UTAH HIKING and GOLFING – NOVEMBER / 2017

We had lots of fog the last few days in the Okanagan, so we decided to leave in the afternoon of Saturday the 28th and go as far as Osoyoos for better visibility and an early entry into the US for the line ups at the border. Only one car ahead of us when we crossed at 6:30 and a good, not grumpy, border guard, so a good start. We were travelling to Utah and I did not want to take Interstate 15, so the closest route to the one that I wanted to take on my vehicle GPS was the shortest route. That women took us on a goat trail across the border that cost us some time and even encountered snow in low lying areas. Eventful though as we saw lots of wildlife on the road, 75 wild turkeys, two pheasants, lots of deer and a cow(on the road) and one raccoon. Stayed at Twin Falls, Idaho the first night. Reading about the Falls, we wanted to check them out the next day, as the info calls them Niagara Falls West, but read that are merely a trickle late in the year. Earmarked for the return trip to Canada in the spring.

Arrived in St. Georges, Utah on the 30th, so drive was very manageable and on non busy highways which was nice. Golfed the next day at the Ledges in St. George before meeting up with the group.

We golfed the next day at Sky Mountain with the hiking group, very nice course suggested by Ray, and rendezvoused in Hurricane with our group that night. We established a protocol of beer at Ray and Kelly’s room after golf and hiking which was fun to share the day’s experiences.

Utah is funny, those Mormons! Anyways I read online that the grocery stores cannot sell beer with alcohol of more than 3.2 %, otherwise, you have to go to the state liquor store. So no beer is less than that, so off I went on a 30 minute drive to the state store. I am looking around for the domestic beer when this worker asks me what I am looking for as all I can find is import beer. He tells me that they do not sell domestic beer so I buy a dozen Stella. When the guy at the till rings it in, he says, I bet you never paid that much for a dozen beer! $31.50! So I am telling this story at our group gathering before supper, and Ray tells me that I should have gone to the Chevron(50 yards from our motel) as they sell domestic beer there. Rats! I still have the Stella and saving it for a special hike as I am sure it is very special.

Hiked Zion: November 2, Observation Point, 8 miles, 2200 feet elevation gain, November 3, Angel’s Landing, 5 miles, 1500 feet elevation gain and November 4, Koloa Arch, 14 miles, 800 feet elevation gain.

AAAb

Absolutely, beautiful scenery and a ton of fun.

Ended the trip in Mesquite, Nevada with a couple of days of golf at the Oasis which was outstanding golf.

Off to Palm Springs, arriving on the 7th of November.