Let me begin by saying that Colorado was an adventure to drive. The scenery varies from meadows, to canyon walls and highways following the river bends.
I experienced a stillness as I zoomed forward through Silverthorne, Vail, and Glenwood, Colorado. The contrast of Texas' temperatures (well into the 100s) and Colorado's 50-60 degrees brought on feelings of calm and renewal associated with Fall or Spring. The glimpses of snow peaks in the fogged distances were wintry surprises. Colorado was magical not only for its adventurous landscapes but also for its Summer of all Seasons.
Though tucked away from the main interstate, many of Colorado's towns have entrenched themselves into the nooks and crannies of the mountain and canyon walls. Though you may not see them, they are there scattered between the major cities. Cross the state line into Utah and the little towns are few are far between.
I didn't know what to expect from Utah, other than a beautiful national park. My first thought after crossing the state line was, "What do people do here?"... "What do visitors do?" If you really want to experience the beauty of Utah, you have to stop the car frequently. Whereas Garden of the Gods taught me to slow down and enjoy the places around me. Utah brought me to a halt. (Click here for photographs of this trip.)
Without words being spoken, people smiled as they passed on the trail. It didn't matter if you were Hispanic, Biker, College kid, Punk/Goth, Muslim, or White Girl. Interactions were careful, sincere, polite and often conducted in whispers. We all had a single purpose when we stopped, to see an indescribable petrified beauty.
It wasn't until I reached Arches National Park that I realized a silence had permeated the entire trip. At Arches everyone spoke in whispers including me. Even children recognized the reverence owed when witnessing the majestic artistry of the Earth. Arches National Park truly was like a outdoor art museum in which the statues were molded by the science of nature.
