Tour of Southern Utah comes to an end

Lower Emerald Pools
Originally uploaded by kmoehl2000.

How often does every run of the week get to be one where you are stopped by the beauty that surrounds you? You try to take a picture, but it just can't capture what you are seeing and feeling? This week of visiting some very special places in Southern Utah has been an experience unlike any other I've had. Every run takes me to another beautiful place; I feel like a kid in a huge playground. Today I had hikers comment that I was smiling as I ran up ahead - how could I not?

I am now sitting in Cedar City after a day of indulgence (20 mile run, dinner out in Springdale at Oscar's Cafe, a chocolate pumpkin pie blizzard with oreos - I have weird cravings - and a hotel room) reflecting on the last couple of days and in a way I feel without words to explain this time spent alone in southern Utah. (perhaps I'm seriously over-indulged with all of this running and today's top off) In any case, hopefully I've captured some of these travels and experiences in the pictures. I've added more pictures to the National & State Parks picture folder on Flickr.com. (click on any of these to see more)

I think this is my "happy place" Upper Emerald Pool in Zion


on the loop at Bryce


I do know that I'll be back! I've already mapped out and made a list of stops for my next trip to southern Utah.

Tomorrow I head west - plan to stay in Bishop with the Patituccis. If you want to see some REALLY good photos check out their website http://www.patitucciphoto.com/