However, never having visited this park and knowing there were roughly 800 free-range bison on the island, it would be an understatement to say she was terrified of running into one on the trail. She proceeded very cautiously.
When she reached the top of the trail, the viewing began. Rachel should point out that the following photos have no color editing whatsoever. They are shared as taken with only cropping. Enjoy the journey of sunrise on the Buffalo Point Trail.
During her time at the peak, she enjoyed her breakfast and played around climbing on rocks. She tried to get some fun photos using her tripod but doesn’t have enough practice just yet.
She wandered around enjoying the views on all sides and even got to watch the bunnies scurry around.
Time to head down.
When heading back down the trail, she could see a group of bison in a nearby field. She was excited to drive past and get a better view. Don’t worry, she would be safe. She wouldn’t become one of those people you see trying to get up close and personal for a selfie with a bison.
She would be a person that stopped her car and stood up putting her upper body out of her sunroof to get a good picture though.
As she drove around the island to check out the views, she saw so many bison she lost count. Some were right next to the road.
She got see a group of deer when she had a close encounter as they crossed the road right in front of her car. Luckily, she was driving very slowly and was able to stop safely without harming them. One didn’t get to cross the road and remained on her side. She snapped a quick picture through her window and moved on.
As she reached the exit to the park, she saw a few things she had missed in the dark.
There was even a cute post sign at the main State Park sign that had a spot to place a cell phone. What a great idea. This made it possible for Rachel to get the picture of herself sitting on the main entry sign at the beginning of the story.
When she drove back across the causeway, she ensured her windows were rolled up tight and that the air circulation was blocked from the outside air. This allowed her to drive across stench free-ish and snap a photo of the Great Salt Lake from the causeway.
Aside from the pesky little flying bugs, Rachel enjoyed her morning on Antelope Island. She looks forward to hiking Frary Peak Trail at some point soon. Until next time, be well.
Feel free to stick around (below) and like, rate, share and comment (direct to Rachel). She is always looking for content ideas and would love input.