Utah is Gorgeous

In a continuation of my series about Utah, let me summarize.  We were in Orem, UT just outside of Provo for a storytelling festival.  Since were were in and around Salt Lake City, one is drawn to the downtown area and Temple Square.  This is the center of activity for the Mormon church with their spectacular Tabernacle that is the symbol of all things Utah and Mormon.  Temple Square was just amazing with a riot of colorful flowers covering much of it.

We were excited about getting on the road to our first stop which would be Zion National Park.  It is not as well known as a lot of other parks as it is more remote being in Southern Utah on the edge of the desert and the Colorado plateau.  What people seem to forget is that our planet has been changing ever since it came into existance.  Over millions of years the pressures from within have pushed up and out leaving the beautiful landscapes we remember as children watching westerns in front of the tv. 

Our plan was to enjoy the scenery as much as possible and that was easy to do.  We also planned to stop by places such as Cedar Breaks National Monument.  On the way we drove through a small town, Heber City.  We found where the retired Starship Enterprise was hiding out as an auto repair shop.  Along I-15 we saw a sprawling lavendar farm and stopped.  Unfortunately, the lavendar was not in bloom as it is harvested in July but the farm was an oasis in the desert.  The young Living farm is one of three world-wide locations that many essential oils were grown and produced.  In Utah the name "Young" will pop up a good bit.  To find out more just Google Utah history. 

Cedar Breaks is a great preview of southern utah with wonderful shapes and spires rising from the desert floor.  It would set the tone for arrival in Zion...but that will be another day.

Michael Kaynard is a local photographer who lives in West ashley.  His photos can be seen at http://kaynardphotography.webs.com.  He can be reached at mkaynard@gmail.com or 843=412-2299.