Recently my wife and I returned home from a wonderful trip in Utah where we explored 5 National Parks, 3 National Monuments, and 2 State Parks in matter of 10 days. For those of you who have never been to southern Utah, I highly recommend the trip. The scenery is mesmerizing, the stillness and vastness of the area makes one reflective while enjoying God’s handiwork.
I thought I’d share some of my “ah-ha” moments this trip provided….
THE PLAN - I had the “vision” of the trip, the number of days needed to make our trip in a reasonable amount of time, planned the budget, made the reservations for air, car, and hotel...everything was set...but while I had the overall plan mapped out, it was my wife who dotted the “I’s” and crossed the “T’s” executing the day to day operations as to what exactly we were going to do and see…. The ah-ha???? Every team needs a visionary with the “Grand Plan” who trusts others to do what they do best in executing the DETAILS of the plan.
TIMING - As an ameatur photographer I learned early on the importance of light. The red rock which was bleached out by the morning sun would produce amazing hues of red when photographed at sunset. Vacationing “off-season” produced challenges of expected conveniences such as finding restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores in short supply. The ah-ha??? TIMING IS EVERYTHING.
SLOW and STEADY - We estimated that we hiked 25 trails and over 100 miles during our trip. Some were were easier than others...some with asphalt paved walkways, some with dirt and red sand, and some with nothing but rocks and kerins showing the way up the side of a mountain. Some 3-4 mile hikes took but an hour while others took half the day..the ah-ha???? Understand the challenges of your journey before presuming anything.
GOING ROGUE - For safety reasons, paths are usually marked fairly well. Going off the trail can lead to getting lost fairly easy as there is absolutely no cell service in these remote areas to rely on any help, and most trials had little to no other hikers. There were times, admittedly that we strayed from the designated path to experience a better view or a different challenge that made our journey unique. The ah-ha???? Sometimes it’s a good thing to go off the “beaten path” to experiences something new or accomplish something never done before.
PERSEVERANCE - While standing on the rim wall of the canyon peering at the valley below, one couldn’t help be reminded of the power of perseverance from the depth of the canyon wall carved by the might of the Colorado River, or seeing the flora thriving in the desert rock...the ah-ha??? Never give up...never give in...Perseverance is key as even water cuts rock...eventually…
ONE LAST AH-HA - Joys and challenges are meant to be shared...having the right partner along the way makes every journey a special one….choose wisely...me???? I am one blessed man...
Be good to yourself...
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