by Robyn | Aug 30, 2010 | Personal Ramblings, Travel
For the last two years, John and I (along with my mom) have traveled to Utah in September to spend some time volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab. This has got to be the most heavenly place on Earth!!!!!! I have never felt such peace and love in one place before. Best Friends is truly magical. So this year John and I have decided to go again for our five year anniversary. We are hoping to spend some time in the puppy facility (newly opened) for “puppy socialization”….and maybe some time at “Old Friends” where the senior dogs live. Unfortunately, we are going to be there too early for the monthly blessing, but since we’ve gone before, we have an idea of what we expect to miss (lots of tears and prayers for all the animals that have passed away during the month). You can actually feel their spirits around you as hundreds of wind-chimes play their sweet tune….it is so incredibly moving.
Here are a few photos from one of our visits to Best Friends…
Welcome Center
Peace Pole “dedicated to the staff and volunteers of Best Friends Animal Society by Animal Ark, in honor of their courage, compassion and commitment, to helping animals in need.”
A few of the resident cats…
And John getting a little lovin’ from a caretaker’s puppy…so cute, look at those eyes!!!!
Angel’s Rest..the most beautiful place for all the dearly departed. Just so peaceful. The gate was designed by one of the Best Friends founders, Cyrus Mejia, who is also an incredible animal artist!
And a view of Angel’s Rest from above…
And last, but not least, me…I absolutely LOVE this place!!!!
by Robyn | Sep 13, 2009 | Personal Ramblings, Travel
I’m beginning to pack for our trip to Utah and I have to say, I am quite excited to go. I know we were there last year and all…but since we had such an awesome time, we’ve been looking soooo forward to going back ever since! This time, the itinerary looks like this:
Day 1 – Just get there! It’ll be a LONG flight and a long drive to Kanab from Vegas, so the only thing we have planned is, we’ll drive through Zion (since that’s on our way to Kanab) and freshen up at our accommodations (the Quail Park Lodge)… then on to Rocking V’s for dinner. Yummy!
Day 2 – We’ll hit Zion for a couple of good long hikes….then perhaps check out the cute little town of Springdale just outside of Zion’s main entrance for dinner.
Day 3 – Since Zion is huge and there are so many great trails, we’ll do it again on Day 3. This time we’ll plan a hike through the Narrows (as long as our photo gear gets insured by then).
Day 4 – We’re off to Bryce Canyon to hike some more. The views of the amphitheater are amazing! Great photo opportunities here! We’ll try not to miss the shuttle this time like we did last year and hike the three mikes back to the parking lot…OK three miles isn’t bad…but after hiking the Navajo Loop (uphill for a gazillion feet) and walking in the dark (Bryce in known for it’s pitch black star-studded skies) I’m not sure I’d want to miss the shuttle again. After the park we’ll probably hit Ruby’s Inn for dinner. Not the greatest dinner…but the closest to the park, open late, plenty of food….but LOTS of tour buses.
Day 5 – Not much on the agenda so we’ll play it by ear. We’ll go wherever the wind takes us…which sometimes is pretty fun! Rocking V’s for dinner…YUMMY.
Day 6 – Volunteering at Best Friend Animal Sanctuary all day! We’ll be working with the dogs in the morning and relaxing with the kitties in the afternoon. Then after the kitties, we’ll go to their monthly Blessing for the animals. The blessing is to recognize all the animals that are ill or have passed away during the month…many people come from all over to attend the blessing. It was so beautiful last year…and VERY sad, but we met so many wonderful people.
Day 7 – On our way to Page, we’ll stop of at Lower Antelope Canyon. One of the most photographed places in the Southwest! We’re hoping to catch some beams of light splitting the canyon and lighting up the gorgeous red sandstone walls. Just breathtaking!
Day 8 – Early morning rise to catch the boat for a ride out to the Rainbow Bridge. The world’s largest known natural bridge. This is a sacred site for Native Americans. It’s HUGE! It’s also the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the monument and they’re having a photo contest. The winner’s photo will grace the cover of the annual National Parks Pass…so I’m hoping to get a few good shots to submit.
Day 9 – We’ll check out Horseshoe Bend on our way back to Kanab. It’s near the Glen Canyon Dam just outside Page, AZ. According to Google terrain maps, the overlook is 4200 feet above sea level and the Colorado River is at 3200 feet above sea level making it a breath taking 1000 foot drop. YIKES! After Horseshoe bend…we’ll drive around and check out the views of this open land! Onto Rocking V’s for dinner, AGAIN!
Day 10 – Leave Kanab for Vegas…then flight home.
And a view of Angel’s Rest from above…
And last, but not least, me…I absolutely LOVE this place!!!!
