New Spaces, New Places
A vacation in December/January has become a habit that makes it possible for me to survive the long North Dakota winters. This year I had the wonderful opportunity to explore some new spaces and new places in Utah and Arizona. Long time kite friend, Mike Shaw, was kind enough to be my tour guide. "Thanks Mike."
Since the family was headed to
Colorado for a skiing trip, I was able to hitch a ride with them giving me a
couple days in Denver to enjoy the sights. The 29th
dawned warm enough for a ride on the motorcycle so I was able to get to Boulder
for lunch and a quick stop at Into The Wind for ferrules. I envy anyone that
lives in a location that allows a motorcycle ride in late December. That night I was
treated to the Christmas lights at the Denver Zoo.
Even saw animals that I had never seen before. Then did a tour of some of the
light displays at private residences around the Lakewood area. A trip to the
Denver Art Museum and Pints Pub (can you say scotch) filled up the day of the
30th. The 31st began the trek west and I was wowed from the start at the beauty
of the Rockies and wowed by the engineering in Glenwood Canyon. But little did I
know the true beauty that was awaiting me.
My introduction to the beauty of
the red rock area happened on a two lane highway off Interstate 70 that ended in
Moab, Utah. Photos and travel guides do not prepare a person for the stunning
beauty of cliffs rising above the
road
in every conceivable shade of orange and red and fuchsia. I had been driving and
had to pull off the road and change drivers so I could just gawk to my heart's
content. I didn't know such beauty could exist in one area. A scenic wayside
showcased two amazing buttes named the Monitor and the Merrimac. That road
itself actually ended in the Canyonlands but a turn off a few miles short of
there took us to Dead Horse Point
State Park. I am frustrated by my limited vocabulary that makes it
difficult to truly explain the effect this place had on me. There are not enough
adjectives to describe the wonder and awe that I felt. Dead Horse Point State
Park has been added to my list of most astounding places on par with my first
glimpse of Mt. Rainier and my first view of the ocean.
Arches
National Park near Moab, Utah, was the perfect place to celebrate the
beginning of a new year. The whole day was spent hiking and exploring this
wonderland of unique red rock formations. Park Avenue, The
Windows, Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, and the Devil's Garden are areas within
the park with phenomenal examples of the effects that wind, moisture, and time
can have on a landmass. I felt my spirit expand while my ego was humbled as I
contemplated the artworks of nature. I can't wait to return to this area and the
next time I will be in better shape so I can explore even more of the nature
beauty that abounds in this one special place.
Driving to Sedona from Blanding, Utah added more scenic wonders to my repertoire. Gosh I added alot of National Park and Monuments to my list in a short span of time. Speaks to the richness of the entire area.