Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness....

Located 35 miles north of St. George, Utah, the area known as Pine Valley is surrounded by wilderness, pine trees, and wildlife of the Dixie National Forest. The small community of Pine Valley is a welcome summer retreat from the heat of St. George. At 6,630 feet (compared to 2,800 feet elevation in St. George), the cool evenings and shade from ponderosa pines seem like a little piece of heaven.

The Pine Valley Mountain, being a mountain island surrounded by desert, is more or less isolated from the Wasatch Mountain Range, which extends the entire length of the state. The mountains are a striking compliment to the area’s dramatic red rock scenery.
Because the St. George area is located between the Rocky Mountains and the desert southwest, it features the distinct landscapes of both. It has forested mountain ranges and high plateaus, along with rugged and starkly beautiful red rock desert.

The Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness preserves numerous lush meadows (up to 50 acres in size) and a beautiful forest of Engelmann spruce in the south, and spruce mixed with fir, pine, and large stands of aspen in the north. The Pine Valley Mountains rise through the entire center of the area and provide habitat for chipmunks, marmots, red squirrels, and a large herd of deer in summer.

The photos below were taken within the Pine Valley Recreation Area camp grounds.

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.

What in the world is that?

This is a very unusual structure, indeed! But it happens to be the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center in St. George.

It houses a 25m by 25 yd competition and diving pool, and a 5,800 square foot leisure pool. The leisure pool has an overhead water dump bucket, water walk, water slides, and various sprays and moving water areas that provides a fun aquatic experience for the whole family.

If you are into prehistoric stuff.....

click image to enlarge

......you might enjoy learning more about St. George’s Dinosaur tracks discovery site. Click on this first link below to read about the first discovery in the area in 2000, and also about the new museum.

http://www.sgcity.org/dinotrax/indexmain.php



Click on this second link below, a YouTube video, about the museum and some interesting facts and views inside the museum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtNSTlI_xew

Wheeeeee.....going up and down this hill is fun now!

Click on photo to enlarge and see details

The name of this hill in the above photo is called “Foremaster” Over seven years ago when they finished this road going up and over the hill, it was a blessing because it made easier access to the businesses on this end of town. It also cut down on the traffic on the other end.

But since, through these seven years as the population increased...so did the usage and discovery of this uphill road by others. Originally there was not a traffic light at the bottom of the hill on this side. Many times the line of cars would be backed up nearly to the top of the hill, as each driver waited their turn at the yield sign below, to get onto the main road...called Riverside Drive. It got so that I dreaded using this hill to come down.

Well, to our great joy....a couple of weeks ago the NEW traffic lights were finally in use. Gosh what a difference. Hooray for traffic lights.

If you owned this land...what would you do with it?

click on photos to enlarge and use left/right and up/down scroll bars to see complete view

These photos are of an old forsaken dried up golf course in St. George. Originally named Twin Lakes Golf Course, it was later changed to Coconut Grove Golf Course. The last two sets of owners spent lots of money to redo and keep it going but when things such as not watering like it should have been, planting the wrong kind of grass seed that was not hardy enough for this hot climate, and one colder than usual winter that wiped out the palm trees.. the last owners gave up. Sadly...this is what the golf course looks like today.

Get your thoughts going and dream a little. Can you see a potential for a use for this land? If you bought the land what would you do with it? One person said they would turn it into a water slide park.

Green Gate Village Historic Inn (in St. George)

This Folkart of the Green Gate Village is by renowned artist Eric Dowdle

Green Gate Village Historic Inn, is one of Utah's "hidden treasures". Behind the green gates you'll discover 14 buildings with nine beautifully restored historic homes nestled in a garden-like setting around the "Village Green".



What is the history behind the name “Green Gate” Village? In 1877, Brigham Young ordered white paint for the new St. George Temple. When the shipment finally arrived by wagon he was disappointed to learn that the paint was green, not white. Unable to return it, he gave the green paint to local St. George residents to gild their gates and fences. Only one of those green gates still remain from a 130 years ago and is on display in the formal garden of the Green Gate Village. The other gates surrounding the Village are patterned after this treasured original.

To see photos of the homes and learn more about the "Village" ....click on the following link:

http://www.utah.com/attractions/greengate_village.htm

Culture and Arts in the area

Whether you are looking to attend music concerts or plays; art shows, open air sculpture exhibits, or a museum....St. George and close surrounding areas offer what you are looking for. For more information, click on the following link:

http://www.stgeorgechamber.com/Culture%20&%20Arts.htm

Palm trees in Utah?....only in St. George!

I can remember the first time that I came down to southern Utah, to this town of St. George. One of the first things that stood out was the fact that I was seeing desert palm trees everywhere. Palm trees??? Here in St. George, Utah??? Yes, because of the hot dry desert climate, desert palm trees thrive down here. They sure do add to the unique, enchanting landscape beauty.

VIEWS OF ST. GEORGE FROM A LOOK-OUT POINT (click on photos to enlarge, and scroll left to right, and top to bottom)

Our poor deprived children...snow is rare down here, and it melts too fast

Like I said earlier in one of my posts...we are too warm to get snow like the towns to the north of us. If by chance the snow DOES hit the lower elevations, it snows for only a short while and generally melts when it hits the ground. If the snow does cling to the ground...it amounts to maybe a light dusting (sometimes a little more) and melts within a couple of hours.

Yesterday afternoon our rain turned to rain and snow mixed, then turned into straight snow late last night. The snowing only lasted maybe one and one half hours but remained on the ground. It was a medium dusting of snow and pretty much stayed till the morning to give the children a treat.

Our children get really deprived of the snow living down here. IF they are lucky...they might get their ONE LITTLE snowman made, if they hurry outside and work quickly. The children are pretty determined to get their snowmen made even if it looks like there is not enough snow to get the job done. They scrounge around the ground and keep rolling that little ball of snow picking up dead grass, sticks, leaves, and pebbles along with the snow. They giggle and laugh and have a great time!!

Snow being so rare down here, it is really a novelty. Those of us who have moved down here to escape the snow and freezing weather of winters elsewhere, can relax when it DOES snow here...for we know it won’t last long and melts quickly. When the temperature is around 50 degrees....snow doesn’t have a chance of staying. But it is soooo fun to watch the children’s delight as they scurry outside BEFORE all the snow melts, to build their snowmen.

The photos above were taken today of the school playground by my house. As I went for my daily walk around the track today...this is the scene I beheld. It was 12:30pm and 49 degrees outside. The children were out for their lunch recess and were all busy with their hands in the rolled mounds of snow. It looked so funny because the ground all around them was brown grass.. I only wish I had been out earlier for the morning recess. I was told that there was a playground FULL of snowmen. What you see in the above photos is the left-over fun from the morning recess.

View of Pine Valley Mountain...taken less than 2 miles from my house

Today was awesome

Oh, what a luscious day it was! For nearly a week our temperatures have been cooler than usual. That generally happens when upper Utah is receiving any type of storms. It was about 62 degrees around 2 pm, slightly cloudy but sunny and nicely warm. When the temperature is like this, most everyone runs about in shirt sleeves...no jacket.

I went for my daily walk this afternoon that I generally take about 10 am. Because of my massage therapy session at noon, I did not go walking this morning. It was so pleasant and tremendously enjoyable for me today. I am fortunate to live within a block of an elementary school that has a track on it. This is where I take my walks. One time around the track is 1 and ½ quarter mile. Because I have neglected my daily walks for over a year now....I have to begin slowly again so as not to over-do. Three weeks ago when I made a new commitment to begin my walk exercise again, I only did one time around the track. Today I did three.

It is a nice asphalt track. With the school field on one side of the track and a very high wooden fence (to protect the privacy of the families living in the row of homes) on part of the other side of the track along with more field, it makes for a type of seclusion. Occasionally, depending on what time it is, the school children might be out on the playground for recess. But about three fourths of the track is away from the children’s play area, even though they play on part of the field closest to the school building.

As I walk around the track, I hear a few dogs barking at me from behind the wooden fence. It is fun to watch the children play, if they are out. But the most gorgeous part of my walk is seeing the mountain range all around me in every direction in the distance. Very, very close and looming up at us is the Pine Valley Mountain....the tallest of the mountains in our area. It is a pretty sight in the winter because it is generally covered with snow. Nothing else around us has snow. St. George as a rule, does not receive snow....we are too warm. If by chance we do get snow, it lasts a couple of hours and melts when it hits the ground....or in a few hours.

So all in all, today’s walk was extremely enjoyable....and I love to think and meditate while I walk. Very good therapy.

Our mountain beauty

Living in a town that is literally surrounded by hills and mountains of all heights, I guess we sometimes can have a tendency to take our mountain beauty for granted.

The other day as I was traveling to the other side of our town heading towards another close neighboring town, the road I was traveling was through the hills...away from any traffic. I neglect sometimes to really take in the beauty that is before my eyes. I love to travel this road as it is always a serene, gorgeous drive with the many different scenes before and surrounding me, of red hills against the side of the road and mountains and other hills in the distance.

We have red soil here and it sure makes for a beautiful landscape against the hills. And the mountains in the distance...so striking with the various layers of hills and other mountains preceding each other in different color contrasts. Definitely a sight to behold!

Crows

Crows seem to like St. George in the winter, too. While out walking two days ago at the elementary school by us, I saw about five crows ahead of me on the track. Generally in February is when I see more of them. They sit and fill the tree tops and make their wonderful cawing sound.

Click on this link to see a fascinating video of clever crows.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7329182515885554944

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

TUACAHN is a spectacular natural outdoor amphitheatre just 10 minutes from St. George, in Ivins, Utah. The stage and high stadium type seating are surrounded by gorgeous 1500 foot red rock and vertical sandstone cliffs.

In 1993, Doug Stewart, noted playwright and St. George resident, stumbled upon the spot as he was searching for a location for an outdoor amphitheatre in the St. George area. “The stunning beauty and perfect surroundings stopped me in my tracks,” Stewart recalled. “I was brought to tears when I first stood there, and after taking it in for some time - envisioning an amphitheatre and stage with the awesome backdrop of 1500 foot red rock cliffs, and hearing the sounds of music echoing from the canyon walls - I literally flew back to town and straight to the county recorder’s office to see who the land belonged to.”

Through his efforts, a non-profit organization was established to raise funds for the construction of the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Built on the 80-acre parcel at the base of Padre Canyon, adjacent to famous Snow Canyon, the facility is 42,000 square feet. The outdoor theater seats 2000 people, and opened in 1995. It is called the Broadway of the Desert, because every summer several musicals are performed on its stage.

The name Tuacahn comes from a Mayan word meaning "Canyon of the Gods."

Click on the link below..to take a unique virtual tour of Tuacahn and see a 360 degree panorama view of the stage and stadium seating area.

http://www.tuacahn.org/virtualtour.html

Too many eating places?

With all the heavy construction and building going on here in St. George all the time, it amazes me with all the variety of eating places opening up. At one point I really felt like the community was overdoing it....I mean, do we really need all these myriad of food establishments?! The size, and range of variety of places to stop and eat are shocking, to say the least.

But over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years holidays it was extremely unbelievable at how packed full EACH drive in and restaurant became. People sure like to eat out a lot!

We have a pretty steady growth rate here in Washington County. And even more so this past year. With so many, many hungry people out and about town....it is no wonder that our eating places are crammed full. Every one has their favorite place to go....and I sure have mine! I am so glad that Bajio, Lucky Buffet, Subway, and Del Taco....to name my favorites.....are here in town and so close to where I live!

With all these people (over 100,000), we need all these places to go and eat out and have fun and enjoy our self. We can shop, shop, shop... and eat, eat, eat...to our hearts content.