She is well liked around here so I am not surprised that the folks are taking time to do this for her.
Then, I think it will be time to get her trailer winterized and once again start our journey to Arizona. We have been here for 3 days now and I am feeling the need to get going.
Today we have decided to travel Skyline Drive. It is a road which travels through the Mant-LaSal National Forest and runs along the plateau atop the Wasatch Mountains front range for approximately 100 miles. Of course we will not be doing the whole 100 miles. This road allows one to see both sides of the mountains and allows access to forested mountains, alpine meadows and numerous lakes, streams (loaded with trout) and camping areas. Deer, elk, and bear abound in the area not to mention smaller species and birds.
At elevations ranging from 9000 to 11,000 feet, this area is one of the highest roads in America. Because of this elevation, it is open for only a few months during the summer and early fall. There is just too much snow and for this reason as well, the Southern portion of the trail is most definitely 4 wheel drive, high clearance vehicles only.
We accessed the trailhead at the northern part of the trail at Tucker, Utah. The road here was graded, wide and suitable for any kind of vehicle. We traversed several broad open meadows and wound in and through many forested areas. There were several trails branching off this main trail that I am sure offered many more spectacular views and even more adventures for the hiker, ATVer or horseback rider. What struck us the most was the incredible amount of total wilderness. I don't think the average person can really appreciate the absolute vastness of this incredible Nation and the virtually untouched wilderness that lies within its boundaries. And this is only in the state of Utah.
We soon found ourselves at the end of the Northern section of the road, and travelled a bit further down Hwy 31 to access part of the Southern section. We would be taking the Mount Pleasant Road off the ridge to access the town and the highway back to Nephi.
The southern part of Skyline Drive most certainly lives up to its name as I felt that we were actually driving on the top of the mountain. The road was certainly rougher but really presented no issues. As we continued towards the Mt. Pleasant Road turn off, we came to a sign that said that the road ahead was "unimproved". Now that is a sign that John and I have seen many times before and actually one we expect to see on these remote off road trails. The sign in itself was not disturbing - it merely gave us a warning that he road ahead just may get a little rougher!! And.........it did!!
We accessed the trail that would take us down into Mt Pleasant and started our descent. It was clear from the start that this trail was for the experienced off road enthusiast only.
As we descended, we traversed the few off camber sections with rough, rocky, icy, snowy,and narrow surfaces. I can see why this is one of the most used trails in this area. It offered incredible views and up close and personal encounters with nature at its finest. I certainly could have done without the snowy and icy sections of the trail though!!
We traveled "shelf" roads (and everyone knows just how much I love shelf roads) that offered nothing more than a thousand foot drop (maybe more) into the canyon below. A quick way down but not recommended!! There was enough snow on the road in some spots that made our descent rather "interesting", shall I say.
John is one of the best off road drivers and I really do have great confidence in his skills however there were a few spots where I felt compelled to call upon "The Powers" ( God, Allah, Buddha and the Gitchi Manitou) for a guiding hand. I can't imagine any self respecting Mormon taking his wagon and team of oxen down this trail, let alone up it!!
The scenery was absolutely incredible and as we wound our way slowly down the mountain and into the canyon below. We eventually made it to the bottom and found pavement and the town of Mt. Pleasant.
We made it back to Nephi in time for the going away party for Kay. I had made a potato salad before we left on our adventure today so all that needed to be done with it was to toss it all together and add the mayonnaise. With that done, we headed over to the trailer park and met many of the people who had befriended Kay over the summer.
The food was wonderful with ribs done three different ways (I was in heaven) and a variety of salads and beans. Wow - Awesome!!
It was then planned to head to the Salt Creek Lounge for karaoke as I guess we were surrounded by active participants. Since there was about an hour before the karaoke started, I (who had been coughing and hacking all day) headed back to the bus to get some cough medicine and some tylenol.
With drugs "on board" I met the rest of the group at the lounge where the singing had just started.
OMG, despite feeling awful and not being able to breath properly (they smoke here in the bar), I had a riot listening to all the folks we were sitting with belt out tunes they had no business singing. Not one of them could carry a tune in a bucket but I have to give each and every one of them kudos for having the guts to get up and sing. They are much braver than I!! I totally enjoyed the evening and of course being a bar, there is always drama. Bar Drama - is there anything better.
It was great to get into bed and John mentioned that we should do another trail tomorrow. OH GOODY!! Perhaps I will die in my sleep and not have to worry about it!! Good Night.
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| Cattle drive |
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| Interesting trees |
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| Lots of Aspen |
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| Water shed |
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| Heading down to Mt Pleasant |
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| Deer outside Kay's trailer |
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| Kay's rig |
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| Supper with Kay's friends |
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