What’s up everybody?
Its good to be back chatting with you once again. Cold and snow weather turned our holiday break into a two and a half month hiatus. I will say, thankfully, that it hasn’t been as cold for us as it has for our friends out in the Midwest. When the thermometer is showing that you are colder than Siberia, then you know its cold. This doesn’t mean that we have been idle though. We did get a few chances between the snow storms to go on a few adventures. Which I will tell you about in the coming weeks. Most of our time was spent planning one of our bigger trips for this year and the rest of the time was spent researching for possible trips. I think that we came up with a few good ones that I hope we get to go on this year. If not, oh well, there is always next year. Am I right?
To continue with a tradition that I started last year, I’ve come up with a list of place that I would like to see or things I would like to do this year. I guess we don’t need to waste anymore time. Lets go ahead and get into it.
- Moab Easter Jeep Safari.
Lets get the big one out of the way. The Moab Easter Jeep Safari is a week long event, where off-road enthusiasts come to participate in the Event. People come from all over the globe to attend. Yes, you read that right, all over the globe. Most come from the US, but we have run with people from all over Europe and some people from Australia.
Members from the Red Rock 4 Wheelers, a local off-road club, hosts the event and take participants on guided trails. If you are unable to register for a guided trail, no worries, the trails are open year round for anyone to use. No guides need. There are trails for any skill level and the Red Rockers are more then welcome to answer any question that you have and to help you find a trail that you are comfortable with.
This is my most anticipated trip of the year. If you know me or have followed us than you’d know that this is one of my family traditions that I really missed when we moved to Chicago. Now that we are back in Salt Lake I’m extremely excited to get back in the rocks and dirt. I’ve been working on my Jeep since we got back, getting it ready to go. I’m happy to say that its ready. Mostly, there are still a few things that need to get done but nothing too major.
2) The Big Five:
The Big Five that I’m referring to is Utah five National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capital Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. I feel like I’m cheating lumping them all together like this. I could probably create a whole list just dedicated to each of these places and I haven’t even mentioned the other National Monuments, Historic, Recreational, or Trails that can be found in Utah.
I have been to all of the before but haven’t explored the majority of them like I think I should. Each one is different and have their own beauty to be discovered. It seems like for the average person, that goes to the Parks, tend to hit the major attractions. I know I’m guilty of doing this myself. I’ve come to the conclusion that its time for me to see the hidden secrets of the Big Five and discover the wonder they hold. I know it wont be easy. I’m a little out of shape and some of the hikes a fairly strenuous. Thats alright though, i’ve picked up a gym pass so I can start getting ready. We’ll see what happens, but if you come across me passed out face first in the middle of the trail. Turn me over, make sure I still breathing, and splash me with some water. I’m sure I’ll be fine.
3) Golden Spike National Historic Site.
 |
| Courtesy: nps.gov |
You know those other National places I had mentioned before, well here is one of them. Promontory Point is one of, if not thee, most historical places in Utah. On May 10th 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was completed. To celebrate this tremendous occasion a gold spike was commissioned to be ceremoniously driven as the “Last Spike”. Most of us know the story of the railroad, but for many they have no idea where it all took place. This year GSNHS will be celebrating it 150th year since the completion of the railroad.. There are hiking and driving trails. Of course, there are reenactments of the spike ceremony and the meeting of the trains.
4) Antelope Island State Park.
 |
| Courtesy: utah.com |
Besides the National Parks, Utah has an abundance of State Parks. Funny enough, I haven’t really explored many of them. Which is a shame. Antelope Island is, as the name suggests, an island located in the Great Salt Lake. Sometimes its more of a peninsula depending on the level of the lake. There are plenty of activities to do. Camping, hiking, biking, and much more. The thing that I’m most looking forward to is the wildlife. The island is home to bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and many other desert dwelling animals. Also if you’re a bird watcher, many species pass through the area year round.
5) Four Corners Monument.
 |
| Courtesy: utah.com |
This is one that Erin really wants to go see. If you are not from the Southwest you may not have ever heard of the four corners. The Four Corners is where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah all meet. In essence, you can stand in four different states at the same time. If you think about it, its kinda cool. I will admit, that I’ve heard some negative things about it. Mostly that you shouldn’t expect much and you don’t go there specifically for it unless your passing by. I’m planning a bigger trip that will include the Four Corners as one of its stops and will also include the next entry as well.
6) Mesa Verde National Park.
 |
| Courtesy: nps.gov |
Most people think of Greece, Rome, Egypt and South America when talking about ancient structures or buildings. I would wager a guess that most people are not aware that in the Southwest of the US we have some structures that are just as impressive as the places I have mentioned. That’s a real shame too. Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is home to some of these amazing structures. The Pueblo people lived in this area around 700 years ago. They built thousands of structures throughout the southwest. Mesa Verde alone has 5000 archeological sites, which include 600 cliff dwellings.
I have been here once before when I was really young. I don’t remember a whole lot about it but what I do remember was that it was really cool. Now that I’m an adult, I appreciate these structures and the people who built them. I can’t wait to explore them with different eyes and relearn their history.
I am going ahead and calling this list with these six places. I know I could go on and on. There were plenty of places that I want to go and see last year. I was only able to check off a few of the off my list. Of course, moving across the country kind of put a damper on things. Sometimes you just have to roll with it. Hopefully I’ll get to check them all off this year. We’ll see though.
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.
Josh
No comments:
Post a Comment