Gone to Paradise (20 minutes from home!)

Somehow, when determining where to travel, I often let my musings lead me outside my home state of Utah. Having traveled to Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Islands of the Pacific, and the Baltics - I tend to think of foreign languages and strange food as a prerequisite for travel. This last Saturday reminded me that a quick trip into the backwoods close to my Salt Lake home would place me in Paradise!

Petrina and I had Labor Day plans to camp for a couple of days in the high Uintahs. However, after assessing what needed to be done around the house, we decided to take a day hike on Sunday, September 4th. We chose a hike in Millcreek Canyon after I had seen the canyon while attending the wedding reception on my firend's daughter. We chose Alexander Basin which is about 8 miles up the canyon. It was billed as a leisurely 4 hour round-trip hike suitable for people "just barely associated with physical fitness." While we both feel as if we're slightly better than that in the "cardio" department - it sounded like a beautiful hike.

Within moments of starting up the trail, we realized that this would be a stunning hike. With towering pines and shimmering aspens all around, the hustle and bustle of the big city vanished immediately. The trail was a little steep for sleeping lungs and I found myself stopping frequently to grab a breath. However soon I was "in the groove" and the next 2 miles were quit a leisurely hike.
Our last "camping trip" had us surrounded by wildebeests, baboons, elephants, and giraffes. This trips "big game" spotting was a cute little bunny that startled Petrina but was remarkably calm as we took its picture. Being the quintessential animal lover, Petrina wanted nothing more than to take him home.

Sometimes I hesitate sharing the amazing beauties of Utah with the outside world. I get a little selfish with this great state. But then, I always realize that it belongs to no one. We, who are lucky enough to live here, have the lucky stewardship to preserve this beauty and share it with many others. It's what keeps grounded - connected to that of which we are all molecularly and spiritually connected. We found it today 20 minutes from home in Millcreek Canyon.