I must confess I was born under a wanderin’ star! Because of that, I often feel blessed living in Sacramento. There are so many wonderful places to visit within a couple hours of home. I am fortunate to be within 100 miles of San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Napa Wine Country and California Gold Country. It isn’t unusual for me to leave home to run a local errand or two, but find my car has performed the equivalent of a butt dial, which ultimately transports me to a destination like those mentioned above. I’m a road trip kinda gal!
This month, Debe Maxwell has presented the ActiveRain “2022 Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge.” This Challenge offers an opportunity to contemplate blessings we enjoy.
For my second entry of this challenge, I wish to express that I feel blessed America has so many wonderful national parks. I enjoy driving to many of these places rather than flying, because there are usually adventures and surprises along the way. Yosemite National Park is within 150 miles of my home. It has been labeled the crown jewel of the National Park system. I must agree! However, there are other parks which equally entice and enchant.
In the past, I have driven several hundred miles on Highway 50 across the state of Nevada, on way to Utah to visit three National Parks (Zion, Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon). For those who don’t know, Highway 50 has been designated the “Loneliest Highway in America.” And, in Nevada, it’s as lonely as it can get. Although, there have been trips made, where I only experienced seeing a half dozen vehicles, or so, on that stretch of road, the untouched beauty of the Great Basin, along the way, is enjoyed and unparalleled.
As one arrives in Utah, and travels along Highway 12, there are 3 National Parks, and 3 Utah State Parks. The National Parks include Zion, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon. Utah State Parks are Escalante Petrified Forest, The Anasazi State Park Museum, and Kodachrome State Park.
Utah’s Escalante Staircase, another National Monument, as well as Red Canyon, which is part of Dixie National Forest are also very special places. During visits I have found each of these National Park treasures seemed to have a special spirit imprinted on them. I return home feeling very blessed and starry eyed.
Zion National Park - Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
Capitol Reef National Park - Utah
Yosemite National Park - California
Comments (18)Subscribe to CommentsComment