Salt Lake City, Utah

I decided to do a drive through of the sites in Salt Lake City. After my morning hike and the walk in the park and aviary, my legs were spent.

But as I drove, I kept seeing things I wanted to see and not just pass by. Street art, architecture, sculptures, etc. So I parked and found a Lime scooter 🛴 and used a couple of them to see the sites as I maneuvered around the city. Was fun!

This mural was about the women in Utah. Historical tribute to their contributions. Thought that was nice and not what I expected in a Mormon run capital.

Another cool mural regarding their basketball team. ( I think)

I went over to Temple Square which is a block of all the Mormon’s buildings and facilities. Huge part of this city. Here’s a little history photo of when the church was erected.

Showing the layout and all its structures.

I had read at one of the rest stops in Utah, that the Mormons were looking for land that no one wanted so they could claim it and practice their religion. Afterall the USA was based on freedom of religion.

The main temple was getting a face lift.

And these tricolored flowers. The creative design of nature is neverending and I love when it’s planted in the cities.

The capital building was located up a steep hill. The scooter ride back down was a blast!

I loved this shot, how I captured two dudes posing.

I ditched the Lime and walked through the City Center.

Well maintained designed area. Even the sidewalk added interest.

This shopping area even had fountains which I discovered as I took a different route back to my car. Never take the same path twice if you can help it.

Saw this church on the walk back too. Not sure if it was part of the Temple Square or not.

Appreciated these birds in flight sculptures.

And this is where I parked and started. I loved the messages surrounded the solo red park bench. An artistic display.

I noticed in Salt Lake City the roads are numbered and directional. Downtown I was on 100 Street but where I was hiking was 11,000 Street. Never have seen that in another city before.

Also ironic to the Mormon dominance, many stores had rainbow flags in their windows. There is definitely a movement/conflict felt here.

Horsetail Falls Trail- Alpine, Utah

Surrounded by mountains, I woke up wanting to hike. It was chilly and overcast so I was a tad concerned. Looking at the forecast it was looking like rain all day.

I chanced it and looked up my AllTrails app to find a hike that would take me to water. As much as canyons make me feel a small part of an infinite world, puts me in my place, yet still embraces me as if I do belong; water makes me feel alive, inspires me to grow, evolve, and endure.

Being a small town girl from Ohio, who likes to explore new sites, it’s been awakening going wherever the day takes me. Nature is free and the USA is ours to travel. Thailand taught me the no fear approach. I will forever have that gift.

As I mapped my way, it took me through exclusive neighborhoods and made me wonder how, because people have money and are successful financially, they own the right to have the best natural views. I liked all the hikers trucking through their quiet retreat. I’m predicting the trail will eventually have a new starting point.

I decided to hike this trail since it promised a river. A 3.4 mile hike sounded perfect.

When I arrived at the trailhead. A different trail name and map was posted. This one was an 8 mile hike.

I noticed these adorable petite long stemmed flowers which I hadn’t seen before.

As I started hiking, which was all an uphill steep incline, I could hear the water roaring and finally glimpsed a peak of it below.

So I hiked down and couldn’t have been happier. All alone by this flowing river.

I could smell the leftover campfire from a site probably used the night before.

I sat and journaled. Wondering how long it would take the water to wear down the rocks sharp edges. The rocks felt so stubborn to me and the water reminded me of how we can easily maneuver around obstacles and ignore their inability to change.

The sound was deafening. I loved it. It drowned out my monkey brain.

I started hiking upstream to see how far the trail would allow along the river’s edge.

The trees were skinny and tall and offered protection from the light sprinkle that started.

Back on the waters edge I climbed up to look down at the falls.

I spotted a man made bridge and decided to check it out.

I sat. And listened. And wrote down my natural lessons granted in the moment.

I decided to hike back up to the main trail.

The rain was starting to pick up it’s pace.

It was rocky, all around me was natural beauty.

I turned back to look down at where I started. Notice the heavy clouds lingering above my head.

I was taking a break when four women were hiking down the mountain and passed me. I asked them how much further it was and I loved their answer. They said that depended on what my goal was, further explaining there is beauty everywhere so you can turn around at the next log and be done if I wanted.

This resonated with me. What is my goal? In life? On this trail? On this trip?

I am a terrible goal setter and I believe that’s why I’m excellent at spontaneity. Without any future expectations, I can do what I desire and rarely be disappointed. I started rethinking my day and what plans I had and how they should be altered based on how I feel. So I hiked until my legs were literally weak, then turned around.

As I was walking in silence, I swear I could hear the woods speaking to me. As if begging for my attention. Like a child. “Look at me. You haven’t seen me before” “ take my photo”. And I would eventually give in and tell them they were gorgeous and thanked them 😁. Yep, I may be officially losing it.

This rock told me how cool he was with his white stripes.

And this leaf was calling attention for how perfectly half and half he was.

When I passed this ravine it echoed of a lumber graveyard. Have me an eerie feeling.

And then I reached the meadow. Flat, open, out of nowhere grass.

I followed a path through the meadow and could hear the river again. Love this Siamese tree.

One last glance. Check out the red branches on this tree.

I felt something falling onto me and discovered the rain had turned into hail stones! Guess that’s what you get at higher altitudes. Tiny little ice balls.

Not sure why they feel guns and bullet casings are part of nature.

Bye river, I’m going to make my way back. I’d been hiking uphill for 2 hours.

I loved seeing this family single -filed hiking.

Notice the mountain peak in the background. I picked the right trail today.

Even with getting rained on and hailed on, the sun eventually came out and I knew I was exactly where I should be.

The blue skies were out boldly showing off as a backdrop.

The distant city. I’m envious a bit that they have this in their backyards.

Took this last photo as I was pulling out of the subdivision. And just as I did, it started downpouring!

Provo, Utah

Deciding what to do next can be fun but also a bit tense when the google maps on your phone only show certain info based on how far you zoom. I decided to head north to a state park.

I was missing the water, the streams and lakes so I picked the Utah Lake State Park in Provo, Utah. It looked pretty on the map and wasn’t too far off the main highway.

Upon arrival, the ranger informed me it costs 15$ and told me there wasn’t really anything but a picnic area and a beach at the lake.

Disappointed, I decided, after talking to my good friend Traci on the phone, that I needed a margarita. Somehow she always inspires me to have a cocktail.

I looked up Mexican Restaurants in the area and they all seemed to be located on/near the University Drive. Usually a college is around fun food choices so I headed that way.

The exit was filled with strip mall options and endless chains. Strike two.

I took another phone call and was in a funk driving aimlessly while chatting, only to end up in a historic part of Provo. I found a Mexican joint too, so margaritas, nachos and a cute small town surrounded by mountains- a good recovery.

On the way to the state park, I noticed all these gas signs.

Was quite a cute antique collection. I think it was part of the RV park.

When I saw this sign I knew I was in the right place 😀

They had several cute murals which of course I love.

First time I’d seen polka dots. Love them! I’d been fun to do something similar in my home.

Local burger joint. I appreciate the mix of races in the mural and the graphic mountain background.

It’s so enjoyable being surrounded by mountains.

Old with new. Different scooter company so I couldn’t ride.

I noticed this church and all the gorgeous flowers. When I walked around, I really admired the care they took for this institution.

I had to hold these for a bit and love on them. I wondered what it felt like to be made so beautifully.

I know right?! This was behind the church.

Maybe weddings or events are held in the gazebo?

I sent this photo to my landscaping neighbors. It was like a beautiful grass.

The family sculpture out front surrounded by flowers. I wish I was here Sunday. I’d check out their services just to see what it was like.

Walking back I caught my grubby reflection in the building but more importantly liked how it reflected the old part of town in the new.

I wonder if this is a ski town that comes to life in the winter. Well I looked it up just now and this is what I said.

Zion National Park, Utah

After Canyonlands which I barely covered, I didn’t have a clue where to head next. You could literally spend 3 days per National Park checking out all the trails and viewpoints. But I was out here just exposing my soul to newness, so I wanted to try another location.

Once the WiFi kicked back in I google mapped Bryce and Zion to see which was closer. They were both over 3 hours away. So I just started driving in that general direction.

Along the route I literally, know I said it before but, cannot get over how Utah is so beautiful and ever changing in visual stimuli. The mountains and canyons keep transitioning to completely new colors and shapes. I took so many photos out my window. I will eventually compose a “out the passenger window” post. Will be interesting to see it all in one blog.

When I woke up in the Walmart parking lot at 5 am I was contemplating whether I should hit the road early to beat the crowds or lay in van-bed for another hour. I decided to get my body up and moving.

Zion National Park was still an hour and 1/2 away. After pitstopping at a very clean rest stop, my eta was 7:30 am. When I arrived into the touristy town right before the park, there were tons of people out already walking about. Guess hikers are early birds.

Utah definitely builds tourism around their parks. I can’t imagine the crowds during peak seasons or weekends. All the coffee shops and restaurants were busy.

Nope, I was still too lazy to get out to properly take the photo.

The sun was rising and illuminating the rocks. I was able to drive super slow with nobody behind me.

Upon entering I asked the ranger for a map. I later realized the map was completely useless, not showing any of the drive I was on. Only the part of the park with a gate. Guess planning ahead may have been a good idea for this leg of the trip. 🙄

These made you feel so very insignificant! How long these rocks have been here and we are just a blip on the radar screen if time.

I was doing the drive by. There weren’t many places to pull off and I didn’t see any trails.

Check out the color transitions again. All in one group.

Many of the roads looked cut through. For sure the tunnels were. I read one of the tunnels was built in 1930. Made me wonder if the universe just randomly drops geniuses into different decades to help us out.

I pulled over to take this photo because I was in love with its swirling direction and layers.

There’s that movement again. Almost like desert sand blown in the wind, but rock.

Smoke stacks. I mean where did they pop up from? So random.

I realized I exited the park when the landscape completely changed! I did a u turn, yes me and my u turns! And went back into the park.

I asked this ranger why there were no hiking trails and how do I get the bus to take me into the gated zone. He explained that you have to have tickets in advance or you can wait til 3 pm and they start taking one bus load every hour, first come first serve.

I looked at my watch. It was 8:30 am. That wasn’t going to fit my non-plans.

So I decided to stop and park and make my own trail to get some hiking and rock climbing in.

Driving through the opposite way you get a different view.

Still so scenic. I wasn’t bitter to just have the drive experience. It was really a special place. Well worth the visit.

Felt a little like a safari drive through where you can look but not touch.

Saw a new cactus I hadn’t seen before. Cute small cluster.

I climbed up and scaled some rocks. Realizing how much I enjoy climbing!

This rock had two holes through it. How? Why?

You can see how high I was getting if you look for the cars below.

It’s times like these I’m really happy to be on my own. Not compromising. Just being me.

The light was reflecting rainbows at every angle.

I decided to find a comfortable place to stay up here for awhile and have a moment with God and myself in complete silence.

Flowers were blooming on a few cactus tips. Made me remember in Big Springs, Texas how excited I was when I went on that hike and saw cactus for the first time.

I actually laid down and felt the warmth of the rock under my head and back. I had so many clear thoughts go through me.

I felt when scaling these rocks and deciding to just lie down, there was nobody stopping me- talking to me- convincing me of anything other than what I want to do or be. I had a moment clearly telling me nobody ever will again.

I also understood some of my deep rooted personal issues I’ve been trying to figure out.

The sun tells me when to stay. I felt the warmth. The comfort. But the wind tells me when to go. I was laying there for a good 1/2 hour then out of nowhere the wind picked up.

I sat up and noticed people walking down on the street taking photos of me sitting so high up on the rock. Pointing. And I thought- why? I am nobody. But then was answered by “you are everybody”.

This was one of my favorite moments on this trip. I felt more in tune than I’d ever felt before. More in line with myself and God’s path for me. It all made sense.

As I was leaving I turned to take a photo of the rock that gave me this peace. To remember. Because I know, just like all clarifying moments in life, they soon fade when you are back in the societal rhythm.

I hiked down the sand trail to check out this tunnel. It was a dried up riverbed.

On the hike back up I noticed the coloration of the fungus on this rock. At least I think it’s done sort of fungus.

Where to next? Need to get to some WiFi to figure that one out.

Canyonlands National Park

I checked out of my luxury hotel ( sarcasm) and decided to get a decent breakfast in me before wandering off into the unknown. Out here you never know how far you will have to go for the next gas or food stop, or for your WiFi to kick in again!

I went through Moab and stopped at a local cafe called Glorias. Gotta say- best coffee yet!

I pushed the walk button and noticed Mr. Garcia with some floating hamburgers. Thought it symbolized the quirkiness of this place.

Kokopelli are everywhere out here! I remember not even knowing what one was back in my design days at SKl. Pam had to print out an article explaining so I could understand the motif she was using for a southwest print.

Parking is free off the main streets which is nice.

This morning I decided to go to Canyonlands National Park that was nearby. About an hour and twenty minute drive. Since I was out this way right?

On the one road into the park I passed many beautiful sites. I kept snapping photos. I’m always afraid I’m going to forget what it all looked like so I take as many shots as I can. Now that everything is digital you can decide which to keep later. What progress from the unknown 36 exposure film of past.

Coloration of this one is cool. 1/2 and 1/2.

Still fascinated with the balancing rocks and holes created.

There was one viewing point that I decided to check out.

Couldn’t wait to get to the canyon if this was just on the way.

Always admiring the strength of the desert flowers.

I kept looking for cows. It reminded me of when my taxi driver hit a cow in New Delhi. I thought we were going to get executed. He was so upset. I didn’t want to relive that experience.

Getting into this park was a traffic nightmare. Maybe because I waited until the afternoon? Who knows! But it took about 45 minutes inching up one car at a time.

This was the first stop inside Canyonlands. It was a amazing. I loved it as much as the Grand Canyon. My daughter Sedona is lucky I didn’t come to Utah instead of Arizona before she was born or she may be stuck with a name like Moab😂

Looking down into the canyon there is a road where some brave souls were driving to reach the Colorado River.

The road was long. I’d definitely have to have an off road vehicle and plenty of food and water to dare this trip. And definitely not be alone in case the car broke down. Don’t think triple A would help me out.

This talked about how many cows and other livestock were lost on this passage falling to their deaths in the past. Makes you not want to take a burro down.

I found a spot to sit alone and hung out here for awhile.

Breathing it in. Appreciating the fact that I’m here.

Selfie to let you know I’m still alive and better than ever!

There were several other lookout points but I didn’t think any matched the first stop.

I headed to the very end stop called Upheaval Dome. It was a mile plus hike and I was hoping it would be worth it in the heat of the afternoon. That’s one thing about the desert, no shade.

Hiking trail. Not easy. Steep inclines and plenty of rocky steps.

At the end was this pit with a different colored interior.

It was a geological wonder that I read they are still trying to figure out how it came to exist.

And instead of following the trail climbed up onto a rock where I sat ignoring the distant student chatter. I noticed senseless talk really annoys me now that I’ve been alone. People speak just to hear themselves talk. And teenagers are so animated about it, to express their importance. … the crabby old woman coming out in me ….

Makes me wonder what these rocks are telling me about life.

As I moved along I passed a totally new coloration.

I saw this quote from one of my favorite artists and felt it was timed perfectly for me!

Arches National Park- Moab, Utah

After the hike at the beginning of Arches National Park, I was inspired and wanted to see more. I kept driving, then parking and checking out the views. But my energy was getting low as I got some sun on my face while hiking down in the canyon. (Earlier this same morning I was hiking in my fleece and winter hat!)

I was able to breathe in a handful of other sites.

I believe this was called Monument Rock. Don’t quote me on that.

This reminded me of three sisters looking off into the distance.

Just so pretty next to the blue sky and green shrubbery.

This was called Garden of Eden’, I think. I do know there was a Devil’s Garden also but I never made it that far.

Driving along admiring God’s Wonderland.

From a distant view you could see the snow capped mountains in the background.

Those are people standing up there. Really helps to display the magnitude and of these giant beauties.

Something about these shapes together I liked.

I mean we don’t have anything like this in Ohio 😁

Then I drove up to the section called “Windows”.

Reminded me of the earlier arch I climbed. But now I was too tired to make the trek.

I admired from a distance. Curious if people lived in these holes prior to building homes or used them as shelter.

I googled a map later to see where I’d been and debated whether to go back the following day.

I only made it half way through this national treasure of a park. Sadly, I needed to find a place to stay and give my body some rest. I ended up booking a hotel so I could shower and start a little more slowly tomorrow morning.

Arches National Park. Park Avenue Trail- Moab, Utah

I drove through Moab, a tiny one street town, which seemed touristy to me. Packed with vacationers. Traffic was crazy with construction as well as mobile homes and semi trucks sharing the roadway. I was feeling frustrated and wanted out of the turmoil.

Seemed like a great natural Disneyland. Bike rentals, canoes on top of cars, dirt bikes and side by sides. I understood the attraction of the town.

But I had been up early, went to Mancos, Messe Verde and drove about 4 hours to get to Moab. I wasn’t sure where I was going to stay the night so I just kept driving to get out of the congestion. In doing so, I saw a sign for the Arches National Park, so of course with my new park pass, I decided to pull in to take a look.

Mind you, that’s a lot to pack into one day. But it was totally worth it!!!!

Just capturing some of the drive in the beginning of the park.

Then I spotted this balancing rock and thought, well that’s cool! I had no idea what better things were still coming.

A closer view of that rock. My drive by photography skills at work!

Looked a bit like the Grand Canyon’s sister.

The first viewpoint had this trail so I got out and went for a hike.

Unbelievable view. Complete with 112 steps down (and back up) according to an older nan who informed me that he counted.

Same view as above photo but once down inside the canyon.

Being down at the bottom level gave you more of a feeling of being part of it, rather than just observing the natural phenomenon.

Once I was in the canyon it was so quiet. I sat alone for awhile without anyone coming by. Most people didn’t make it all the way into the bowl, they stopped part way.

The different textures of the rock made me wish I cared enough to study geology. Instead I just look at it and artistically admire.

Love these thinner slabs mixing in with the others. Makes me wonder why all of them ended up so different. Such a variety of shapes in basically the same location.

Still hiking the trail, making my way to the phallic symbol.

The twig is mimicking the split in the stone.

I overheard a couple who was “over it” saying it all looked the same. To me, every step I took offered a different view and new perspective.

I mean look at how these yellow desert flowers make the landscape differ.

And you have to admire the survival instinct of this perfect succulent.

I may have captured the same rocks several times. I just didn’t want to miss anything. I kept taking photos just in case. Who knows when or if I’ll make it back.

Look at the curve created against the blue sky and cloud. 💚

This is for Virlane, who always intellectually likes more info.

Finally made it to Utah! Wilson Arch

Finally I made it to Utah! I originally planned to come here as my destination, spend two weeks exploring this state,then drive back. But anyone following my journey knows that has not been how this road trip ended up.

18 days in and I crossed the border from Colorado into Utah! The landscape almost immediately changed, and two days in I am still literally shaking my head in wonder.

Utah has the most fascinating views I’ve yet to see. So unique. Constantly changing within an hour! I have become a professional at taking photos while driving, through my passenger seat window. It’s a new skill I acquired during this trip.

In southern Utah, where I crossed over, the earth looked flat like Ohio. The biggest difference was the red clay dirt. I’m loving all the natural color transitions I’ve witnessed this month!

Cute how people stop to take a photo. I just snap as I drive. Maybe next time I will pull over for a clearer appreciation of the sign.

Then this appeared in the middle of flipping nowhere! It’s like a work of art! Mother Nature’s sculpture.

And then an hour later, the rocks changed to red. The sky looks unreal out here it’s so blue.

I wanted to go climb onto them. But it was just everyday sites for the locals along the highways, nothing to explore.

Then I spotted the Wilson Arch and thankfully there was a pull over area for us tourists to get out and stare.

See the tiny dot in the middle of the arch. That’s a person. I strapped on my hiking boots and headed up!

I conquered this cluster of rocks proudly, only later to discover an easier trail.

When I got to the top I was alone. I laid down on my back and snapped this photo looking up. Feeling part of the circle. I find I don’t give a shit anymore what people think of me. Maybe that comes from living out of my van and not showering for 5 days🙄

Looking out away from traffic you could see the close up texture of the rock.

It really was a window to the world beyond. Which here goes on forever without a building in site.

Looking down toward the highway admiring the views and being so close to the clouds.

Bye arch. You made my heart skip a beat. Thank you.

Heading to Moab, not sure why except that it was my destination city when I googled my way out of Messe Verde Park. Passed this rock- do you see the heart? Love can always be found when you least expect it.

I felt like this rock, screaming to the world. I love my life! I made it to Utah!!!!!

This rock has another face of its own. Beautiful how all the rocks here, like trees back home, have their own personality.

And just like that, the landscape changed again.

Messe Verde National Forest – Colorado

Googling my way to the forest after my breakfast in Mancos was simple. It was literally right up the road. I checked the AllTrails and found a couple trails to hike in this enormous park and headed to one of them to work off my morning grub.

My National Parks Pass is coming in handy!

First sight I saw driving in. You do know I never do too much research on places. I had no idea what to expect.

Gorgeous. Will seeing new landscape ever get old? I’m so happy to be out west to see new fascinating nature.

Decided this trail would be perfect. Short with a view.

There was only one other car in the parking lot to this trail head. It started off looking like any other I’d hiked.

As it ascended, the views and landscape kept changing. I was admiring how spring had not quite blossomed here yet. They were still in transition.

Wicked twisted burnt trees were all along the trails, adding to the variety.

This trail zig zagged back and forth as it climbed up the mountain.

Breathtaking view. I absolutely love these bushes in the forefront.

Trail turned rocky at times. Made me happy I was doing this at my age and not 20 years from now.

Check out the coloration of this bad boy rock! So special. Even the white flowers were wanting to be near him.

I hadn’t seen these wildflowers before. They would randomly be in the middle of a grassy patch along with twigs. Appreciate the diversity.

I kept climbing and peaking over for the views. Wondering when I would reach the top.

Another wildflower showing off its endurance.

I finally reached a flattened plateau and OMG , I couldn’t have been happier.

Looking straight down. I felt so small and yet such a part of where I was.

I sat at the top for several minutes and just talked to God and asked what’s next. For me. For my life. Why am I happy alone? How can I make a living out of my joy?

It was very cold up here. And a huge wind was blowing trying to talk me down.

I stayed. I appreciated. I breathed it all in wishing there was a trail like this where I lived that I could escape to weekly for quiet contemplation.

One more glance and then I decided to wander and see what more this park offered.

Parking pass in the windshield, I was going through.

Hiked a short bit to see the Knife Edge Rock. The history is interesting. Seeing the car off the side of the road and thinking about all the challenges endured to build roads for others to be able to enjoy this park.

Looking out from the viewpoint where the rangers keep watch for wildfires during peak times.

Literally a gorgeous day. I couldn’t imagine how anything could get better. But it did. And I continue to be amazed by this trip I decided to take. The quiet moments are the best. With only one more week to explore before I head back east, I decided to make my way into Utah.

Quotes about Views (560 quotes) — Whatever that may be.

On the Road to Mancos, Colorado

Guido, the tattoo artist in Sante Fe recommended I check out Mancos. I didn’t have any plans to visit Colorado during this trip, but my sister, Trisha, also mentioned the Messe Verde National Park, so I thought maybe the Universe was leading me in a different direction.

I headed north after Taos, New Mexico toward Mancos.

I stopped overnight at the Walmart parking lot to sleep in Farmington, New Mexico, along the border, close to the meeting point of the four states. (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico). The trip to Mancos was enlightening. The short drive changed landscapes so drastically, it was fascinating to me.

Temperatures dropped 25 degrees and then went back up again within a short drive.

I drove through the Carson National Forest. As I reached higher altitudes the rain turned to snow.

Not just a little snow, but blowing in my windshield, tough to see, icy roads snow.

This forest was a drastic landscape change from the dry desert cactus seen in southern New Mexico. The colors were beautiful and the forest was thick with evergreens and birch.

Then just south of Farmington it dried up again and there were these interesting rock structures .

In New Mexico a few things that stood out of interest along the highways that I hadn’t seen elsewhere.

Cow crossing signs with space ship stickers above them. Clever considering Roswell. But I wasn’t in Roswell.
All signs apparently are used for drive- by shooting practice for the locals. Each sign had a lot of bullet holes in it.
Memorials along the highway are decorated in bold bright colors. We have these in Ohio also but they are usually far and few between. It made me wonder if that many more people die here on the roads? Or they just keep their memorials alive longer.