When a Path in the Woods Planted the Roots of Friendship, UT

My last stretch of the drive as I get closer to Betty takes me along the Provo Canyon Scenic Drive. Wow. I so appreciate the simple feeling a breathtaking landscape creates in my heart.

Betty and I stay in touch through FaceTime and phone calls, but there is nothing like sitting across from each other. What started as a small conversation on a trail in October 2022 in the Smoky Mountains has blossomed into a beautiful friendship I cherish deeply.

I am especially delighted to meet Ron, her husband, after hearing so many wonderful stories about him. I love listening to his tales about the history of their town and his deep family roots. His great-grandparents arrived in this area in 1870 and settled here. The house where Betty and Ron live once belonged to Ron's grandmother and still stands on the original land his ancestors purchased back then.

What I find most fascinating is that even before I knew this area was first settled by people from Switzerland (which I mentioned in a previous post), I instinctively connected this landscape to Switzerland. I am sure they felt the same as I did, and knew they were home right away.

I arrive in the early evening with just enough time to squeeze in a short hike and feel the beauty of my surroundings through my feet. The incredible flowers blooming against the green mountains are surely an appreciative welcome to Northern Utah.

I love it when a local shows me the way. All I need to do is relax in the passenger seat, enjoy the view, and listen to Betty's wealth of knowledge about the area.

We get an early start to hike to Stewart Falls. I am excited to meet Betty's friend Gayle, who joins us. We bond instantly, sharing a similar philosophy about life and a deep love for nature.

The trail climbs gently, revealing a valley that stretches endlessly beneath us, hugged by majestic mountains.

We arrive at Stewart Falls just in time to enjoy the sound of the cascading water on its own before the crowds arrive. It fills the air and blends beautifully into the vast landscape.

Our next stop is the mighty Bridal Veil Falls, tucked within the stunning Provo Canyon. The drive itself is breathtaking, especially when Mount Timpanogos comes into view. (From Google: Mount Timpanogos, often referred to as "Timp," is the second-highest peak in Utah's Wasatch Range, rising to 11,752 feet.)

The color palette here is so soothing. Betty is right—Northern Utah is nothing like I imagined. It was a short and sweet visit.

I love our tradition of meeting somewhere on the road. Knowing we will meet again softens the goodbye.

Thank you, Betty and Ron, for your generosity and warm hospitality. Until next time, my dear friend.

What a beautiful country we have. I love the different landscapes I am privileged to witness. I have a long drive ahead of me today. I leave early in the morning, hoping to reach Estes Park by nightfall.

Often, when I have many miles to drive through different states, I am gifted with smooth transitions in the landscape. It is what makes my "Landscape Movie" so interesting, and allows me to relax into the journey.

By 6:00 PM, I enter Rocky Mountain National Park from the south entrance. I still have an hour and a half of driving.

The Rocky Mountains welcome me with absolute beauty. The drive along Trail Ridge Road, touched by the soft light of the day's end, adds a layer of magic to this new beginning. I cannot wait to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.

I arrive in Estes Park around 7:30 with a small mission: to find my corner for the night. I saved two locations from iOverlander with recent reviews. I always make sure to confirm there are no signs indicating "No Overnight Parking." Plan A is out. I drive further along Route 34 to my second option, only to find a clear sign: "No Overnight Parking."

At this point, I am tired from a long day, and thinking of Plan C is the last thing I want to do.

I resort to my usual last option: finding a large hotel parking lot, making sure I do not take a space from a paying guest. I also scan the cars to confirm they do not have hotel tags showing they are registered guests.

I find my little corner, climb into my tiny bed, and close my eyes with a thankful heart for another day of adventure and beauty.

Sweet dreams. Tomorrow, a new adventure begins...