Guest Blog by Corrine Miller

People travel to places for many reasons; for experience, to escape, for vacation, to refresh and rejuvenate or just because.  My thoughts go to a trip I took to southern Utah during Spring Break.  This trip was both fascinating and memorable as I participated in an “On Site Policy” course as a student of the University of Utah.  It was a trip that the whole class was looked forward to taking.  Not only would we be getting 3 credit hours for the class, but we would be going to one of the most beautiful areas in the country.  We would be meeting with management from the Zion National Park, the BLM, Springdale and Kanab City offices, Coral Pink Sand Dunes Assistant Park Manager and the Travel and Convention Bureau in St. George, along with several small business owners in the area to discuss their policies, visions and missions.  The attendance of the class was small this year due to the recent loss of our dear friend and Professor, Joe Arave.  He took part in this class each year, as he worked along with his friend and fellow Professor, Michael Kane.  This year, Michael would not be sharing the experience with Joe.  As a matter of fact, Joe’s funeral was the 2nd day of our trip.  

          On Tuesday morning, we started out early to keep up with the scheduled agenda, but took a hike before meeting with those we came to visit in the local park area.  It was a beautiful day, the sky was clear, the sun was shining bright, and we all felt refreshed from the good night sleep and the best breakfast we could have asked for.  We just happened to be staying at the Zion Ponderosa and was treated not only with the fantastic views of the Resort just outside of Kanab, but we received the luxury of artistic, gourmet meals provided by one of Southern Utah’s finest Executive Chefs, Francis van der Stappen.  We were prepared for the day.  Yet….we couldn’t help think about Joe and how we would miss his funeral today, and how he would have been here if he could.  

We started a short hike going up the side of one of the beautiful mountains in the area.  The rocky path wound tightly around the mountain as we climbed ever so carefully.  We heard a bird that seemed to be following us and made the sound as if it were laughing at us.  We continued on our climb until we reached the look-out point overlooking the canyon.  It was an awesome sight.  Beautiful reds and browns in the mountains, with deep canyons below.  As we took in the fresh air with the gentle cool breeze, we looked over the canyon.  Many pictures were taken and it was so peaceful.  Michael said, hey, how about we at the count of 3 we say hello to Joe.  What a perfect idea.  Joe’s funeral was this afternoon.  We will all miss this great man who shared his passion and love of life with all who knew him.  I know he heard us as we all at the count of 3 yelled out, “Hello Joe!”  It was awesome as our voices echoed through the canyon and he was with us, if only for a moment.  

A Guest Blog by Vong Martinez: It feels like everything that we participate in cost money these days. Even when you want to go hiking on land that has been around for millions, some say billions, of years before humans even started to walk will cost you money. Sure it may be $7 or less for a day, but it’s money. The greatest aspect about hiking in Utah is that there are plenty of hiking trails that will not cost you a single penny, except the gas to get there, but you could bike up to the trailhead if you were awesome enough to.

            I think of hiking in Utah like a multi scoop fudge Sunday, the great flavors (features) of hiking just pile on top of each other creating one glorious, scrumptious encounter with nature. There is one particular hike/trail that is engraved in my memory, and I recommend to everyone I speak with about hiking. The Lake Blanche Trail. This hike was strenuous for my novice hiking skills, but may be easy to the seasoned hiker, and it was worth every ounce of my energy I expended. 

            Once you arrive to Lake Blanche, you will experience nature in all its glory. The first “scoop” of deliciousness is that the parking and access to the trail are free. The second scoop is the views you are going to be encompassed by during your entire hike, nature offers us the most amazing views we could dream of, and the Lake Blanche Trail in Utah obtains some of them. The chocolate syrup, or whatever kind of syrup makes your mouth salivate with goody anticipation, is that moment you arrive at THE Lake Blanche. The lake’s water is clear and pristine, in a rugged mountain kind of way, the green, lush trees that look like they were perfectly positioned by a master yard artist accentuate the lakes serene feeling. The huge, beautiful sundial will stun you with its size and beauty. You hear the waterfalls in the background, which sound like the great soundtrack of your favorite movie.

            I know, this Lake Blanche sounds amazing already, so what could possibly be the cherry on top you ask? You can camp here! What can be better than hiking to such a beautiful location that invigorates your soul? The opportunity to stay over night and spend time participating in activities. You can fish, make yourself a healthy meal, go for a swim, it is north pole cold, but c’mon, live a little, and the best activity of all, relax. Take it all in because once you hike back down to your hustle and bustle of a lifestyle, you won’t get another opportunity to revisit Lake Blanche for awhile. That is just sad. So soak it up like a sponge and enjoy what nature has provided. FREE, magnificent, and pure happiness. 

For further information: http://climb-utah.com/WM/blanche.htm

Here are directions to the trailhead, enjoy:

            “From anywhere in the Salt lake Valley take I-215 East until you reach the 6200 South Exit (Exit 6). Signs are marked for the ski areas; you will be heading towards Brighton and Solitude Ski Resorts. Drive east on 6200 south and the road will become Wasatch Boulevard. Follow Wasatch Boulevard south to an intersection with Fort Union Boulevard (7200 South). The intersection is located 1.7 miles after exiting I-215.”