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by
Jeff
Voth
Leaving
Ogden, we followed Hwy 39 through the Wasatch National Forest
on our way north to Bear Lake. Upon our arrival, I was stunned
to see the Caribbean color of the water, caught off guard that
something so unique, so blue, resided in North America. Its sandy
beaches are a favorite place for visitors to soak up the sun and
it is easy to understand why.
Angling
and water sports are enjoyed by many, though a recent drought
has left the lake at near record lows. Here deer and elk routinely
patrol the shores in search of food and water. Rumors of the Bear
Lake monster made for an interesting discussion at lunch, as we
enjoyed a local specialty, raspberry shakes.
Back
on the road, we traveled southwest on Hwy 89 through Logan Canyon
on our way to an evening of western fun at the American West Heritage
Center.
Set
on 160 acres of land, the center is a living museum of American
history. Here the Wild West is brought to life for all to experience.
Represented groups include Native Americans, pioneers, mountain
men, military, farmers and ranchers. Our evening entertainment
consisted of a wonderful Dutch-oven cookout, followed by a recital
of several cowboy poems and the interactive story telling of a
true mountain man. The only thing missing was the smell of a burning
campfire and fresh buffalo meat cooking on a spit.
Day
three took us out of Logan County and into Utah's Fruit Way. A
quick stop at the Nielsen Fruit Farm garnered the welcome opportunity
to sample some of Utah's finest peaches, watermelon and musk melon.
Sweet tasting peach juice dribbled down my chin, as we enjoyed
the fall harvest, and I made sure to stuff several whole peaches
in my pocket for the long drive ahead.
Back
in Salt Lake City, we made a brief appearance at the visitor's
center and headed south on our way to the Nebo Loop National Scenic
Byway.
If
I had to choose only one road to drive in Utah, this
would be it. The Nebo Loop is a series of switchbacks
and inclines, winding its way up some of the most scenic
countryside in the State. At its highest point, Mt.
Nebo rises 11,877 ft. into the air, providing a magnificent
vantage point from which to view Utah Lake and the surrounding
area.
Our
destination for the evening was Wind Walker Guest Ranch
in Spring City, Utah. Loretta Johnson, the owner and
head "dude" at the ranch delivers an authentic
cowboy experience that is second to none. She treated
us to an old-fashioned pioneer wagon ride, a genuine
cowboy holdup, great western cooking and a guitar-pickin',
harmonica playing, singalong around the campfire.
(CONTINUED...)
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