Undefeated in Utah

Before the season ended, I wanted to indulge in a little Summer Solstice. Telling my tales through picture and scripture. I didn’t choose Utah, this state chose me, so I executed a quick itinerary and ventured off from there.

Upon landing in Salt Lake City, I had the most rich and flavorful breakfast at Lazy Day Cafe. I also spent some time at the Capitol which was amazing as I discovered large fields of fresh lavender. Definitely had to bring some back home because I use lavender in most of my Melanin Aura products.

Ultimately, Moab was the mission. That’s where the adventure would begin. The drive to Moab, Utah was almost 4 1/2 hours. Of course In & Out is a mandatory stop any time I’m on the West Coast! Double Double plain me please!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bce0b0_56c0da5e80b84090b73aec27183d66ec/720p/mp4/file.mp4

In my honest opinion, once you’ve seen one canyon, you’ve seen them all but I could be wrong. If you’re one of those people who loves to hike and visit each place, you could purchase a National Park pass to use for every park within 7 days of your visit. I chose Arches National Park and Glen Canyon. There’s also Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley just to mention a few with worthy views.

After a mild hike through the canyons, we hit the road to Page, Arizona which is approximately 4 1/2 hours. I definitely don’t recommend driving at night. It’s pitch dark and I became super sleepy no matter how much coffee I drank to stay up. This was nothing like my past road trips.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bce0b0_28b19812c26541d5b64d11fbfc0b3f4b/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Waking up in Page was a site to see. Scenic Views of Lake Powell were drastically different compared to the nighttime. While there, I visited Antelope Canyon which recently reopened with very strict Covid mandates. Aside from that, the upper canyon was amazing. It’s a guided tour only, you cannot access this place on your own. Antelope Canyon is a monumental sandstone sculpture created by millions of years of water erosion. My friends always told me that I was a brat when it comes to my pictures, but I never realized how much until this one lady would never move while I was trying to capture the view with no one in my picture. I threw a whole bitch fit in real life! LOL

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bce0b0_470faf4f6a7a41d3ae9c19ea0528ecaf/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

I also visited Horseshoe Bend, sometimes referred to as the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. This edgy cliff gets it’s name from the horseshoe-shaped curvature that it created within the Colorado River. To reach the edge, it takes a 20-30 minute hike ending with perfect views. No risk, no magic. As with any hike, ensure that you have the essentials. Arrive hydrated and carry water as well. Wear appropriate and comfy shoes, apply sunscreen - especially in the summer season.

Everywhere in Page is fairly close in proximity. I went on the Lake Powell Navajo Boat Tour. This was actually the first day that the tour reopened since last year when Covid emerged. The boat consisted of an all-female crew who were all native Americans.

This tour offers some of the most breathtaking views on Lake Powell. The highlights included Glen Canyon Dam (the second largest concrete arch dam in the United States), Navajo Sandstone, Navajo Canyon, and the 50/50 Wall (as high as the rock is above you, it is equally deep below you).

After catching some rest, it was time to hit the road again to make it back to Salt Lake City and fly back home. This was a 6 hour trip. By the end of the trip, I’ve been through the entire Utah. You can definitely see the change in scenery whereas it goes from super green Jurassic park vibes, all red rock mountains, then extensive farmlands & mining areas.

While road tripping, I spotted this cute little gem in a small town, Orderville. Of course I had to make a quick U-turn and peep the scene. Compared to the Rock shop that I visited when I initially landed, this place was a Mega Bazaar. Awesome crystals with variety and reasonable prices. Of course, I brought back some for my Aura Family but couldn’t fit much in my suitcase.

Overall, I recommend 7-8 days in Utah to get a complete ultimate experience. I definitely have to return to visit the Salt Flats as well as other canyons.

In every trip that I take, I try to incorporate some sort of spirituality. I found this Meditation Chapel in Memory Grove Park which is dedicated to the fallen soldiers who’ve fought for America over the years. This honorary monument was not dedicated to any specific religion or faith.

As I sat there and meditated, I released my thoughts into the universe in hopes that people get the understanding that they need from more than just one perspective regarding spirituality and honoring their ancestors.

There is sacredness in stillness. Meditation is the practice of quieting your mind and freeing your body from mental bondage. Meditation has been the spiritual foundation for many years and tradition. It’s all in the heart. It’s the love and compassion that you genuinely have within you.

Paying homage to your ancestors can help you improve your mental and emotional health. It can help you connect to your roots. Whether it is family recipes, rituals, ancestral trauma and all of the difficult things to overcome while on your spiritual journey. Just like meditation, honoring your ancestors isn’t associated with any kind of religious or spiritual background.

I can travel all over the world and learn about various cultures as well their faith, but that doesn’t mean I will conform. Just thought I’d shed a little light on those who think of me as a pagan… love y'all the most! 😌🙃😘