Category Archives: Utah

Reunited and it Feels So Good…

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I must be candid in saying my world has felt a bit more “wobbly” than I expected after retirement.   Some say this is to be expected, but I personally didn’t expect it.  Don’t get me wrong, I am having the time of my life.  But I just keep having this looming feeling over me, like “Vacation is gonna be over soon, Suzanne…and THEN what?”   I trust it will pass.  😉

After my restoration and rejuvenation at the lovely little Snow Canyon and Red Mountain Day Spa, the axis of my universe is steadied once more, and I am eager to meet up with the Red Rocks Gang once again, now in Zion National Park.   Continue reading →

Snow Canyon, Thou Restoreth My Soul…

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We all have that “go to” place when our soul needs nourishing.  A place where we can seek solace.  Regain our center.   Connect to whatever form of source that makes our heart sing.  For some, it may be a favorite chair with a cup of tea.  For others, a building with a steeple on top.  And for yet others, the majestic mountains of Zion National Park.

Since I first visited Snow Canyon State Park outside of St George, UT back in 2006, it felt like nourishment for my soul.  Continue reading →

And Now! The Star of Our Show…

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No question about it, there is a “star attraction” in Arches National Park. In fact, it has achieved downright rock star status. Not only does it have its own dedicated trail, but two overlooks as well! It graces the Utah license plate, was once featured on a postage stamp, and was a milestone on the 2002 Olympic torch route. Rock star, indeed! Continue reading →

A Fiery Furnace That Could Have Been Hell

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When Lynne and I were caravanning to Big Bend last March, we celebrated her birthday with a trip to the “Star Party” at the McDonald Observatory. So since my birthday just passed, she kindly offered to reciprocate with a Ranger-led tour through the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park. Little did either of us know that this trip books up months in advance. Continue reading →

GPS: “Turn Right and Go Off Road.”

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I haven’t seen my friend Ethel (aka Lynne from WinnieViews) since we said goodbye and went our separate directions, blowing out of Big Bend in 25mph winds last March. Lynne spent the summer liquidating a garage full of gadgets (they don’t call her “Gadget Girl” for nothing!) becoming a Craig’s List and ebay mogul while preparing for full timing, while I took off on The Amazing Race around the Olympic Peninsula. We agreed when we both ended up in the same state, we would reunite for more “Lucy and Ethel Adventures.” Only now, being in Southern Utah, somehow the theme seemed to morph into more “Thelma and Louise!” Continue reading →

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

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It is eerily empty here in the Red Rocks boondock. The gang all pulled out this morning bound for Kodachrome, while I am headed east to cross a couple more national parks off my never-ending task master, my Bucket List. But without a list, I lose track of my desires. And without desires, there is no expansion, no growth. Right? Continue reading →

Fording the River Fremont

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One thing I have quickly learned to appreciate about the Red Rocks Gang is that no hike is going to be “pedestrian.”  You may find yourself skirting stagnant tanks in the side of the mountain or being hoisted over boulders, but one thing for sure, it will be an adventure!   So bring your water shoes, as today, we are walking across a 20 ft wide river and bushwhacking through the bulrushes to reach the trail! Continue reading →

Ladies Choice!

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Hiking with the “Red Rocks Gang” takes on a whole different aura when it’s a “Ladies Only” hike.   One would think tempo or pace would be the obvious difference, but quite the contrary.  Of our two dynamic duos, Gayle and Jim and Mark and Bobbie, both women tend to be the trail blazers, up front setting the pace.  Continue reading →