Woohoo....we feel privileged!!!

How would you like to sit in a line of 25 cars ahead of you JUST to eagerly order a hamburger, fries and drink? Well, that’s what people have been doing here since last week when a new eating place opened up in Washington City, a bordering town to St. George.

The place is called “In-N-Out Burger”....but it isn’t just an ordinary fast food place, or another hamburger joint...no-sir-ee. Their menu is very simple...just 3 items: burgers, fries, and drinks. Their meat and fries are NEVER frozen. Meat is cut up and fresh ground each day...fries are cut up each day from whole potatoes. The taste of both is well worth the wait in line, which really goes fast.....you’re really “in and out” before you know it.

The reason we feel privileged is that we’re the first town in Utah to have an “In-N-Out Burger” They are very popular in most of California, especially southern; the Nevada areas of Reno and Las Vegas; and western Arizona.

Unique addition to a golf course

How many golf courses do you see that has a duck pond (with some swans, too) attached to it, by the side of the road?

The Bloomington Golf Course has just that! And it is gorgeous, peaceful, and relaxing to be there. There are benches where you can sit and watch the ducks and toss them some bread if you like. And you can watch the large schools of orangey gold fish try to beat the ducks at getting the bread.

.... a swimming hole for kids

One section of the Virgin River which runs through parts of
St. George is a popular hangout for the kids. It makes an ideal “swimming hole” for them. The scenery and trails along the river is fun and serene. This one particular area of river also has a little waterfall that is fun to see and watch as the kids like to walk under the falls.

Virgin River information:

The Virgin River is a 200 mile long tributary of the Colorado River in the southwestern U.S. It begins in southwestern Utah at the Navajo Reservoir in the Dixie National Forest, north of Zion National Park near Springdale. The river flows in a southwestern direction passing though

ST. GEORGE where the Santa Clara River joins the Virgin at Tonaquint. The river then flows across the northwestern corner of Arizona and enters southern Nevada near Mesquite. It then empties into the Colorado River at Lake Mead reservoir, approximately 40 miles east of Las Vegas. The last 30 miles of the Virgin River forms the north arm of Lake Mead.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The north rim of Grand Canyon National Park is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67; the Canyon rim is an additional 14 miles south. Jacob Lake is located in northern Arizona on Highway 89A, not far from the Utah border. Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona.

From St. George, it is roughly 160 miles to the west end of the north rim. What a beautiful sight the Canyon is!!!!

Mid-October event each year in St. George brings people from all over the World

The Huntsman World Senior Games, as it is known today, and held in St. George, Utah, is an international senior sports competition. It began in 1987, when John H. Morgan sponsored the first event. At that time it was named the World Senior Games, and there were only 500 participants.

In 1989 Jon M. Huntsman, Chairman of the Huntsman Corporation, became the Games' principal sponsor after recognizing their value which not only fosters lifetime fitness, but has expanded Utah's economic vitality. At that time, Huntsman’s name was added to the title.

Even when the Games were in their infancy, the St. George Mayor and City Council saw the value of these senior games and gave their support, as they have ever since. The values they are supporting with their financing, facilities and personnel are those of the Games - health, friendship and peace - and the fun of the Games.

The dream of those early years has continued to inspire thousands of people to get off the couch, and get to the gym, pool, horseshoe pit, golf course, etc. With so many sports to choose from, anyone can take part in the Games, and take home a medal or two. No pre-qualifications are necessary, and all men and women can find something of interest, regardless of their age.

Holding the games in St. George gives participants a chance to visit some of the most spectacular National Parks & Monuments. Several are located in the region including Bryce, Zion and the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Games are open to all men and women age 50 and older. Today there are more than 7, 000 participants annually. Participants come from all over the world and all fifty states. The gender breakdown of participants is approximately 67% male and 33% female. The oldest participant so far has been 96 years old. Seniors can register for one or several competitions.

Generally, the Games consist of 22 different events including: basketball, bowling, tennis, bridge, cycling and mountain biking, racquetball, road racing, softball, swimming, triathlon, volleyball, lawn bowls, square dance, table tennis and track and field. Athletes also compete in games of horseshoes and golf matches.

The Games also help foster good health through free health screenings. The services include PSA, blood sugar, bone density, hearing, blood pressure, cholesterol and glaucoma tests and body composition and breast cancer risk assessment screening - all meant to emphasize the importance of seniors taking a proactive role in their health.

Health experts say the activities can be a source of important information about the changing medical needs of older people - and equally important, a great way for seniors to compete and have fun.

There are several other events and social activities surrounding the Huntsman Senior Games such as dinners, dances, a talent show and opening ceremonies.

St. George Municipal Airport

See that mesa up there....beyond the parking lot? The top left end of the mesa is where the St. George Airport is located.

It may sound strange to think of airplanes landing on top of a mesa.....even stranger to be ON the plane and observing out the window as it comes in for a landing on what first appears to be a small section of land above the city. But it is really kind of awesome!

The St. George Municipal Airport is served by Sky West on behalf of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. It is termed “The Delta Connection”. There are several flights each day to and from Salt Lake City, Utah.

This current airport is small, having only one runway. There is no room for expansion and it cannot accommodate larger aircraft. The city has been planning for several years for a new airport in another location. With our rapidly increasing population, we need to be able to fly out of here on larger planes and hopefully cut down on a few of the connecting flights we have had to make in Salt Lake to get to some of the shorter distance cities and states around us.