Autumn in Utah

I was raised at the foot of a serpentine canyon outside of Provo, Utah. Many of the youth activities I attended for my church were there in that winding passage. I've driven this canyon my whole life. As a passenger and as a pilot in many different vehicles.

I remember when a tram used to take sightseers to the top of Bridal Veil Falls and a small restaurant offered refreshments. A landslide cleared those novelties long ago and I have been witness to two other landslides there since. 

photo credit Katie Jo

The Provo river meanders between the mountains, trickling out from the Deer Creek Reservoir Dam above. As a child in elementary school, we used to practice emergency drills just in case the dam broke. In high school my friends and I would build fires at campsites and talk until sunrise or curfew; whichever came first. 

I find myself in these canyons when my heart needs reprieve. Simply being in the cradle of the mountains and the tilting of the car as I drive through the curving roads is nurturing and comforting to me. 

The canyon is magic during fall time. The lilting sway of the steering wheel as I drive through nature's spectacle of color in autumn. Trees passing by the rolled down window of my car like squares of a patchwork quilt. 

photo credit Katie Jo

This canyon was a lifeline for the indigenous tribes that once populated the area. The infamous Blackhawk wars began here. Soldier Hollow near Heber and Cascade Springs, just outside of Midway and Heber are two places known for their sacred hot springs where the first people would spend winter.

photo credit Katie Jo

Passing by the old "Tate" Barn in Charleston, you can't help but recognize the history of the land and pioneer spirit that exists here. I stroll down memory lane every time I see the landmark having taken so many family portraits there as a freelance photographer when I lived in Heber. It stands as a watch guard, overlooking Deer Creek in the distance. 

photo credit Katie Jo

                             

photo credit Katie Jo

photo credit Katie Jo

The higher you go, the air becomes crisp and fragrant, the cities are far below and the rat race of scurrying people with it. I feel grateful that I live so near the mountains and the inherent sanctuary they are. 

I can't help but have a sense of nostalgia traveling through these canyons and watch the changing seasons. Things are so different and similar as time goes by. So often I seek to travel the world and go to distant lands; and forget that sacred lands are everywhere.