We had an 8 person group meet together for a great ride up the Alpine Loop Wednesday evening. We started at Sundance and the fall colors on the trees were absolutely stunning. 
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Alpine Loop Fall Ride of Color
We had an 8 person group meet together for a great ride up the Alpine Loop Wednesday evening. We started at Sundance and the fall colors on the trees were absolutely stunning. 
Monday, August 20, 2012
Wonder Woman Ride 2012
For a $10. off registration code go to:
http://recreateinutah.com/pdf/oav7e1.pdf - page 15
R.P.
The third annual fully supported all women’s ride is set for September 15th, 2012, Payson, Utah. Gather up all your girlfriends and come celebrate the awesomeness of being a woman.
Come experience Southern Utah County as you cycle through the beautiful rolling countryside. Choose to conquer the 30 mile, 70 mile or the 100 mile event. You will love the picturesque scenery and ease of the course.
This fully supported ride has a total of 6 aid stations for the century riders, 5 for the 70 milers and 2 for the 30 milers . Each aid station is stocked with fruit, water, Powerade and other goodies. The century and 70 milers will also have a lunch stop.
It is always a good idea to bring a spare tube and whatever you need to change your tire however, we will also have a slew of super hero volunteers both on bicycles and roaming in SAG vehicles.
The finish line will have a festive atmosphere with great food, music, expo with great vendors and as always finisher’s jewelry!
Don’t forget to scroll over to our nominations tab one of the best parts of the ride is that we honor a true “Wonder Woman”. We all know that women make the world go round but this is an opportunity for one of our participants to feel extra special! Nominated by you, voted on by you, the Wonder Woman receives prizes worth over $600! A combination of everything she needs, pampering, clothes, bike gear and other fun stuff!
Come join 700 of your new closest friends to push your body and mind to new heights as you challenge yourself in this exciting event!
Each event has a mass start time:
- 7:30 for the 100 mile riders
- 8:30 for the 70 mile century riders
- 10:00 for the 30 mile riders
You are welcome to start earlier than your designated start time but plan on having what you need as aid stations might not be set up by the time you get there.
Wonder Woman's website: http://wonderwomanride.com/
Wonder Woman on Facebook: facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonder-Woman-Rides/142384325779563
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Antelope Island by Moonlight 2012 - Mayan Meltdown
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| Sunset on the Great Salt Lake Causeway to Antelope Island. |
by Karin Marie Plunkett
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| Couldn't resist a pic with one of the natives. |
Just before dark, the crowd began gathering for a large group start. With lights turned on and water bottles filled, folks gathered to participate in the adventure of night riding. City lights sparkled on the horizon and reflected in the glassy lake.
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Meeting up at the historic barn for "updates" and refueling.
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The ride is an out-and-back with a rest stop tucked into a cozy barn. There the riders are treated to a variety of fruits and bars. There we enjoyed the late moonrise as we regrouped and visited with friend. |
| Joining up at Syracuse Pizza Factory before the ride so we can caravan across the causeway. |
The Antelope Island ride is short enough to be undertaken by people of wide range of ages and fitness levels. The funds from the entry fees support the upkeep of the island. Approximately 2,000 people registered for the moonlight adventure this year. I hope to see you join us there next summer!Monday, July 2, 2012
Celebrating 22 Years, Our Anniversary Tour-3rd Stop
From Bryce Canyon if you drive east on highway 12 for about 45 minutes, you run right into the town of Escalante. This was our last stop on our anniversary trip. We stayed at the Rainbow Country Bed and Breakfast. This was another good reminder that we should stay in B and B's whenever we can. Rainbow is set up very nicely for families; with a large screen TV and a pool table in the common area as well as a hot tub on their deck. The photos on the walls are all of local attractions, most are taken by Clark and Catherine Barney; the hosts of Rainbow Bed and Breakfast. In addition to the photos, the Barneys have a wonderful collection of antiques on display. |
| "hiking" in the river to Escalante Natural Bridge |
Ronelle and I chose to hike to Escalante Natural Bridge mostly because it was over 90 degrees in the sun that day, and most of this hike we could do walking in the Escalante River. It's a 4-mile round trip hike that follows the same path the river cut through the canyon (the trail crosses the river several times). The Escalante River at this point is lined with large trees on both banks, so choosing to hike in the river and not on the trail, provided a great double break from the summer sun: cool knee-deep water as well as the shade of the trees. We took our time and enjoyed our walk. The contrast in colors made our trip spectacular. Gorgeous blue sky, multiple shades of green in trees and brush all set against a beautiful redrock backdrop. This was a great way to beat the heat.
We've only driven all of highway 12 a few times (which we did on this trip over a 3-day time frame). It doesn't take long to be reminded why this Scenic Byway was designated an "All American Road" in 2002 - meaning it's one of the most scenic highways in America. It starts about 5 miles south of Panguitich on Hwy 89. As you head East, you drive right through Red Canyon on your way to approximately 122 miles of twists and turns through small towns, over high mountain passes and amazing lush forests - all loaded with photo opportunities at the dozens of pullouts as well as the numerous side roads you can take. Catherine from our B and B highly recommended that we drive the paved portion of the Burr Trail. Having never seen any of the Burr Trail (except in pictures) we made this side trip. We were quickly taken in by its beauty. We stopped at a very short "slot" called Long Canyon. It's only a 2 minute walk from the car. It doesn't get very narrow like some slot canyons do. However the colors in the rock walls are beautiful. This is ideal for young families and aging grandparents who may not be able to walk very far. |
| Long Canyon - just a few feet off the Burr Trail Road |
Ronelle and I had an awesome 4-night, 5-day anniversary all in Utah. Great food, incredible scenery,
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Celebrating 22 Years, Our Anniversary Tour-2nd stop
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| Natural Bridge - You can see this about 20 steps from parking your car! |
Our 2nd Stop: Bryce Canyon Area
Several years ago when we bought our first camping trailer, Bryce Canyon National Park was the destination of our first get-a-way. We stayed in the campground at Ruby's Inn. Since then we have made numerous trips back to the area, some with and some without our trailer. About 10 years back we planned a family reunion in the Bryce Valley area using the KOA campground in Cannonville as our hub. This worked well for the young and the not so young. Everyone was able to find plenty of activities to do both inside and outside the National Park - hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, exploring slot canyons,etc. We even had one couple take a helicopter tour of the area. This is still one of the most talked about family reunions we've had.
This recent trip, however, was to be full of FIRSTS for my wife and I, Our FIRST time staying in a B&B in the Bryce Canyon area. We chose Stone Canyon Inn B and B. They're on the south end of Tropic, Utah - set on the east side of Bryce Canyon National Park. From the front of the Inn, you have views of the Park that can only be seen from here. On the the east side of Stone Canyon Inn, there is a large deck. From here one can watch the sunrise and enjoy the beautiful, rich colors on the
plateau across the valley, as the sun highlights each and every hue. Then, as night falls the deck becomes the perfect place to relax and reminisce while watching the stunning, innumerable evening stars appear!
Mike and Dixie Burbidge are the Innkeepers at Stone Canyon. Whether you want to go hiking in Bryce, horseback riding in Red Canyon, ATV riding around Tropic Reservoir, or work yourself through a narrow slot canyon, they can help you make all of the necessary arrangements. Maybe you're not sure what you want to do; let Dixie put together a unique day trip designed just for you. In addition to being an expert on things to do in the area, Dixie's breakfasts are a sight to behold, they look as good as they taste. Her meals are comparable to what you would find in an upscale restaurant in L.A. or New York, yet you get to wear your shorts and T-shirt to the table.
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| Phil & Ronelle - last (and highest) view point in Bryce Canyon N.P. |
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| Fosters Restaurant |
One more notable FIRST for us in Bryce Valley was the prime rib dinner at Foster's Motel & Restaurant. I'm not sure how we made so many trips to the area and never stopped in to dine. They're right on Hwy. 12 about one mile west of hwy 63. The service was great. The prime rib was perfect - the horseradish had just the right amount of
kick to add to the flavor of the meat. After a long hot bike ride, Foster's was just what we needed - good food, nice air conditioning and someone to wait on us. We will be stopping in again on our next visit to Bryce Canyon.
kick to add to the flavor of the meat. After a long hot bike ride, Foster's was just what we needed - good food, nice air conditioning and someone to wait on us. We will be stopping in again on our next visit to Bryce Canyon.
Our 3rd and last stop: Escalante.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Celebrating 22 Years, Our Anniversary Tour
First Stop: Renting a side by side ATV and getting checked into our miners' cabin at 
Lizzie and Charlie's RV Park in Marysvale.
This is the 3rd year in a row we have made the trip. They're about 25 miles south of the city of Richfield on Hwy. 89 in Utah. Their campground is the gateway to the Paiute Trail. This trail system forms a literal spider web of ATV trails covering most of Paiute County. Some publications call it the 'best family oriented trail system in the U.S.' The diverse terrain provides its riders numerous photo opportunities of dense forests, stunning vistas, wildlife (very large elk and herds of deer) as well as a great open air museum at the Marysvale Miners Park in Bullion Canyon.
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| Miners Park - Bullion Canyon |
There is no beginning or end to The Paiute Trail system. Riders can get on and off the trail at any point. However the #1 trail is a 278 mile loop that makes its way across deserts, through rugged canyons and over high mountain ranges (some are above the timber line). With hundreds of offshoots, you can explore whether you are a UTV or an ATV. Most of the towns along the trail allow ATV's on the streets so riders can go directly from the trail to restaurants, convenience stores or to your lodging to get a hot shower.
Lizzie & Charlie's RV Park is your family's one stop shop for an outdoor adventure creating memories that will last a life time! 
We like the rustic feel of their miners' cabins. It's a step up from tent camping, yet it gives you a small taste of how the miners lived who settled this area years ago. This is a great you can get close enough to see them, campground full of large shade trees throughout, whether you are in your tent or RV. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful; they know the trail system very well and will help you map out a course that will fit all your needs (time and age appropriate). This last trip they mapped out a route for us to see two beaver dams. The ATV's scare the beavers away long before but it was very interesting to see their dam up close and examine the size of trees they are able to chop down. One of our favorite things about staying here is eating at "The Garage". It's a New York style pizza/deli right at the RV Park. The dough is hand-tossed (fun to watch). My family agrees its the best pizza we have ever eaten. This year one of the RV Park employees told us we had to try one of their sandwiches. My wife jumped on that idea and had a panini. As for me, I had been waiting 9 months to enjoy one of his pizzas- BBQ Chicken was my choice. This place is worth driving a little out of your way if you are a pizza or sub lover. "The Garage" was the perfect way to cap off an awesome day in our ATV before heading to the Bryce Canyon Area.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Steampunk twist to an old classic!
For Our Family, summer officially begins with Memorial Day's concert at the SCERA Shell. This year was no exception as we enjoyed the Acappella Supershow featuring the top three recent winners from the hit TV show "The Sing-Off". If you missed it, you missed out!
“The Wizard of Oz” will open June 8 and run through June 23, with performances at 8 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 3 to 11, seniors 65 and older and students with identification. Patrons should bring a blanket or rent a chair for $1.00. Reserved sections range from $12 to $14 for adults and $10 and $12 for children, seniors and students.
Performing major roles are Jessica Sundwall as Dorothy; Shoni Winkel as the wicked witch; Lauren Anderson as Glinda, the good witch; and Mark Gordon, Travis Hancock and Philip Varney as the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. The legendary Wizard of Oz will be played by Marc Haddock and a dog named Abby is Toto. Other players will take multiple roles to portray munchkins, dancing trees, flying monkeys, poppies, crows and other characters.
This is just the beginning of many more trips to the shell during the summer, including concerts, plays and outdoor movies on the big screen. Starting June 8, you can see a new twist on an old classic:
Back to the Future Steampunk Style
Although not a word has been changed for the first musical of the summer season at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, their upcoming production of the family classic “The Wizard of Oz” is being given a unique twist.
Director Jeremy Showgren is borrowing heavily from steampunk, a recent fashion and entertainment movement that takes futuristic elements and places them in the past. He takes Dorothy’s dream, where the magic of Oz unfolds, and provides glimpses of the future.
“At the time of the story, the industrial movement was under way, so I’m adding a lot of metal work, gears, clocks and trains,” Showgren explains. “Think of Sherlock Holmes and his guns and the television series, “Wild, Wild West” with its gadgets. It’s like placing the future in the past.”
The inspiration for the set comes from an early 20th century train station and much of it resembles steel that has been oxidized into the kind of green seen on the Statue of Liberty. And the witch’s castle, for example, resembles the old factories from that period.
“As Dorothy’s dream begins, we are in Kansas, but during the musical, elements of Kansas are removed so by the end of the show there are very few traces of home—and Dorothy realizes how much she misses it,” Showgren adds.
“The Wizard of Oz” will open June 8 and run through June 23, with performances at 8 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 3 to 11, seniors 65 and older and students with identification. Patrons should bring a blanket or rent a chair for $1.00. Reserved sections range from $12 to $14 for adults and $10 and $12 for children, seniors and students.
In a magic land that imbues a scarecrow, tin man and cowardly lion with human characteristics and where evil is personified in a nasty green witch, Dorothy comes to learn that there is no place like home.
“This show has been an amazingly gratifying collaboration, and I credit the production staff with creating an innovative look and feel,” Showgren says. The director, who is also serving as musical director, is supported by choreographer Kellie Messerly, lighting designer James Larsen, set designer Casey Price, props designer Sheri Stakebake and costume designer Kelsey Seaver.
The costumes bring out the steampunk style as well, with the Tin Man’s costume full of gears, nuts and bolts; and the witch’s dress designed with fabric cut-out gears and lots of metal. Dorothy’s traditional blue gingham dress is enhanced with an old-fashioned corset and red bedazzled boots.
Performing major roles are Jessica Sundwall as Dorothy; Shoni Winkel as the wicked witch; Lauren Anderson as Glinda, the good witch; and Mark Gordon, Travis Hancock and Philip Varney as the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. The legendary Wizard of Oz will be played by Marc Haddock and a dog named Abby is Toto. Other players will take multiple roles to portray munchkins, dancing trees, flying monkeys, poppies, crows and other characters.
“Those who come will see an awesome spin on a classic story, where kids will be swept away to a world of imagination somewhere over the rainbow and adults can see the show done in new, more modern way.” Showgren says.
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