Category Archives: Utah

Would You Vacation in a Paranormal Hotspot?

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A Curious Traveler’s Musings on High Strangeness

Every now and then, a question pops into my mind that I can’t quite shake. So today, dear readers, I’m asking you this: Would you knowingly take a trip to a place famous for paranormal activity? Ghosts, portals, UFOs—excuse me, UAPs—seem to be having a moment. Someone, somewhere, clearly decided the term “UFO” carried too much baggage from decades of little green men.

But the question lingers. Would you go?

Welcome to Utah’s Unita Basin—Where Weird Is Normal

Lately, my daydream travels have taken me back to Utah, especially the northeastern corner known as the Unita Basin. If that name rings a bell, you’ve probably watched the History Channel’s hit show The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.

The locals don’t mince words—they call the region’s activity “High Strangeness.” And they mean it. Viewers tune in weekly to see glowing orbs, UAPs darting across the sky, radiation spikes, malfunctioning equipment, and rockets that refuse to fly straight. Native American stories warn that the land is cursed, prowled by Skinwalkers, Dire Wolves, and other beings best left unnamed. Even the cattle seem uneasy.

Just when you think it can’t get stranger, the team from Expedition X shows up to investigate—and ends up filming what they believe might be a Skinwalker. Even Phil Torres, the group’s resident skeptic, looked like he wanted to sleep with the lights on after that one.

From the Desert to the Deep: USOs off Catalina Island

Speaking of Expedition X, they also dove into the world of USOs—Unidentified Submerged Objects—off Santa Catalina Island. The area is legendary among paranormal researchers, a hotspot for both sky-bound and sea-bound mysteries.

Most investigations end with more questions than answers, but this time the team captured some genuinely odd activity beneath the waves. Was it real? A trick of the light? Something else entirely? Your guess is as good as mine.

My Brush With a UFO Hotspot—Minus the UFOs

I’ve actually visited one of the country’s most famous paranormal destinations: Sedona, Arizona. Not for UFOs, mind you—I went for the red rocks, the hiking, and the sheer beauty of the landscape.

I didn’t see any mysterious lights or feel the pull of an energy vortex. And honestly? If I had, I probably would’ve packed up and headed straight back to the airport. People think I’m an adrenaline junkie, but that’s a myth. Roller coasters terrify me. Helicopters? Sure. Ghosts and extraterrestrials? Hard pass.

So Tell Me—Would You Go?

Now I’m turning the question over to you.

Would you take a vacation to a place known for its “High Strangeness”?
Would you seek out a UFO hotspot, a haunted canyon, or a stretch of desert where the sky behaves badly?

If so, you’re braver than I am. I’ll admire the mysteries from a safe distance—preferably with a cup of coffee and a good view of the sunrise.

 

A Southwest Wish‑List Adventure: If I Hit the Road Today

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Setting Out With a Sense of Possibility

Every now and then, I feel that familiar tug — the one that whispers it might be time to wander again. Not in a rushed, suitcase‑bursting, itinerary‑packed way, but in the soft, dreamy style of a wish‑list adventure. The kind where you point the car toward the horizon and let the landscape decide the pace.

If I were heading out today, I know exactly where I’d go: southwest toward Colorado and Utah, where steam trains still echo through mountain canyons, ancient cliff dwellings cling to stone walls, and red‑rock cathedrals glow under endless skies.

This isn’t a trip I’ve booked. It’s one I’m savoring in my imagination — and sometimes those are the sweetest journeys of all.

Durango: Where the Journey Begins

Two nights

I’d start in Durango, settling into one of its historic hotels — the kind with wooden staircases polished by a century of footsteps and a lobby that feels like a warm handshake. From here, I’d wander out for dinner, camera in hand, letting the town’s old‑west charm set the tone.

 

 

The next morning, I’d board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a living piece of history that still breathes steam and nostalgia. As the train chugs along the Animas River, the canyon walls rise like guardians on either side. It’s a ride made for photography and quiet awe — no hiking boots required, just open eyes and a willingness to be carried through time.

 

 

 

 

Mesa Verde: Echoes of an Ancient World

One night in Cortez or Mancos

After the train, I’d drift west to Mesa Verde National Park, spending the night in Cortez or Mancos — simple, comfortable towns where the mesas glow gold at sunset.

Mesa Verde is a place that humbles you. Even without climbing ladders or squeezing through cliff dwellings, the overlooks alone tell a powerful story. Standing at Cliff Palace Overlook, I’d imagine fires flickering in the alcoves, families moving through the stone rooms, voices echoing across the canyon. The air feels ancient here, as if it remembers everything.

Moab: Gateway to Red‑Rock Wonder

Three nights

From Mesa Verde, the road would pull me into Utah and into Moab, a town that feels like the doorstep to another planet. I’d choose a place with a balcony or a big window — somewhere I could watch the cliffs catch the morning light.

Arches National Park

Arches is a photographer’s playground, even for those of us who prefer minimal walking. Balanced Rock, the Windows, Double Arch — each one a masterpiece carved by wind and time. You can see so much right from the overlooks.

Canyonlands: Island in the Sky

Canyonlands is all about vastness. I’d drive the rim, stopping at overlooks that make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of creation. Mesa Arch at sunrise would be the dream shot — that golden glow lighting up the canyon like a stage.

Torrey & Capitol Reef: A Quiet Pause

One night

From Moab, I’d follow Scenic Byway 24 — one of Utah’s most photogenic roads — into Torrey, a tiny town tucked against red cliffs. It’s the kind of place where the sky feels bigger and the evenings quieter.

Capitol Reef is gentle and generous. The orchards of Fruita, the historic barns, the petroglyphs, the sweeping overlooks — all easy to reach, all deeply photogenic. I’d savor a slice of pie from the Gifford House and let the day unfold slowly.

Bryce Canyon: A Forest of Stone

Two nights

Next, I’d move on to Bryce Canyon, where the hoodoos rise like a frozen forest of flame. Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point — each overlook offers a different angle on the amphitheater below, and none require more than a gentle stroll.

In the soft light of morning or evening, the stone spires glow pink, orange, and gold. It’s impossible not to take too many photos.

 

 

Springdale & Zion: A Canyon of Giants

Two nights

My final stop would be Springdale, the gateway to Zion National Park, where the canyon walls rise like cathedral pillars right behind the buildings. Even from the shuttle or the roadside pullouts, Zion overwhelms in the best way.

I’d stroll the flat Pa’rus Trail, sit by the river, and watch the cliffs shift color as the sun moves across the sky. No strenuous trails needed — the beauty comes to you.

Returning Home With a Full Heart

And then, as all journeys do — even the imaginary ones — the road would lead me home again. My camera would be full, my mind even fuller. That’s the magic of a wish‑list trip: it reminds me that adventure doesn’t always require a packed suitcase. Sometimes it just needs a spark of curiosity and the willingness to follow where the road might lead.

If I ever do take this trip, I already know it will feel familiar — because I’ve traveled it once already, right here in my imagination.

If You Go: Gentle Tips for a Southwest Dream Trip

Even though this journey lives mostly in the realm of imagination, it’s always nice to tuck a few practical notes into your back pocket — just in case the road starts calling a little louder.

Best Time to Travel

  • Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.
  • Summer can be hot, but mornings and evenings are still beautiful for photography.

Pacing for Minimal Walking

  • All the parks mentioned have drive‑up viewpoints perfect for travelers who prefer gentle movement.
  • Shuttle systems in Zion and Bryce make sightseeing easy.
  • The Durango & Silverton train and Mesa Verde’s overlooks offer rich experiences without strenuous activity.

Lodging Overview

  • Durango: Stay downtown for easy access to the train.
  • Cortez or Mancos: Quiet bases for Mesa Verde.
  • Moab: Ideal for Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point.
  • Torrey: A peaceful overnight stop for Capitol Reef.
  • Bryce Canyon area: Close to sunrise and sunset viewpoints.
  • Springdale: Perfect for Zion, with canyon walls rising behind the hotels.

Driving Notes

  • Roads are well‑maintained and incredibly scenic.
  • Distances are long but relaxing — perfect for a slow, photography‑friendly pace.
  • Gas stations can be far apart in Utah, so topping off the tank is wise.

Photography Tips

  • Golden hour is your best friend in the Southwest.
  • Bring extra memory cards — the landscapes are irresistible.
  • Many overlooks have railings or flat paths, making them easy to access.

Accessibility

  • National parks offer accessible viewpoints, shuttles, and level paths.
  • Each park’s accessibility page provides helpful details.

Mindset to Pack

  • Curiosity
  • Flexibility
  • A sense of wonder
  • And a camera ready for magic

 

What if I Won the Lottery

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What If I Won the Lottery? Spoiler: Banner Would Demand a Gold-Plated Cat Tree

Chewy

Let’s just say I checked my ticket, fainted dramatically onto a pile of unfolded laundry, and woke up a millionaire. What happens next? Oh, the possibilities.

Real Coffee

First, I’d upgrade my coffee. No more “mystery roast” from the bottom shelf—I’m talking beans hand-whispered to by monks in the Andes. My mornings would begin with a cup so smooth it sings lullabies to your soul. Balboa would get his own mug, because obviously he’s earned it by knocking mine off the counter every day.

You Cant Buy Love But You Can Rescue It Cat Coffee Mugs, Set of 6

Home Sweet Home

Then there’s the house. Not a mansion—too echoey. I’d go for a cozy haven with a waterfall wall, glowing furniture, and a secret room filled entirely with plush throws and scented candles. Banner would have a biometric paw scanner to access his private sunroom, complete with heated cushions and a live-stream of birds who’ve signed a modeling contract.

EXQUISITE Carmel fairytale Cottage, Huge Private gardens! - Carmel | Vrbo

Travel- You Bet

Utah Landscapes - Utah Top Photography Locations • PhotoTraces

I’d travel, of course. Utah’s Mighty Five? Done. I’d hike with a personal sherpa who also moonlights as a poet, narrating my journey in verse while I snack on lavender shortbread. My blog would explode with tales of enchanted canyons and mystical chipmunks who whisper investment advice.

New England Chipmunk

Photo credit Deb Neumann

What Would Happen to My Store

And the store—Welcoming Haven would become Welcoming Heaven. I’d launch a line of nature-themed tech for kids that glows, chirps, and teaches them how to identify clouds by personality. Every product would come with a haiku and a biodegradable glitter packet.

But let’s be honest: I’d still write. Still chase the perfect tagline. Still tell stories about Banner’s dramatic hairball performances and Balboa’s existential stares. Because even with a vault full of cash, the real treasure is sharing the magic of everyday moments—with a little extra sparkle.

photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

Hats Off to the Park Keepers-Nature’s Unsung Heroes

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🌲 Celebrating National Park Service Founders Day 🌄

Today marks National Park Service Founders Day—a tribute to the stewards of our wildest wonders. This day honors the Park Service and its tireless efforts in conservation and preservation. Whether you’re hiking alpine trails, boating through mangrove forests, or simply soaking in the silence of a desert sunrise, remember: it’s the dedication of Park Service employees that makes these experiences possible. They are the quiet heroes behind every trail marker, ranger talk, and protected vista.

There are 63 designated National Parks, but the full scope of the National Park System is even more breathtaking. With 433 unique units—including monuments, historic sites, lakeshores, and seashores—it spans over 85 million acres across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Listing them all would take a lifetime… and maybe that’s the point.

🌿Where I’ve Wandered: Parks That Left Their Mark

I’ve only scratched the surface, but here’s my growing list of parks visited:

 

Each one left its mark—whether through wind-sculpted stone, volcanic steam, or the hush of ancient forests.

🌄Future Footprints: My Park Bucket List

If I get the chance to travel again, Utah is calling. With its “Mighty Five”—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion—it’s a dream itinerary of red rock cathedrals and star-studded skies. I’d love to do a trip that takes them all in, one canyon curve at a time.

So tell me—how many National Parks have you explored? And which ones are still on your list?

Remember the next time you step into a National Park, pause for a moment. Feel the crunch of pine needles beneath your boots, the hush of canyon winds brushing your cheek, the scent of sun-warmed stone or salt-laced air. These places aren’t just scenic—they’re sacred. They hold stories written in rock, whispered by rivers, and guarded by those who believe in preserving beauty for generations to come.
Whether you’ve wandered through geyser steam or stood beneath ancient redwoods, each visit is a thread in a tapestry of shared wonder. Let’s keep weaving it—one trail, one vista, one grateful breath at a time.

Painted Desert/ Petrified forest- photo credit Deb Neumann

Natural Wonders of the USA Part 7

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Natural Wonders continue to Amaze

Back to the now famous Natural Wonders  list. Coming up we’ll take a look at Maquoketa Caves, Iowa; The Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah; and Connecticut, Dinosaur State Park. First of all I have not been to any of these. You can go back to previous Natural Wonder Posts if you’ve forgotten any so far. Lets explore together. Shall we begin?

24. Iowa – Maquoketa Caves

Photo from the internet

Let me say right off that I am not a fan of caves.  I’ve explored some caves on well planned paths with a park ranger. They have all been amazing but when I see a show on TV where the hosts are  “caving” or spelunking I get uncomfortable just watching. I think it goes back to when I was a kid and the family went to Howe’s cavern and the guide turned off the lights so we could experience total darkness. Caves have made me uneasy since then. 

But these caves have quite a history. They say you can find arrow heads, pottery shards and tools. Maquoketa Caves is part of a Maquoketa State Park and encompasses a 5 mile trail system as a total of 323 acres to explore.

25. Utah – The Narrows

Located in Zion National Park.  Zion is on my  bucket list right next to Bryce Canyon and Arches.  But back to the Narrows,  at the bottom of the narrows flows a shallow river known as the Virgin River. However, water levels can vary greatly and the narrows are prone to flooding. Best time to hike the Narrows is late spring (after the run off) or summer. 

Internet Photo

26. Connecticut- Dinosaur State Park

Now this is a surprise. I’ve been to Connecticut many times. It’s our neighboring state but I have never hear of Dinosaur State Park. I will definitely have to check this out. 

The dinosaur tracks are protected in a Geodesic dome along with interactive exhibits and activities. There are over 750 dinosaur tracks  preserved exactly as they were found.

File:Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill, CT) - prints.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

photo: Wikimedia