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Utah Travel Headlines

Friday, June 29, 2012

Best Utah State Parks For Summer Camping


Yahoo Sports has this new article that describes summer camping opportunities in Utah state parks. It provides interesting insights into opportunities at the parks - and it includes some that are not often featured.

Camping was the primary focus here and all of the parks listed have excellent campgrounds and facilities. It is always interesting to read other writers insights and opinions. Here's her list, with some of her comments.
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park - For me, the sand dunes and OHV riding opportunities are what makes it a must visit.
  • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - In my opinion, the fishing, fossils, swimming opportunities and hiking trails make this park a stand out.
  • Green River State Park - The park's access to white water rafting, superlative fishing and an onsite golf course are among its best attributes.
  • Red Fleet State Park - The onsite dinosaur tracks, hiking trails and fishing opportunities are three of its biggest draws. The jaw-dropping, red rock mountains are another.
  • Yuba State Park - The abundance of water activities and tent sites adds to the park's appeal. A boat launch area and boat rentals are conveniently located onsite.
My note: Green River State Park is located on the banks of the Green River, on the edge of a town by the same name. The river in this area does not offer much whitewater. Desolation Canyon is above town; and Labyrinth and Stillwater is below. Fishing is ok for catfish and carp but it is not a destination fishery. Many miles upstream, the Green River is a blue-ribbon troutfishery below Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

- Dave Webb

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Zion Narrows Ranked With Most Beautiful Trails In The World


The Narrows in Zion National Park is often described as one of the best hikes in all of Utah's National Parks. Now, it is being listed with the most scenic routes in the world.

Fox News is carrying this article by Budget Travel, which has the title shown below. It links to these images of the routes.

12 most beautiful paths—no car required

The article lists these world-famous destinations:
  • Inca Trail (hiking), Peru
  • Appalachian Trail (hiking), U.S.A.
  • Zion Narrows (hiking), Utah
  • The Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail (cycling), Idaho and Montana
  • Pacific Crest Trail (hiking), U.S.A.
  • Torres del Paine Circuit (hiking), Chile
  • Cinque Terre (walking), Italy
  • The King's Trail (cross-country skiing or hiking), Sweden
  • Route des Grands Crus (cycling), France
  • The Whale Trail (hiking), South Africa
  • Milford Track (hiking), New Zealand
  • Ho Chi Minh Trail (motorbiking), Vietnam
Pretty good company.

Here's an excerpt about the Zion Narrows:

The path through the gorge—home to some of the world's deepest slot canyons—alternates between gaping, quarter-mile-wide stretches and narrow, 20-foot passageways, and runs directly through the Virgin River's bed—which means hikers who want to go the distance will have to ford waist-deep water from time to time. Still, Zion's fans believe it's worth the wade to stare up between the 2,000-foot-high sandstone walls, lined with lush hanging gardens, streaming with flutes of water, and bouncing with beams of red-orange light.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Fruit Harvest Begins In Capitol Reef National Park - Public Welcome


Fruit is now ripening in the historicorchards in Capitol Reef National Park and visitors are invited to stop in and partake of the bounty. Pick a bit and eat it right there - no charge. If you want to bring some home you can by paying a fall fee.

The park service provided the information below:

Apricot Harvest

The apricot harvest is beginning at Capitol Reef National Park's historic orchards. Apricots are available for $1.00 a pound, beginning Wednesday, June 27, in the Mulford, Gifford and Johnson Orchards, all located south of the visitor center along the Scenic Drive. Fee stations with scales for weighing fruit are provided in each open orchard. There is no charge for fruit consumed in the orchards. Fenced orchards are open from 9 am to 5 pm; unfenced orchards remain open during daylight hours.

Apricots will be available for harvest in the Smith, Cook, Adams and Mott Orchards, beginning Tuesday, July 3. These orchards are all located within one mile of the visitor center along the Scenic Drive or Highway 24.

Additional fruit harvest information is recorded on the Capitol Reef Fruit Hotline as fruit ripens and specific harvest start dates are determined. The fruit hotline may be reached by calling (435) 425-3791. Once the park number connects, press one for general information and at the voice prompt for the orchard hotline, press five.

Climbing fruit trees is not permitted in the park. The National Park Service provides special fruit picking ladders. Use care when picking fruit and carefully read and follow posted instructions on fruit picking and ladder use.

Capitol Reef National Park uses the receipts from fruit sales to defray the cost of maintaining the orchards. The historic Fruita orchards are among the largest in the National Park System and were established beginning in the 1880s by pioneer residents of Fruita.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Wildfires Are Rage Across The West - Are Being Controlled In Utah


Wildfires are making big news in the Western United States and are affecting travel and recreation in some areas. In general, fires in Utah are not located near major highways, national parks or recreation areas. But that could change and so people are encouraged to monitor conditions where they will be traveling.

The Utah Fire Info website has the most current information available about active fires.

The "Wood Hollow Fire" is raging near Fountain Green in Central Utah. At this writing it is listed as only 10% contained. Indian Ridge, Elk Ridge, Big Hollow, and Oaker Hills communities are under mandatory evacuation orders. Numerous cabins and other structures have been lost.

A large fire near Saratoga Springs, between Provo and Salt Lake City, is now 100% contained and all evacuations have been lifted. A week ago it filled Salt Lake and Utah valleys with smoke but that is now mostly cleared. That fire is no longer causing travel problems.

The "Church Camp Fire" in Argyle Canyon, south of Duchesne in eastern Utah, is still small but is listed as 0% contained. It will certainly grow larger but is not expected to affect travel on major highways. People staying in cabins in that area have been evacuated.

A fire just east of Delta, in central Utah, is now 90% contained and is expected to be fully contained soon.

And the Quail Fire, near the town of Leeds, near St George in southwestern Utah, is now listed as 100% contained.

Officials are asking everyone to use common sense at this time when fire danger is high. Respect any road closures. Do not try to drive into areas where there is active work to control fires. Let fire workers do their jobs.

Utah's backcountry is tinder dry and open fires are prohibited on most public lands outside of developed campgrounds.

Fireworks are always prohibited from National Parks and many public areas.

Many communities are imposing restrictions on fireworks.

Several recent fires have been caused by sparks from target shooting. If you want to shoot, find a safe area where ricocheting bullets will not cause fires.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Utah Shakespeare Festival Opens 51st Season


The 51st Utah Shakespeare Festival is now underway in Cedar City. The Tony Award winning theater offers a wide variety of productions, with some running through Oct 20.

The festival website has complete information. The festival also offers this innovative online brochure describing the 2012 season.

This Deseret News article also describes the new season. Below are excerpts.

Shakespeare lights up Cedar City, bringing an average of 120,000 visitors every year. "It's huge," said Scott Jolley, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. "Guests come for the festival and eat at our restaurants, buy gasoline and stay in our hotels, with an impact on the local economy of more than $35 million annually."

And those numbers are expected to increase with at least one of the offerings in the indoor Randall Theatre.

"It's selling off the charts! People who have never come to USF are now about to be first-timers," Adams said.

He's referring to the production of "Les Miserables." First produced for the Royal Shakespeare Company, when producers learned an American Shakespeare festival wanted it, they granted the rights. And the musical will take the original format, no turntable.

"No need for it — our cast members have brilliant voices. When Melinda Pfundstein sings 'I Dreamed a Dream,' there will not be a dry eye in the house," Adams said. He is over-the-moon about the stunning voice of J. Michael Bailey, who portrays Jean Valjean.

Here is an overview of this year's schedule:

In the Adams Shakespearean Theatre
June 21 through September 1
Evening performances
  • The Merry Wives of Windsor
  • Mary Stuart
  • Titus Andronicus
In the Auditorium Theatre
July 7 through September 1
Matinee performances
  • The Merry Wives of Windsor
August 9 through August 31
10 a.m. performances
  • New American Playwrights Project
In the Randall L. Jones Theatre
June 25 through September 1
  • Scapin
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
June 26 through October 20
  • Les Misérables
September 21 through October 20
  • Hamlet
  • Stones in His Pockets

Friday, June 22, 2012

Highway 12 Named Among America's 10 Best Motorcycle Roads


Highway 12 is well known as one of the most scenic byways in America and has earned the designation as an official All American Road. It is written up in countless guidebooks and it attracts travelers from around the world.

Highway 12 runs through Red Canyon, past Bryce Canyon, through Grand Staircase National Monument and along the western edge of Capitol Reef National Park.

LonelyPlanet.com has this new article giving a list of the 10 best motorcycle roads in America. Highway 12 is listed as number 6. Here's an excerpt.

Take a psychedelic sunset ride into fantastical sandstone rock formations, canyons, deep blue lakes, and pine forests and all the curves you might expect. Swish along to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Boulder Mountain, and Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest.

KSL TV has this report about the LonlyPlanet.com article. The article is interesting, and the associated comments are also worth reading. Here's bike rider's one comment:

Here are my favorite Utah rides and not ranked in order given:
HY89 Logan to Bearlake
HY65 From Mountain Dell Res. to East Canyon Res. then take HY66 to Morgan.
HY150 From Kamas past Mirror Lake to Evanston, WY.
HY35 From Francis to Duchesne. Then from Duchesne up Indian Canyon to Spanish Fork Canyon.
I70 from Salina to HY72, then south to HY25, go past Fishlake, then back north on HY24 to Salina.
HY128 From Moab along the Colorado River to the bridge and back. Beautiful both ways.
HY89 from Richfield to Kanab.
HY12 From Bryce Canyon to Teasdale.
HY31 from Fairview to Huntington.
and HY92 From American Fork Canyon to Prove Canyon.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Utah Liberalizes Some Liquor Laws


Utah is well known for its quirky liquor laws. But our state just took a step toward normal, when in a special legislative session lawmakers voted to boosting the number of liquor licenses by 90. They approved 50 new licenses for full-service restaurants and 40 for wine-and-beer-only establishments.

A common misconception says Utah is a "dry" state - that there is no place to get a drink. That has never been the case. The State does control the sale of liquor. A few years ago the Legislature overhauled our liquor laws and made them more "normal." Now they have significantly increased availability.

Liquor laws are often the subject of intense debate in Utah. This law, however, had wide support, in part because it also provided funding for increased efforts to combat underage drinking and more patrols to battle drunk driving.

Our newspapers all carried stories about the new laws.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Public Comment Sought On Proposed New Facilities At Timpanogos Cave


Timpanogos Cave National Monument is considering building a new visitor center and making other improvements, and is also evaluating ways to deal with increased traffic on Hwy 92 in American Fork Canyon.

The Park Service provided the news release below.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument Seeks Public Comment on Environmental Assessment

The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting public comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding the construction of a new visitor facility at the cave trailhead of Timpanogos Cave National Monument as well as the construction of an interagency center in conjunction with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Pleasant Grove Ranger District (PGRD) at the mouth of American Fork Canyon. The public, organizations, and other agencies are invited to review and comment on the EA.

The purpose of this project is to improve visitor and employee safety along state route 92 and from rockfall and flood hazards. Provide for visitor enjoyment and education; and provide new efficient facilities for the Monument and PGRD.

The EA evaluates five alternatives and the potential impacts of each: 1) Alternative A, the No Action Alternative; 2) Alternative B, to implement a mandatory shuttle system between the interagency visitor center the visitor contact station at the Monument cave trailhead; 3) Alternative C, to implement a shuttle system on weekends and holidays between the interagency visitor and the visitor contact station as well as reconfigure visitor parking at the cave trailhead; 4) Alternative D (the Preferred Alternative), to realign State highway 92 and reconfigure the cave trailhead site for safety; and 5) Alternative E, reconfigure parking at the cave trailhead and provide concession operations at Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Elements common to all action alternatives include the construction of a visitor contact station without concession operations at the cave trailhead, construction of the interagency visitor center in Highland City, safety improvements, reassigning facilities for administrative and staff operations, and enhancing a cave tour ticket reservation system.
The EA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR 1500 et seq), and NPS Director's Order 12: Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision-making (DO-12).

The 30-day review and comment period starts June 15, and continues through July 15, 2012. To see the EA, http://parkplanning.nps.gov/tica or visit the Monument administrative office, Visitor Center, or the offices of the US Forest Service Pleasant Grove or Provo during the comment period. An open-house will be held at the Monument Visitor Center on July 2, 2012 from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm to answer questions regarding the EA.

Written comments may be submitted on the PEPC website or may be sent to:

Superintendent
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
RR 3, Box 200
American Fork, UT 84003

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Utah Arts Festival Runs June 21-24


With food, music and a wide assortment of art exhibits, the Utah Arts Festival offers something for everyone. It kicks off this Thursday and runs through Sunday, noon through 11 pm, at Library Square (400 South and 200 East) in downtown Salt Lake City.

The festival website has complete details.

An unusual attraction this year will be a giant sand sculpture created by artist Ted Seibert. He has 20 tons of sand to work with. People attending the festival will be able to watch it take shape. The Deseret News has this article about the project.

The Salt Lake Turbine has this A-Z guide to the festival. Here's a quote from that article.

"It’s a different festival for every person," says public relations coordinator Eugenie Hero Jaffe. "If you’re into film, you’re going to go to the film program. If you’re into music, you’re going to hear music. And, perchance, if you get to cross over into something new, that makes the festival all the better and richer for you."

Besides music and film, UAF serves up visual artists, literary arts, dance, workshops, interactive exhibits, and plenty of food and drink.

Monday, June 18, 2012

American's Freedom Festival At Provo Events Are Underway

One of the largest patriotic celebrations in the U.S. takes place in Provo, with events spread over several weeks. The festivities culminate with the massive Stadium of Fire program, concert and fireworks on July 4th.

The Beach Boys will headline this year's concert, which will also feature Scott McCreery.

Preliminary events have been underway for some time. Some of the more activities will take place during the next couple weeks. The Provo Herald has this article giving a full rundown of events.

The festival website provides comprehensive information and ticket information.

Here are some key events associated with the festival.
  • June 19-30 - Princess Festival
  • June 21 - Carillon Concert
  • June 23 - Baby Contest
  • June - Rotary Festival Classic
  • June 11 - July 4 2012 - Historic Provo Tours
  • June 30 - Children's Parade
  • July 1 - Patriotic Fireside
  • June 30 - Freedom Awards Gala
  • July 2, 27 - Children's Art Show
  • June 29 - Utah Symphony at Sundance
  • June 25, 27, 28 - Golf Extravaganza
  • July 2, 3, 4 - Freedom Days
  • June 30, July 2, 3, 4 - Cries of Freedom in the Park
  • June 30 July 2, 3, 4 - Colonial Fest
  • July 3, 4 - Balloon Fest
  • July 4 - Stadium of Fire
  • July 4 - Freedom Run
  • July 4 - Grand Parade
The Provo/Utah Valley area hosts several major events during the year. Go here for more details.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Fires Prohibited Outside Of Established Campgrounds


High fire danger has prompted statewide fire restrictions in Utah. State and federal land managers are cooperating on the restrictions in an effort to prevent wildfires. Utah's Interagency Fire office released the information below.

Essentially, the restrictions ban campfires or any kinds of fires anywhere except in approved fire pits in established campgrounds.

The following things have been specifically prohibited:

1. Setting, building, maintaining, attending or using open fires of any kind, except campfires built within the facilities provided for them in improved campgrounds, picnic areas or permanently improved places of habitation.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared to mineral soil.

3. Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices.
For all the information on the restrictions, visit Utah Fire Info.

Several wildfires are current burning in Utah. They cause some local road closures but are not causing any major travel problems.

See utahfireinfo.gov for details about these fires.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Canyonlands Backcountry Permit Fees Are Going Up


Canyonlands National Park provided this information:

On July 9, 2012, Canyonlands will begin accepting backcountry reservations for the 2013 season. Also at this time, new fees will go into effect for all backcountry permits including:
  • Backpacking - $30
  • 4WD/Mountain Bike Camping - $30
  • Needles 4WD Day Use - $10
  • Needles Group Campsites - $30
  • Flatwater - $30
  • Cataract Canyon - $30
Per person fees for river trips and group campsites remain unchanged.

All revenue from the sale of these permits is used to recover the costs associated with providing the permits and protecting park resources including: equipment, supplies, software upgrades, reservation office employees and backcountry rangers.

For further information, contact the Reservation Office at (435) 259-4351.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Utah's Canyon Country Is Like Another World


Our title above comes from this interesting article posted on canada.com. The author uses plenty of alien comparisons while describing a trip across southern Utah. In particular, the article mentions these attractions:
It also recommends Sorrel River Ranch and BoulderMountain Lodge/Hell's Backbone Grill.

Below are excerpts from the article:

...staring in bewildered astonishment is common in Utah canyon country. Not because you're lost, but because what you see strongly suggests that last bend in the trail somehow transported you to Mars.

And many of the canyons harbour natural wonders -- arches, bridges, alcoves, hoodoos, fins, pinnacles, domes, hamburger buns, mushrooms, flying saucers -- as if the rock had once been Play-Doh in the hands of an imaginative child... All look so improbable you'd expect to find them only in a book by Dr. Seuss or perhaps a documentary film about Planet Zenon.

You can of course sample the beauty and mystery of southern Utah without hiking. All the state's famous, national parks-Zion -- Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches -- have paved roads and convenient viewpoints.

Why shoulder a pack and plod beyond? For the same reason Neil Armstrong didn't just peer out the window of his Apollo 11 lunar module once he'd landed on the moon. He came to experience, not just sightsee. So he went for a walk. You should too.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Antelope Canyon Photo/Video Safari

Antelope Canyon is perhaps the most famous slot canyon in the world. It has smoothly sculpted walls that glow during the middle of the day when, sunlight penetrates to the canyon floor. Photos of the canyon appear on the pages of many books, magazines and calendars.

It is located on Navajo Nation Land near Page, just south of Lake Powell.

I was recently in Page and was invited to tour Antelope Canyon. I jumped at the chance - I've always wanted to shoot photos there but had never taken the time to schedule a tour. I had a great time and got a few nice photos.

I went with Antelope Canyon Tours, out of Page, and their guide made sure we had a good experience. I know the owner and she runs a top notch business.

Antelope Canyon Tours also sells hand-crafted items. They sell beads and other materials and give classes so people can learn to make their own necklaces and other jewelry.

I was able to get the photo that illustrates this post. I also shot video and put together the clip you see below.

If you are in Page, Antelope Canyon is definitely a worthwhile trip.

- Dave Webb

Monday, June 11, 2012

Outdoor Recreation Accounts For 2.3 Million Jobs In Utah And The West


Outdoor recreation is a huge economic engine for Utah and other states in the Western US, according to a new report released yesterday at a meeting of the Western Governor's Association.

The Salt Lake Tribune has this article about the report. Below are excerpts.

Outdoor recreation is an overlooked economic giant, generating $645.6 billion last year — compared to $354 billion Americans spent at the gas pump, $340 billion spent on motor vehicles and parts, $331 billion on pharmaceuticals and $309 billion on utilities.

The Outdoor Retailers foundation collaborated with the Western Governors’ Association on the report, which noted that spending goes beyond buying a tent, fishing pole, ATV, bicycle, boat, snowboard or rifle. Expenditures also include related spending such as gas, lodging and travel guides as well as manufacturing and sales.

The study, conducted by Southwick Associates, looked at trail, snow and water sports, hunting, off-roading, biking, wildlife watching, camping, fishing and motorcycle riding.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert stressed the need to balance protecting pristine lands for outdoor enthusiasts with energy development and other multiple uses of public lands, during a teleconference in the town of Cle Elum, outside Seattle.

Friday, June 08, 2012

Salt Lake Ranks Among Best Cities For Retirees


Many people come here to play. Some stay to retire. And for good reason. Forbes Magazine is out with a new list, 25 Best Places To Retire In 2012, and Salt Lake City is included.

You can see the complete list here. Here are excerpts.

Reflecting what retirees say they want, there’s a slightly bigger bias toward warmer climates...

But the bigger bias is the importance we place on day-to-day economic issues: the average price of a home, the cost of living and the tax burden on retirees...

We reviewed data for hundreds of cities in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. Besides the usual financial factors, we looked at weather, availability of doctors, serious crime rates and encouragement for an active retirement...

About Salt Lake City, the magazine says:

Fast Fact: Most residents aren't Mormons. Pros: Good economy, cheap living costs, average home price $183,000, Low living costs, low taxes, great mountain scenery, bracing but appealing climate, incentives for active retirement. Cons: Crime rate.

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Bike Trails Connect Provo, Salt Lake, Ogden


A series of biking/jogging/walking trails are being constructed that will make it possible to peddle or foot it from Provo through Salt Lake City and up into Ogden. A portion of trail connecting Salt Lake to Davis County officially opened today. Ultimately, there will be 70 miles of paved interconnecting trail.

The Salt Lake Tribune has this article about the trail segment opening. Below are excerpts.

A recently paved one-mile Salt Lake City stretch of the Jordan River Parkway Trail north of 1800 North near Redwood Road officially opened Thursday, connecting Salt Lake County to Davis County. The route runs into the Legacy Parkway Trail, which, in turn, connects to the Denver & Rio Grande Western Trail to Weber County.

The uninterrupted trail from North Temple in Salt Lake City to Roy is 35 miles long. It will bring long-term benefits to Salt Lake and Davis county communities, said Salt Lake City Councilman Carlton Christensen.

There is one segment of the Jordan River Parkway Trail left to complete in Salt Lake City — a 1/2-mile section from 200 South to North Temple. The stretch is problematic because it crosses four rail lines.

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Heber Valley Railroad Begins Summer Season


The historic Heber Valley Railroad has launched its summer season and is now offering train rides from Heber City down into Provo Canyon, along a very scenic route.

The railroad offers scheduled runs and also special events with themes that appear to families and groups. Here are quotes provided by the railroad:

The Heber Valley Railroad has created several specialty excursions, seasonal special events and activity trains. Scenic trains include the Provo Canyon Limited, the Lakeside Limited and the Deer Creek Express. Evening dinner excursions include our Comedy Murder Mystery and the Sunset BBQ Special, which run on alternating Saturday nights throughout the summer season. Activity trains include the Wilderness Zip Line, Raft ‘n Rails, Reins ‘n Trains and the new Raft ‘n Rails Sunset BBQ in the summer, and the Tube ‘n Train ride during the winter. A Day Out With Thomas is featured every Memorial Day Weekend; ghosts, goblins and pumpkins abound during the month of October aboard the popular Haunted Canyon and Pumpkin Patch trains. Remember too, during December, we offer our popular North Pole Express, Christmas train.

The Heber Valley Railroad has appeared in a number of motion pictures and was featured on television episodes of “Touched by an Angel” and “Promised Land.” In 1999, the Heber Valley Railroad purchased the “Movie Train.” Our steam engine and ten of our railroad cars have been featured in more than 35 motion pictures over the past 20 years. The “Movie Train” is a part of our regular operations, and you’re welcome to come visit and ride where movie stars once worked.

See the railroad's website for more information.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Backpacking The Moab Area And Amazing Photography


Two website articles caught my attention today. The first describes backpacking opportunities in the Moab area. The second shows a stunning photo of Canyonlands National Park framed through Mesa Arch.

You can read the backpacking article here. Below are quotes:

Distances and duration will be limited by how much water can be carried. The Maze District of Canyonlands has limited permits.

Moving across the land requires strong ability to use map and compass and understanding the complicated passages of cliffs, fins and canyons. Be sure to create an itinerary and leave it behind with instructions of what to do should you fail to check-in on schedule from your backpacking jaunt.

The La Sal Mountains has streams for sufficient hydration. Just as one would in the desert, a means of treating found water to rid it of micro organisms for consumption must be carried and used.

You can see the Mesa Arch photo here. I wish we could embed it but it is copyrighted. It is worth a click.

- Dave Webb

Monday, June 04, 2012

Panguitch Quilt Walk Festival Will Be June 7-9


The annual Quilt Walk Festival in Panguitch City will be held June 7-9, 2012. It offers:
  • Quilting Classes
  • Play & Dinner Theater
  • Pioneer Home Tours
  • Chocolate Fest / Silent Auction
  • Heritage Fair / Pioneer Village
  • Tractor Parade / Quilt Races / Tractor Pull
The festival honors area pioneers who spread quilts over snow so they could walk without breaking through the surface, so they could cross the mountains to bring food to their starving families.

The festival celebrates the spirit, ingenuity and craftsmanship of these hardy people.


The video below shows a reenactment of the arduous journey

Friday, June 01, 2012

No Entrance Fees At National Parks On June 9


National parks in Utah and other locations will not charge entrance fees on June 9 in honor of GetOutdoors Day.

The Park Service has announced that there will be no entrance fees charged on these days:
  • June 9 - Get Outdoors Day
  • September 29 - National Public Lands Day
  • November 10-12 - Veterans Day weekend
Get Outdoors is a national effort promoting healthy outdoor activity. The program provided this summary:

Participants from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry are again teaming up to host the 5th annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun at sites across the nation. On Saturday, June 9, 2012, these diverse partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching currently underserved populations and first-time visitors to public lands, and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors.

Each GO Day event will offer a mix of information centers and “active fun” areas – places where guests, and especially kids, can use a fishing pole, go geocaching, help pitch a tent and more. The sites will provide photo opportunities with characters like Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl and other interesting creatures. Many sites also feature areas that focus on other aspects of healthy living, including sustainability and good nutrition. In addition to the GO Day events, participants will be invited to nearby follow-up activities called EchO events occurring throughout the summer, which include introductions to mountain biking and fly-fishing, hikes with rangers to see wildlife, kayaking and rafting and much more.
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