Utah

Pioneers

mikemjensen Interesting Stuff (to me anyway), Life's Truths, Utah Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hey kids,

A few weeks ago, we stopped at the dam of our newest favorite reservoir. I had noticed the little info marker before but never took the time to read it. This time I did.

IMG_20160710_115113856IMG_20160710_115110437

It took me a few passes at it to get it.

If we look hard enough, most of the obstacles we face are not entirely unique; only to us. If you look around, there are signs where others have passed. They already forged a path and you can have the confidence that it’s passable.

Pioneers give me courage. If they did it, why can’t I?

 

Post #50-64

 

Same but Different

mikemjensen Road Trip, Utah Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hey kids,

The Provo River has been one of my favorite fishing places. I’ve spent countless hours wading through those waters chasing the large trout lurking in the pools and riffles. The middle Provo, as it is called, is no secret to anyone who fishes Utah waters.

The lower Provo, I had never explored; it’s not really fly fishing water.

This night, we had rented a canoe to explore the river. I’ve kayaked, but never canoed.

From where we loaded into the canoe at 8:30, we followed the river downstream up to where the river flows into Utah Lake. The skies were cloudy but it remained light enough to navigate the numerous obstructions in the water.

As the skies darkened, we turned back upstream. We paddled up past where we had begun and continued until the clouds cleared enough to revel what we had hoped to see that night, the full moon.

Although I’ve seen plenty of full moons; at least one a month for the past 50 years; occasionally two; and I’ve been on the Provo River before; and I’ve navigated a paddle-driven boat;  I’ve never put them all together before.provorivermoonlight

Nice remix.

 

Post #50-63

An Afternoon in Huntsville

mikemjensen Road Trip, Utah Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Hey kids,

It would’ve been a good ride but we opted to take the 4-Runner so we could visit and catch up on the happenings over the past few days. Nonetheless, the drive to Huntsville ended at the Huntsville Barbecue Company and some much needed meat, a stroll around the property and shakes at Detours. I had the Salty Dog shake- caramel and pretzel – Annette had the Fat Elvis- chocolate and banana.

The Barbecue was fantastic! I’ll do a ride blog soon. It’ll give me a good reason to go back!

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Post #50-53

The 24th of July

mikemjensen Utah Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

The 24th of July.

It might not have the same ring to you as the Fourth, but the “24th” in these parts is just as popular.

From amormonblog.com

From amormonblog.com

July 24, 1847 is the day the first Mormon pioneers, of which my family shares history, entered and settled the valley of the Great Salt Lake. It is here that they felt they would find the refuge they sought and needed, outside of the U.S. borders.

They did not hate the U.S., but its courts and systems of justice had failed them. They needed to find a place away from it all, and this place that no one else really wanted, suited the call.

Utah is a patriotic lot, don’t get me wrong. There is a fierce loyalty and belief in this country that would match any other group. But the day our earliest settlers realized they had found the place for which they hoped and prayed, it’s was a true day of Independence that rivaled the one 71 years earlier.

And it still does.

Happy Pioneer Day.

 

Day 151

City Slickers

mikemjensen Utah Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Photo%20of%20SLC%20downtownHey Kids,

I saw a news story today that says that Utah is the most urban state in the union. As in, the highest percentage of the population lives in cites as opposed to rural areas.

As a member of the city dwellers, I am still surprised by this until you really think about it.

One- Whenever you think of percentages, it’s always tricky. With Utah around 3 million, opposed to California with almost 40 million, numbers can be deceiving. 5% of Utah does not equal 5% of California. Or Texas. Or New York. Or 32 other states.

Two- The majority of Utahns live along the Wasatch Mountains, tucked between the quick rise of the mountains and the edge of the western desert. Water is available. Infrastructure is built. The amenities of city life are readily available.

Three- This is awesome. It means that within a short drive, one can leave behind the 2.1 million people of the Wasatch Front and disappear into the wilderness. Much of the land is federal land, national parks, state parks, mountains, lakes, and desert valleys. It’s easy to disappear into a personal adventure.

For a bunch of city slickers, we have quite the playground.

 

 

Day 10