Find the beauty and peace in nature and you will be grateful for the world around you. Visiting Moab, Utah, I was enlightened by the challenge and sport of canyoneering, with two experienced guides and professionals who supplied equipment and excellent instruction. I had to dig deep for climbing boulders and repelling the vertical canyons that are some of the hardest to conquer in the world. The result and accomplishment in the end was worth the jumps!

You have to be strong in both body, spirit and mind to overcome any obstacles in life. This was a true test and metaphor for most of the vertical heights and leaps, enduring weather, sand, ripped pants and jackets while scrambling down canyons, but it was definitely worth it. Here is a list of a few major Moab and Utah must-see on your “do-it-soon” list. As a side but important note, my daughter said “yes” to her now-fiance in the Arches National Park! The engagement photo was also worth the hike.

Moab’s National Parks & State Park offers great family hikes suitable for tots as well as teens. Guided hikes, interpretive programs and the Junior Ranger Program add additional fun for kids. Check out the fun things your family can do together.

Arches National Park – Arches is a great family park. From the Visitor Center with its interpretive exhibits, orientation video and animal statues at the Visitor Center, to the rock formations, the Park will delight kids as well as adults, and hiking trails provide many opportunities for children to get out of the car and explore the arches up close. Special pics posted later…
Canyonlands National Park – Both Island in the Sky and the Needles have several short trails great for children. At the Island, kids enjoy peeking through Mesa Arch and climbing the back of the whale at Whale Rock. Pics are below!
Dead Horse Point State Park – The legend of Dead Horse Point in itself puts young imaginations to work as they explore this amazing park. Truly worth the drive and plenty of hotels and camping 🏕.
Natural Bridges National monument - three majestic natural bridges to view or hike and experience the grandeur.

Eileen repelling and her daughter Sara getting engaged to Jake @NationalArchesPark

When the fall leaves began changing colors, I booked a trip to see the golden Aspens in the Rockies. Now that the time is here for the trip, it will be snowing and 27 degrees (brrr) and lmportantly, most of the leaves will be falling! It’s still a spiritual month of renewal, change and how beautiful change can be.

Go buy that new winter coat and break out the boots, gloves and hats and show your seasonal colors! At least we have good food and holidays to think about. The next thought is a challenge to start a fitness and nutrition program so that you can keep your bathing suit figure for the holidays. I believe in being healthy not being a certain weight so don’t worry! Just take a walk, hike, or bike to the park and enjoy the scenery while being in the moment to find peace, love and good thoughts running through your cells if not running through the park! Take the kids, picnic and pets, too, they will appreciate it and have everlasting memories…..Enjoy it all!!