Sunday Drive

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.

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We stopped and took a few shots of the Provo River and Bridal Veil Falls.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Along the way you see streams filled with watercress and fish, see lots of small waterfalls, and cross three bridges.

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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.

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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.

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When we were just about out of the canyon I saw a familiar sight.  Another thing that I loved as a child.

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This mountainside that our mother always told us was ‘Abraham Lincoln’.  Can you see it?  His hair, forehead, eye, nose, and long beard.

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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

32 comments

eileen said...

Looks like you have to share your beautiful world. Your photos and the scenery are wonderful. The moose is a cool sighting, they are neat critters. I love the shot of the waterfalls and would love to walk on that boardwalk. I'll have to check out this place on the internet and find out where it is. Sounds wonderful. Have a great week!

Helen and her Daughters said...

Great Photos, what a wonderful way to spend the day.

A Garden of Threads said...

Looks like you had a wonderful day. The photos are fabulous. Have a great week:)

black eyed susans kitchen said...

What very beautiful pictures you have taken. I loved seeing the moose especially. We have been going up to Vermont every year for the past 35 years and have yet to see a moose!

Snap said...

Heaven on earth for sure! Such beautiful country. I love waterfalls and moose! What a treat!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Look how beautiful you look outside, enjoying the great outdoors! You and hubby make a cute couple! And that's some amazing scenery to be able to see on a Sunday drive! WOW! It makes me ready to travel! ♥

A Bit of the Blarney said...

The aspen are just gorgeous...makes me homesick for Colorado in the fall!!! Thank you for your visit!!!! Cathy

Diane Writes said...

Hi Jann! I would love to see this place someday. I love the greenery and everything about nature. I enjoyed looking at each picture. Wishing you a great week ahead! And I should say, you have are very lucky with your hubby. He takes you to places you want. :)

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Jann,

What a gorgeous canyon such a lovely landscape, trails and falls.
Beautiful country you call home...
Thank you for the great time, I enjoyed being a passenger on your Sunday Drive.
At least I wasn't a back seat driver...

Have a great week!
All the Best,
Christine

Lorrie said...

Looks like you had a gorgeous day for a drive. Being outdoors at this time of year is full of wonderful sights.

Geneva said...

So glad you got to go on that Sunday drive, and so glad you took all those lovely photographs. I loved looking at each and every one ... I could almost smell that fresh air! ":o)

Linda E. Pruitt said...

Gorgeous drive! And yes, it costs a lot more these days! You've inspired me to 'take the drive'. We have lots of waterfalls near us in the Columbia Gorge.

Teacup-In-The-Garden said...

A wonderful mosaic! Thanks for sharing!
Have a nice week,
Markus

My name is Riet said...

LOvely Sunday drive. LOve those too.You live in a beautiful country.
Have a great week.

shan said...

Somehow, I stumbled on your blog and I want you to know I was drawn in by the wonderful pictures. They scenery is just beautiful!

Sarah ~ Magnolias Attic said...

Breathtaking scenery -- and yes, I recognized Abe right away! My parents took Sunday drives too, and we have with our kids from time to time. Now they're all grown up and the gas is too expensive! But maybe one of these Sundays..... : )

Linda said...

What a wonderful way to spend Sunday.

Vicki/Jake said...

Oh, I love Sunday drives too! Just too bad the back roads are so packed now days. But not all of them are. Utah still has some fun little out of the way places to find. Course, winter is nipping at our heels and unless you have a snowmobile...
Thanks for sharing your fun day, the moose and being my newest follower:)

My Little Home and Garden said...

I remember Sunday afternoon drives when I was a little girl. Quite often they involved a stop at a chip truck for a treat. Probably explains why, decades later, my brother still likes chip trucks!
Your drive certainly took you to beautiful places; I enjoyed seeing your photos.
-Karen

Cindy Adkins said...

Hello Jann,
Thank you for sharing your hike with us! I loved seeing the pics of the moose! We used to take "Sunday Drives" when I was a child, too! I'm your newest follower!
Cindy

Linda said...

Just Wonderful!!!!!

LV said...

What a great way to spend a weekend. Wish I could have been there as well. I do believe what gas you used was worth seeing all this. Nice shot of your two as well.

Lori E said...

We love to go for drives and see what we come across. Not too many places now are quiet though. I don't even tell where some of my pictures are taken because we don't want the influx of people who by and large leave a mess behind. Selfish I know but the broken glass and chip bags are just too much.

Kay Ellen said...

I love going on Sunday drives...what a beautiful place to visit!

Happy Outdoor Wednesday!

Kay Ellen

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

It looks like it was the perfect day for a Sunday drive...thanks for the outdoor tour...it is so beautiul....I love the streams, waterfalls and boardwalk! Thanks for sharing it all...
Big hugs,
Queenie

Ebie said...

A beautiful world you live in! If I live this close, I would be a frequent visitor to this park.

Love the golden colors with the mountains as the back drop.

Light and Voices said...

What a surprise to find ABE on your Sunday drive and walk. ha,ha. Love your post this week. Happy Halloween!
Joyce M

Pondside said...

You live in such a beautiful place. The landscape of canyons and rocks is so different from what we see here. I enjoyed the 'drive'!
It's hard to find a beloved place over run when one thought to have it to oneself - but at least you were, as you mentioned, driving in the right direction!

Jenny said...

What a wonderful Sunday Drive (on a Thursday for me!) I remember Sunday drives. I think I need to tell my husband we're going to start that up again!

Those aspens took my breath away.

Wow.

Rettabug said...

Such a GORGEOUS part of the country you live in, Jann! Thanks for taking us along on your Sunday Drive...we used to take those, too, in the olden days. LOL

My baby sis, who lives in AZ just vacationed in your area. I remember her photos of Bridal Veil falls! Yep, word it out.

I look forward to seeing what you learn in your "Grandmother's Garden Party" class.
I'm working on a quilted wall hanging & matching tablerunner, both from a panel with red cardinals...Ohio's state bird. Photos soon!

fondly,
Rett

Anonymous said...

Looks like that was a fun day! What a beautiful area! I loved the flls, the 'Lincoln profile' and the golden colours!!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Jann...

Ohhh...what a beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, my friend! I just giggled as I read the opening to this sweet post...where you mentioned "Sunday Drives"! I can remember as a child that my family spent many a Sunday afternoon taking a Sunday drive! I have many fond memories as well!

Well dear friend, the countryside near your home is just gorgeous! The canyon is really beautiful! Love the waterfall! Ohhh...and the autumn colors...spectacular! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and Sunday drive with us for the Sunday Favorites party this week! You brought back many fond memories to me!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari

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