I am not sure why slogging around in dirt, huffing and puffing to get a campfire going, and staring blankly at pine trees swaying in the wind is so therapeutic, but strangely, it is. This weekend, like so many others in Utah, the Smith family headed for the mountains to imbibe in just that kind of therapy.
It was a short trip; we were only gone two days. During that time we fished (without a lot of luck) one lake, two streams, and a canal. We ate the back-up Ravioli (packed just in case the lake hadn’t turned over yet, and the water was too swift and too muddy to yield dinner) and smores. I love smores! There is an art to their creation. The marshmallow has to be just right. Not burnt, but hot enough to melt the chocolate when pressed between the two graham crackers. I haven’t entirely mastered that culinary delicacy but I love eating all of my mistakes.
We explored new and sparsely used canyons and campgrounds while on our mini-adventure. Utah is a gorgeous state and there is still plenty of it to go around. Perhaps it’s the solitude that makes the outdoor experience so appealing. Or perhaps it’s the company of the family and friends that we choose to take with us to break that silence that makes it therapeutic. Regardless, it won’t be long before the Smith family hits the road again for another high altitude adventure.
