St George, Utah: The Red Rocks are Calling Me Back

Even though I’m back in New York, I can hear the echo from Snow Canyon calling the adventure junkie in me to return for more. After the time that I had and the people I met, I’m craving more! In five action-packed days, I hiked, biked, and climbed some of the most beautiful mountains ever in St. George, Utah.

I was lucky enough to call the Red Mountain Resort and Spa home and to enjoy a few spa treatments at The Sagestone Spa to sooth my soul and help relax and re-energize my weary muscles. While most people go to a spa to relax and detoxify themselves from impurities, I like to think of a spa as the perfect mix of detox and re-tox.

I spent my first evening doing yoga in Snow Canyon, surrounded by the beauty of the red rocks at sunset. It established a connection for me with the earth and universe and provided a perfect foundation for my psyche.

I found myself, almost unavoidably, soul searching. The natural beauty of the red rocks seemed to pull inner thoughts, hopes and dreams from within my soul like a counseling session without the couch.

The twinkling night sky reminded me of my favorite childhood game, ‘Lite-Bright.’ Once the colorful plastic pegs were removed from the dark colored paper, you gazed through to the light that sparkled from behind. The sky was filled with twinkling stars; some appeared almost close enough to reach out and touch.

SNOW CANYON~ UTAH; One Word: Pristine

Snow Canyon - Utah
I visited Southern Utah in November 2010, had a GREAT time! I highly recommend this spot if you are looking to get a way from it all!

Contrary to it’s name, winter visitors will rarely find any white stuff at this 7,400-acre desert park. Named after Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, early Utah leaders, Snow Canyon offers many miles of hiking and biking trails, technical rock climbing, horseback riding, year-round camping, wildlife viewing, and unbelievable photographic opportunities.

All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering Navajo sandstone cliffs in red and white, and peaks and valleys of rugged, jumbled black lava rock interspersed with serpentine sandy washes.

Before hiking or biking in a desert environment like Snow Canyon, make sure you're prepared. Carry at least one liter of water per person. I recommend a water backpack, such as a ‘camelback.’ In this environment, it's important to stay hydrated.

Even though the trails in Snow Canyon are properly marked, one should not hike alone as there are some areas that are tricky and treacherous. Surely, most of us would rather enjoy the night sky viewed from a hot tub than to spend the night alone in the cold with an injury and no tent.

This desert climate was chilly in the morning, but warmed during the day in this November visit. Dress in layers because you will be peeling them off and on several times throughout the day. There are trails for all levels of hikers.

Here’s is a list of some of my favorite Snow Canyon Trails:

Take it Easy Hiking Trails:

Johnson Canyon (Open November 15 to March 1 only) -- I hit this trail on opening week. They close it for part of the year to preserve wildlife, flora and fauna, so it was a rare treat to experience the beauty of Johnson Canyon. It’s an easy two mile, level hike that offers some rocky slopes and steps. It boasts the only riparian area in the park with a trail that winds through lava flows and red rock to an arch spanning some 200 feet.

Jenny’s Canyon (Closed March 31 to June 1) -- It’s only one-half mile and the terrain is level with a few slopes and steps. The trail leads to a narrow, sculpted canyon. It’s a great trail for the person without a lot of time. Easy in and easy out, and you still make the connection with nature.

The Sand Dunes -- It’s a half-mile of easy, fun terrain of deep sand with slopes. Don’t ride your bike on this one! The trails lead to large expanses of red sand that makes for an excellent play area for children of all ages. The one afternoon I was there, I watched with a smile on my face as kids rolled all the way down the hill and staggered to their feet from the dizzying effect. I hope their eyes and mouth were closed, but when you’re a kid, who cares?

Pioneer Names -- Again, an easy one-half mile, fairly level challenge with some steps and slopes. The crescent-shaped trail passes pioneer names written in axle grease that date back to 1883. It is this trail where you might come across some rock climbers and, if you look closely at the flat wall of rock, you will see metal hooks buried in the rock. It made me feel like I was part of the ‘wild, wild West’.

Step it up a Notch!

Hidden Pinyon - I loved this trail! It’s only 1.5 miles and moderate in ability level. It offered a little bit of everything, from rocky slopes and drop-offs, to sandy areas. This self-guided nature trail introduces geological features and native plants.

Three Ponds - 3.5 miles with moderate terrain. Note to self: Don’t bike this either; the sand is a killer! I made a wrong turn and ended up here on my bike and it was no fun. It’s got some rocky slopes and deep sand. The trail winds through sandy washes to the mouth of a 40-foot canyon. Potholes eroded in sandstone catch seasonal rain, thus, giving the trail its name.

Petrified Dunes Trail - Only one mile, and moderate in terrain, but don’t let this one fool you! With some steep slopes and uneven surfaces, this trail will get your heart pumping. The Dunes Trail crosses massive sandstone outcrops where you can explore sand dunes frozen in time. Do take time out and truly enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Climb to the top of the Petrified Dunes for an amazing view and, if you’re as fortunate as I, you will come away with that ‘ I’m lucky to be alive’ feeling.

Hop on a Bike and GO!

West Canyon Road is located in the heart of Snow Canyon. It’s about seven miles one way and, for the most part, level with a few inclines. Most of the roads are either paved or gravel with some sand surfaces. The trail follows a maintenance road winding past washes and towering cliffs to the mouth of present-day Snow Canyon.

The insiders’ secret is that after the road appears to dead end and the paved part ends, stay left onto the dirt pathway and follow it another two to three miles and you’ll be glad you did! It’s quiet solitude and I was so happy to be cruising on my bike. I pushed on towards the beauty of the white, towering rocks that sat deep within Snow Canyon.

Once I made it to the end, I had a sense of completion and I allowed myself a few minutes with the world alone, connecting on many different levels of life and universe and becoming one with each other.

The best part of Snow Canyon was the variety of trails. You can take it easy or you can go from one trail to the next and really challenge yourself. For me, the challenge to push myself just past my limit is always the way to go! It raises the inner senses and makes life worth living.

The feeling of being alive and breathing in the fresh Utah air was invigorating. Then, a nice dinner with a glass of wine... or two, followed by a hot bath and bed always feels more rewarding.

Why I Hate Valentines Day

I'm just going to put it out there...I hate Valentines Day! I haven't always hated it, but it seems the older I get the more I seem to hate any holiday that makes me feel obligated to preform. For starters I think it's a bunch of commercialized crap played out between greeting card companies, florists, jewelers and chocolatiers to force men and women into publicly proclaiming their affection for their lovers with a very clear implied "or else." Not surprisingly, a woman, Esther Howland, is credited with sending the first Valentine's card in the United States. Thanks Esther! I know there's going to be women out there that will be mad as hell at me after reading this...oh well; I guess I'm not the average chic, after all, my favorite Christmas gift this past year was a new pair of hiking boots...(that I picked out for myself) People... just say NO to the craziness.

There need not even be the slightest emotion attached, nor thought behind the gift. We are told, in ads on radio and television, how a simple phone call and valid credit card is all it takes to send flowers or candy to your "special someone" and it is guaranteed to arrive in time for Valentines Day. Sure sounds easy enough...one call does it all, or does it? Presumably, the recipient can feel emotionally "validated" by getting a gift delivered via a stranger and in full view of their co-workers. Please...Give me a break! Reminds me of a very funny, sad but true story; many years ago a friend of mine ordered flowers for his wife on Valentines Day. He felt the pressure building all week long but he still waited too long to make the call... needless to say it was slim pickins in the flower world. Later that day the arrangement was delivered to her at her place of employment, there were no roses, just pretty blue carnations shaped in a horseshoe; it appeared to suggest that she was a triple crown winner of sorts! Nothing says love like a funeral arrangement for a horse!

I've surprised my husband with homemade cards with big red magic marker hearts on them for 18 years of marriage. My beef with Valentines Day is not the gifts themselves, but the high expectation and complete lack of spontaneity involved in this manufactured "holiday." May I suggest that every day be Valentine's Day, by injecting love and romance into the process, it is more memorable and more meaningful. People should show there loved ones how they feel all year long through their actions, not just one stinking day per year. It's the little acts of kindness and thoughtfulness that people remember. Try bringing your spouse a cup of coffee in bed, or taking a walk together. Go to lunch, watch a movie, share a bottle of wine...anything just don't fall into the trap! Why is saying, "I love you" somehow less valuable than sending a dozen roses that will be dead within a week? Why is there so much damn pressure for one day? How about the people without a significant other? Why do we have to rub it in even more. With all the broken-hearted people in the world, it just doesn't seem fair to glorify a 'for lovers only holiday' I've never been accused of being the 'fun police' or in this case the 'love police' but so be it...If the hiking boot fits.

So here I sit, wondering what am I supposed to do on Feb. 14? Do I stick to my principles and ignore the holiday completely and risk hurting my loved ones feelings? Should I preemptively "surprise" him with a fresh brewed cup of java in bed, a box of heart candy or maybe some boxer shorts with hearts on them days before the official holiday... satisfying my desire to remain "my own person" and make him feel like he is simply getting his Valentines Day gift early? Personally, I just want it all to go away...

Fishing in Killybegs

Ireland offers two and a half thousand miles of coastal area. The longest river in Ireland, the River Shannon, starts in the North and runs through County Clare and, like most rivers, is filled with salmon, trout, and mackeral. And, Ireland’s 365 lakes make fishing a top commercial and recreational choice. For only 12 Euros, you can obtain a fishing license and head out for some fun. The town of ‘Killybegs’ is the largest fishing village in Ireland and is Ireland’s version of its own ‘Deadliest Catch’. It has quite the impressive fleet of commercial and recreational vessels.
I always enjoy myself more when I'm near the water, there's just something about it. The calm, serene feeling adds to the quality of life, even if you don't fish, the Killybegs area is beautiful!
KILLYBEGS, Irelands Liveliest Fishing Port www.killybegs.ie

Belly Up at The Emerald Bar in Bundoran

I boarded my bus for points further north, eventually crossing over the border into the West End of Bundoran in County Donegal. Bundoran is a charming little beach town, a horseback riding paradise, and a surfing mecca.
After lunch, it was time to explore. I walked up the hill that overlooked the Atlantic Ocean and was drawn to a little pub called the ‘Emerald Bar’, an original IRA pub. This was 'The Republic of Ireland' and I approached the pub with some hesitation. Yet, I was craving a Guinness! (If you’ve never imbibed a Guinness in Ireland, you have not fully lived! The creamy texture is much lighter than it appears and a pint of the dark stuff slides down your gullet like a penguin in a wet suit!)
Once inside, you couldn’t help but to notice the reminders of the struggle that once was. The posters that lined the walls told the story of a troubled past. I bellied up to the bar and was greeted with a nod. I felt safe enough, but I knew I was an outsider.
The bathrooms told the story of a real Irish pub; no toilet seats. It was as if to say, ‘don’t get too comfortable’.
Another Irish saying goes something like this...”A bird can’t fly on one wing”. So, I did just that and ordered a second Guinness. ‘Slancha!’(Cheers), I exclaimed, as I finished my pint and glided with two wings out of the pub.
I loved the feel of the pubs in Ireland, most offer live music and all offer the liquid gold, Guinness! Don't be scared, everyone is friendly, even the tough ones crack a smile!

Top of The World in Ireland

Europe’s highest sea cliffs are found at Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) and offer the most stunning views in all of Ireland. The awe inspiring sight of the torquise waves from the Atlantic Ocean as they crash onto the shore some 1972 feet below will take your breath away. The road leading up to the cliffs is also a unforgettable experience. With it’s twists and turns and sudden breath-taking drops, you might think your bus is tipping over. Leave your high heals at home ladies; the walking pathways are rugged. I hiked One Man’s Pass, a five feet wide trail made up of very steep slopes on either side. As I climbed my way to the top, my heart was beating faster. I stopped for a moment, the wind blowing hard, and took a deep breath as I became entranced with the natural beauty of the unspoiled landscape. As I reached for my water and then for my camera, I realized I was on top of the world. Note: The 400 meter pathway is not for the faint of heart on a windy day.

Sliabh Liag (SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS) Europes highest sea cliffs over looking the Atlantic Ocean 1972 ft below. www.sliabhleague.com

The Gardens of Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is set along the Derryveagh Mountains in the Northwest corner of Donegal, Ireland. With over 16,000 hectors (or about 40,000 acres) of mountain, lakes and woodland, the park offers the ultimate getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure junkies, or those just seeking peace and tranquility.
You're free to roam the Park on your own or you may sign up for a guided tour with a knowledgeable park guide. It was the Gardens Of Glenveagh that held the magic for me for it a nature lover and bird watching paradise.
The colors of the gardens are most vibrant in the summer months, lasting into the Fall. The walled gardens had hedges of sweet pea with brightly colored allium, poppies and inula, mixed with organic vegetables in the center; known as ‘Jardin Potager’ style. My favorite, by far, of all the flora and fauna was the saucer-sized rare Himalayin Blue Poppies. It’s paper thin petals swayed in the gentle breeze. As the butterflies fluttered above, I thought how lucky they were to call Glenveagh home.
If you find yourself in this part of the world be sure to take in the beauty of Glenveagh, you will be glad you did.

Glenveagh National Park-Donegal - The park is open year round, 7 days a week from 10am - to 6pm. (9am - 5pm in the winter) www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie