This morning as I was getting ready for church hubby asked, “What do you want to do today?” I quickly replied, “Just be lazy.”
Then he mentioned he thought we could go for a ride up the canyon after church and take a walk through ‘Cascade Springs’.
Immediately my thoughts went to “SUNDAY DRIVE”.
Growing up my family would often go for a Sunday drive. I think it was an inexpensive way to entertain us kids. Back then a tank of gas only cost five to six dollars.
Now days, Sunday Drive is not so economical.
However it is still delightful.
We live very close to the entrance of a National Forest. You can drive clear through it (this is called driving the loop) and come out in Provo Canyon.
Today we decided that we would enter at the mouth of Provo Canyon and come out in American Fork Canyon. This is the canyon close to our home.
We stopped and took a few shots of the Provo River and Bridal Veil Falls.
There is a train that runs along the river. During the month of October they do a ‘Haunted Halloween Train Ride’.
Our family road it a few years ago. Creepy terrifying zombies would come onto the train and stare right in your face. A few of the grandies got a bit scared.
Along the route you would see scenes of cemeteries, car wrecks, and other haunting sights.
Finally, we arrived at Cascade Springs. We would visit there often growing up with my family. Usually you would be the only ones there. Once in a while you might see 1 or 2 other people.
Not so today, it was packed. I mean people everywhere! That’s how it is with our canyon also. You use to be able to hop up there on the spur of the moment and camp over night. Now, you’re very lucky if you find a spot.
Cascade Springs are natural springs that flow out of the mountains.
One of my favorite things growing up was walking on the boardwalks that meandered through part of the trails.
Along the way you see streams filled with watercress and fish, see lots of small waterfalls, and cross three bridges.
It was a beautiful 63 degrees up the canyon. I wore a jacket and had to tie it around my waist it was so warm.
When you reach the top it is a wide open area filled with watercress. Sometimes if you’re lucky you’ll see moose feeding there. Such was the case today. We saw a mom and her calf. I have visited here often and have only seen a moose one other time.
After leaving the springs we drove the loop and saw gorgeous golden quakie trees. The brilliant reds have now turned to brown, but the yellows still shine.
When we were just about out of the canyon I saw a familiar sight. Another thing that I loved as a child.
This mountainside that our mother always told us was ‘Abraham Lincoln’. Can you see it? His hair, forehead, eye, nose, and long beard.
Here’s a close up pic. Now do you see him? HONEST, it’s Abe! lol! Had to throw that in.
We had a wonderful afternoon! After seeing the car to car traffic going up the A.F. Canyon, and the mile or so long line of cars waiting to get in to the canyon; we soon realized what a good choice it was to drive the opposite direction than what we normally would.
There were people everywhere in the canyon. I think I saw at least 5 photographers taking photos of families.
What ever happened to our quiet little ‘Heaven on Earth’ canyon?
I think that those days are long gone. Somehow the world has found out about the beauty of our canyon.
Guess I am just going to have to deal with it and continue to enjoy my ‘Sunday Drive’.
Jann
I will be linking this post with:
Little Red House for Mosiac Monday
A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
Our World Tuesday
Chari at Happy to Design for Sunday Favorites
