DATE: April 3, 2008, 5:44 pm / MOOD: Happy

The winter season has ended and the only folks here are either permanent residents, a few stragglers hoping to avoid snow back home or those just passing through on their way back up north.  A few die hard horseshoe players remain and someone is always up for a game.  A nice outdoor potluck helped us all clear out the freezers.  With 34 attending, (usually these dinners bring in about 125) we had some fantastic dishes, including London broil and venison steaks.  The night was cool so pitching was enjoyable after the meal. 

Board games, cards and puzzles are keeping most of us busy in the evenings.  The pools are delightful with only a few folks in exercise class and most of us just relaxing in the sun.  Thought it was time to work on my tan so spend some afternoons reading at the pool.  What a nice time to relax.  Only 2 more weeks of work and then I'll have to decide what to do for the summer.  Have a chance to go to MT but not sure if I can afford the fuel.  Will wait till May to leave the beautiful Fountain of Youth.  Who knows where I'll end up?  Till next time, happy camping!  Susan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DATE: March 8, 2008, 2:48 pm / MOOD: Planning a trip

It's been a long time since I've been able to write.  Computer glitches are always my problem, but I've been very busy this winter at the Fountain of Youth in southern CA as well.  Square dancing, horseshoe pitching, potlucks, TNT(Tuesday Nite Talent), choir practice, B#s, Kazoo Band, violin, and lots of hiking and swimming.  The play-a-holic lives!

It was great to finally meet Gypsy Mama but so unfortunate that she got here and was sick for her stay.  It was fun to chat and visit with each other even though she couldn't enjoy some of our many activities.  Phoebe McGee and Taz are just the perfect ride and companion for Patti.  I felt like I had met up with an old friend.  I hope we're able to get together again sometime soon.

Folks are leaving here by the dozens daily and yes, we have some new RVers arriving but they are mostly on their way home and won't remain for any length of time.  Our activities are winding down for the season and I look forward to a relaxing late March and April before hitting the road again myself.  Still not firm on my summer plans- Oregon for square dancing and Shakespeare or Montana for national parks and visits with some friends with a short trek into Canada.  As much as I'd like to spend the summer dancing, I'm almost positive I'll be heading to some place totally new to me- Montana.  Just received tourist info and have started to map out some things I'd like to see and do while there.  Even found one square dance festival to attend.  Hurrah!  Guess I'll flip a coin when the day gets closer. What's that song? Heads Carolina, tails California!  Mine will be heads Montana, tails Oregon.  Gee, doesn't have the same ring to it.  Oh well, maybe I'll write my own song before I leave here.  Happy camping, all.  Till next time.  GrammaSue

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DATE: September 20, 2007, 3:13 pm / MOOD: Inspired

Wow!  Had my first experience on an ATV last night.  What a lot of fun!  A friend's husband had offered to take a few of us out on the trail and we finally managed to get together.  It's been many years since I rode a motor bike and expected to have a similar experience.  Was very surprised at how smooth our ride was.  We took to the trails just behind my rig.  What a difference from walking them.  Lee had filled us in on all we really needed to know, except-

The trail goes thru the pasture where the rodeo bulls now graze.  You guessed it!  Three were grazing along the side of the road.  Two remained very calm as we passed by them.  The third decided to walk across the road just as I came close to him.  He was very intimidating, staring at me with glazed eyes.  No way would I continue past him as he stopped in the middle.  I waved for Lee, as we had been told to do if we wanted to stop.  Stop, I did!  Lee turned around and sped back, scattering all the bulls and giving me a chance to get by.  Never had this happened on all the trail rides he's made with guests this summer.  Just my luck.

We continued on past a few small herds of deer and several large ravens and an eagle flying overhead.  We arrived at the north rim of Bryce Canyon and had a gorgeous view of the mountains, hoo doos, and east fork of the Sevier River as it cascaded down from the rim.  What a sight.

Returning from our ride, we took a different route and got to see a couple of elk after I almost bogged down crossing the River.  Actually, crossing was easy, getting up the far side was tough.  Wasn't worried about wet feet, just sliding back down into the river.  I forgot to push the 4wd button which would have made everything so easy.  Then, I didn't remember that I needed to use the hand brake to prevent backward motion.  Was a little nervous but managed to get through the ordeal.

We managed to get back with only a few other little errors by the group.  Even the helmet wasn't as great a bother as expected.  Such fun, such laughter.  Can't wait to ride again. 

Susan   

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DATE: August 25, 2007, 5:19 pm / MOOD: Happy

What a beautiful morning for a 5 mile run/walk.  This was the day for the 23rd annual Bryce Canyon(City- this is new) run along the canyon rim.  About 180 folks were registerred, some returning for many years to support the local Boy Scouts.

Paul, Elena-you remember her from camping, and I are in the race which beigins at 9AM.  Paul runs.  We are walkers or that's what I was told when I sent in the registration.  Off we go!  Walkers, runners, sightseers, and their dogs.

We all begin at a nice slow jogging pace.  E takes off like a bat out of you know where.  I begin walking after about 1/8 mile and Paul runs on.  E has disappeared from our sight and Paul soon cannot be seen either.  I continue at my nice walking pace and catch up with Jenna, a nurse, much my junior who is already getting tired.  We chat as we walk and I encourage her to keep up the pace.  One mile, water, which I cannot drink while walking.  So I dribble some on the back of my neck and carry the rest.  At 3 miles, more water, which I don't take, but continue to put water on my neck as I trudge along.   Terry, a 70 year old quad by-pass walker catches up and we all walk together, still encouraging Jenna to keep up with us.

The finish line is in sight-  Jenna falls way back but Terry and I catch up to a couple we had been closely following for a mile.  They are pooped and let us pass them.  Terry's wife is along the side and tries to talk to him, giving me a chance to get ahead.   Finally, the finish line and Paul and Elena are waiting for me with a banana and some water.

Elena had run the entire distance, saying she thought that was what she was supposed to be doing.  She was first place woman walker, which was great for her.  I had come in 13th overall and FIRST in my age group in the women's walk and suggested that next time she enter the correct race.  Paul had finished just before me and has decided that next time he may walk, even though he won a silver medal in his running age group this time.  Our times are comparable.

After a nice lunch provided by the race committee, door prizes and awards were handed out.  This time I maintained my time, not breaking my record and had at least 5 other competitors in my age group.  This is so much fun.  And all I ever want to do is just finish!

Happy Camping, all!  Susan

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DATE: August 25, 2007, 4:50 pm / MOOD: Happy

OK, we finally get to our campsite and I am thoroughly exhausted and ready for bed.  E and V are upset because I am not eating with them after they spent 1/2 hour getting bed ready again.  It was so warm I slept on top of the sleeping bag.   The evening was peaceful but early AM saw some winds and a dull morning.  Looked like rain, but I knew it would clear up before 10AM.  I am up and ready to break camp at 8AM after having taken a short walk to the river.

9:00AM my partners arise and decide they will take 2 more 3+ mile hikes.  OK, I want to go into town and see a few galleries before we leave.  So, we part ways again to meet up at noon at the museum.  We must leave at 12 because they need to rest before going to work on Friday.  We are about 1 1/4 hours from "home".

I walked into Springdale and enjoyed the morning, stopping at a photography gallery-not open till 6PM, but I was able to at least look thru the doors and windows at the beautiful photos.  I visited a few antique stores and shops and had fun trying on some neat outfits that I'd never buy, let alone wear.  Talked with the Outfitters Co. and got some good rates for future tours.  Stopped at a jewelry gallery- such gorgeous hand made pieces.  What a thrill.  Time was getting short so I rode part way back to the park after seeing the Elk Ranch right in town.  The free shuttle stops at all the major motels and B+Bs so it was easy to get a ride. 

Back at the VC I stopped in the museum photo gallery.  I had wanted to see some more work of photographer, Michael Fatali.  He moved his works to the park a short time ago and they are readying a new studio for his things.  Several pieces were on display and I was truly enthralled with his beautiful interpretation of light.  I could have stayed all day, but I'm on a short leash. 

Hopped on the park shuttle and back to the museum I go only to find my friends not there yet and I'm 8 minutes late.  About 30 minutes later they arrive on another shuttle.  They never took the 2 hikes they planned on, only one other.  While waiting I heard another ranger talk.  Wished I had stayed back down looking at the photos longer!

One o'clock and we are ready to head for home.  Uneventful trip except for the fact we were still driving in the middle of the road most times.  Back home I unload my stuff and head in to play with the cat and then go to the laundry.  Relaxing afternoon and evening and to bed by 10, very early for me.

Friday AM off to work where I discover that another couple, my age, had taken E and V to Las Vegas with them earlier in the season.  They related their tale of no adherence to time or consideration for their driver who wanted to return by 11PM but never left Vegas till midnight because our friends got lost, getting back after 4:30AM.  Paul, Sandra, and I just laughed as we related our stories about our experiences.

At least we all did a good deed showing E and V our country.  As my Mom always says, "that was another star in your crown, dear!"

I 'LL REMEMBER HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE MY INDEPENDENCE!   Happy Camping, all!  Susan

 

 

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DATE: August 25, 2007, 4:46 pm / MOOD: Happy

OK, we finally get to our campsite and I am thoroughly exhausted and ready for bed.  E and V are upset because I am not eating with them after they spent 1/2 hour getting bed ready again.  It was so warm I slept on top of the sleeping bag.   The evening was peaceful but early AM saw some winds and a dull morning.  Looked like rain, but I knew it would clear up before 10AM.  I am up and ready to break camp at 8AM after having taken a short walk to the river.

9:00AM my partners arise and decide they will take 2 more 3+ mile hikes.  OK, I want to go into town and see a few galleries before we leave.  So, we part ways again to meet up at noon at the museum.  We must leave at 12 because they need to rest before going to work on Friday.  We are about 1 1/4 hours from "home".

I walked into Springdale and enjoyed the morning, stopping at a photography gallery-not open till 6PM, but I was able to at least look thru the doors and windows at the beautiful photos.  I visited a few antique stores and shops and had fun trying on some neat outfits that I'd never buy, let alone wear.  Talked with the Outfitters Co. and got some good rates for future tours.  Stopped at a jewelry gallery- such gorgeous hand made pieces.  What a thrill.  Time was getting short so I rode part way back to the park after seeing the Elk Ranch right in town.  The free shuttle stops at all the major motels and B+Bs so it was easy to get a ride. 

Back at the VC I stopped in the museum photo gallery.  I had wanted to see some more work of photographer, Michael Fatali.  He moved his works to the park a short time ago and they are readying a new studio for his things.  Several pieces were on display and I was truly enthralled with his beautiful interpretation of light.  I could have stayed all day, but I'm on a short leash. 

Hopped on the park shuttle and back to the museum I go only to find my friends not there yet and I'm 8 minutes late.  About 30 minutes later they arrive on another shuttle.  They never took the 2 hikes they planned on, only one other.  While waiting I heard another ranger talk.  Wished I had stayed back down looking at the photos longer!

One o'clock and we are ready to head for home.  Uneventful trip except for the fact we were still driving in the middle of the road most times.  Back home I unload my stuff and head in to play with the cat and then go to the laundry.  Relaxing afternoon and evening and to bed by 10, very early for me.

Friday AM off to work where I discover that another couple, my age, had taken E and V to Las Vegas with them earlier in the season.  They related their tale of no adherence to time or consideration for their driver who wanted to return by 11PM but never left Vegas till midnight because our friends got lost, getting back after 4:30AM.  Paul, Sandra, and I just laughed as we related our stories about our experiences.

At least we all did a good deed showing E and V our country.  As my Mom always says, "that was another star in your crown, dear!"

I 'LL REMEMBER HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE MY INDEPENDENCE!   Happy Camping, all!  Susan

 

 

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DATE: August 24, 2007, 8:04 pm / MOOD: Happy

Well, to continue-  we spent the night in the Kaibab NF at Demotte Campground.  That was interesting.  We had 2 tents to set up as mine is only for 2 people and they had to borrow one- a nice one at that.  I can set up all my stuff in less than 15 minutes, but they were still working on the tent after 1/2 hour.  I offered to assist but, no, they would do it themselves.  OK, I could accept that, but don't use a rock, which took 10 minutes to find to hammer in the stakes when a mallet was sitting right there.  Then came the sleeping equipment- a 3/4 size mattress from their bedroom.  Mind you, this mattress took up most of the mini-van on the trip so that I could not get out without it being moved each time the sliding door was opened.  Pillows, sheets and pillowcases and blankets from the lodge where they are staying completed the package in plastic bags.  Another 20 minutes making the bed after a tedious process removing the bed from the van.  And all I have is a still pic camera!

OK, time for dinner- 9:30 PM.  E. began dragging plastic bags from the back of the van.  Chips, pretzels, cans of black olives and a small cooler which had ham and bread.  I don't eat full meals when camping but have puddings, apple sauce, trail mixes, granola bars, cheeses, dips and crackers and plenty of water or Sobe drinks.  Plenty to eat for all. 

We are in a primitive campground but there is some water with lots of restrictions on how much for each site.  V. wants to know where and how he can shower and shave.  Uh, uh!  His wife never told him there were no facilities where we were going.  Time for me to tuck in while they argued over this discovery.  The night was beautifully cool and I actually used the sleeping bag to be comfortable.  About 1AM some coyotes began to howl and my partners were very upset.  They were freezing and there were wild animals around.  I calmed them down but knew they were unhappy.  Winds began about 3AM and were fairly strong and again we were awake- would the noise ever stop? would the tent blow away on them?

6AM, my time to rise!  The park was alive with folks dressing, eating and packing up camp.  I managed beautiful pics of the sunrise from my tent as I got ready for the day.  E and V finally got moving at 9AM.  The park was almost empty and they wondered why.

Next stop, the Forest Ranger Center- the camera batteries had to be charged.  I suggested next time they purchase a charger to use in the car.  Not a good idea- cigarette lighter does not work.  After 1/2 hour, the batteries were charged.  This was not such a bad stop as I got to plan my route thru AZ for next month while we were waiting.  I found lots of national sites and monuments to visit going south.  Also took a short walk along the snowmobile trail while waiting.

Now 11:30AM, and we're finally on the way to Zion.  So glad I was sitting in the back, I couldn't see how often we crossed over the center line of the highway and could only guesstimate how fast we drove where others could pass and how slowly we went in no-passing areas.  OK, another 90 minutes and we're at Zion.  Never did get pics as we drove so quickly thru the park to get to the Riverwalk trail to the Narrows.  Again, never got to the visitor's center but did park at the Human History Museum where we parted ways. 

We decided to meet up at 6:30PM at the VC.  We would probably head for home rather than camp out another night.  One campground was full already and the other 1/2 full.  I would check on availability, though, when I got to the VC.  So much to see and do at the museum- a film introducing the park, a neat museum, a ranger talk, and a 1 mile trail to the VC.  Heard a talk RE:flora and fauna of the area, watched the beautifully made film, read all the highlights of the exhibits.  Finally, a trip to the VC.  A lovely walk along the river and past the campground.  Wow, there were openings, so I got us a site and continued on to find out more.  Of course had to get my stamp and find out about the shuttle. 

Like many other NPs, Zion's shuttle runs May-October taking the millions of visitors along the scenic route to the individual sites where one can begin hiking.  A 45 minute trip to Temple of Sinawava is fantastic.  No pollution, no tie ups, no waiting for parking places.  Get off, do your hike, get back on to the next stop.  I rode to the end and took the Riverwalk Trail.  I knew I'd not have time to get as far as the Narrows but did have access to the Virgin River and the beautiful hanging gardens.  I was content walking in the river and watching kids playing in the water.

I stopped about 2/3 of the way to the Narrows and rested under a lovely overhang.  Than I began my way back to the shuttle.  Next stop, the Lodge and Grotto, just to look around.  Then on to the Emerald Pools( I only got to the first one due to time).  Pretty, but not as impressive as I expected.  Very little algae right now to make them green.  Really didn't want to go higher to the others.  Court of the Patriarchs was the next stop.  A five minute jaunt up the hill to a picture taking spot was relaxing.  The park is restoring this area and there were many new plantings to view.  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the red rock, Moroni, a Latter Day Saints prophet, were a beautiful sight in the late afternoon sun. 

Next stop the Museum, where my friends had parked.  Their car was still there so I continued on to the VC.  I was there by 6:15PM and talked with the rangers about other things I could do.  One talk began at 8PM and another at 9PM.  Gee, I might just be able to get to at least one of them.  LOL There are numerous displays in the open and since the center closes at 7PM, I decided to take advantage of my waiting time to discover more about the area.  7:15 PM and I am still waiting! 

Maybe they misunderstood and were at the Museum.  Back on the shuttle and the car is still parked.  Waited till 7:45PM and finally we were together.  Let's leave the car and go to Weeping Rock- "NO- I want to pitch my tent in the waning daylight, not in the dark!"  To the campground, not happy pitching tent, someone might steal stuff if we're not there.

Back on the shuttle 8:30PM," let's not do this, it's going to be dark soon and you have no flashlight!"  I couldn't let them go alone.  How would I ever get home if they didn't come back?  Driver assured us and the rest of the passengers that short hikes would be OK, sunset was almost an hour away.  OK, the trail is handicapped accessible, so it should be easy to do in the 1/2 hour they claim.  1/2 hour later, dark is setting in, we are 8 switchbacks up the mountain and no weeping rock.  I knew the trail marker that said "Steep Cliffs- hikers have been killed in this area" indicated we were on the wrong trail.  Take my flashlight folks, I'll wait here if you want to continue on.  One switchback ahead of me and I saw the flashlight shine along the side of the mountain.  Had I gone this far and just missed the weeping rock?  No, my group heard noises in the brush- Help!  Wild animals would attact the light!  Turn it out and come back down to me.  Let's get out of here.  No light, please.  "Sorry, I need that light to show me the way so I don't fall."

Little did they know I had seen several lizards and small critters on the way up but didn't say anything.  Every sound was magnified and they insisted my light was attracting a mountain lion or some other predator.  Finally, down at the bottom of the trail, I indicated the handicap sign we should have paid attention to.  No, we would not go up again.  It was now very dark and the sky was glowing with stars.  What a super sight.  The shuttle came about 15 minutes later and we returned to the VC area where we then attempted the trail to the campground.  I was tired and lagged behind as they took the wrong trail, insisting it would get us to the campsite.  When we reached an area where the river had overflowed onto the path, we finally turned around and got back on track.

 I'm tired writing, folks.  Will give you final installment tomorrow!  Happy Camping!  Susan

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DATE: August 23, 2007, 8:09 pm / MOOD: Other

Don't look for a campsite at Grand Canyon, North Rim thru 10/15.  They are booked solid for the season,  as I discovered a couple days ago.  There is a campground outside the park in the Kaibab National Forest, though, that is very nice.  Just wish my companions for this adventure had been a little more compatible.

A young foreign couple working with me asked to go along as I headed to the north rim Grand Canyon and then Zion NP.  They would drive.  I thought it would be a nice change for me, rather than being alone and with all of us in one vehicle, it would not cost them entrance or camping fees.  I have a set plan when I go into any park:  find the Visitor's Center, get their info on sites, trails, etc. to see, have my NP Passport stamped, spend 15-20 minutes relaxing and planning exactly what I want to do, get a campsite if I plan to spend the night.  Then set off.  I guess this is too ridgid for some folks, but it works for me and I get to enjoy everything I want in a relatively short time.  BTW- I'm an early bird and we were to leave at 7AM.  They never came for me till 9:30AM- a day half gone!

When I hike, I walk at a fairly good pace, stopping wherever to enjoy the sites.  Boy, some folks are very slow- stopping every 50 feet for a 5 minute rest- and these are supposed to be experienced hikers.  I wear decent hiking boots, use a nice walking stick, and have plenty of water and snacks along to keep me going.  Can you believe, my friends wore long sleeves, sweat pants, sandals, carried a back pack with one bottle of H2O between them and the temps were almost 100*. 

We could not go to the Visitor's Center because the driver saw a trail to explore to Coconino Overlook and Supai Tunnel.  Did get to the Overlook but heat would prevent me from the last 4 miles for sure.  After almost an hour on the trail, all down hill, I said I was returning to the top because we had arranged for a pack ride and we would not get there on time.  I know my limits- 45 minutes down means at least 70 minutes up for me.  Well, they continued on for about 15 minutes and never did get as far as they thought.  They met me at the top, exhausted, thirsty and too tired to do the rim mule ride.  It could be dangerous.  Luckily I was able to cancel with no charge.  Disappointed!  Finally got to Visitor's Center.

But, they disappeared while I went into Visitor's Center.  After searching for them for about 1/2 hour, I finally decided to listen to a ranger talk.  I learn so much from them about wherever I'm visiting.  They make everything come to life.  Thought they might appear.

Still no friends, so I headed down a short trail to Bright Angel Point, thinking they may have continued on that trail near where we had parked.  (left a message on the window where I was going and expected return time to Lodge)  What a beautiful sight.  My first view of the Grand Canyon was truly inspiring.  The trail is narrow and sheer drop offs are on either side.  I felt a little dizzy as I crossed a bridge, but continued onward.  I loved the fact that I had gotten an explore nature pamphlet and enjoyed the many beautiful plants and trees along the way.

Back to the car after my hike.  Still no friends and my note on window!  Went back to Lodge and listened to another ranger talk.  Meantime, the scenic driving trails were closed off due to a lightening begun fire at Roosevelt Point.  Fire has been burning about 3-4 weeks but it got out of control.  Finally an hour later, my friends appeared worried about me.  They had taken a rest way off the trail.  I took them to the trail to Bright Angel and told them I would meet them on the porch at the Lodge in an hour.  Meantime I followed the Transcept trail just below the Lodge and returned to the meeting place in about 35 minutes.  They should have been able to do both in less than an hour.  Two hours later they returned to the porch, worried we had no place to stay and wouldn't be able to see anything on the scenic trail.

It was time to leave.  Could we make it to Zion?  No way, so we stayed in the forest for the night. 

Lots more to tell, but will give another installment later!

Happy Camping, all!

Susan 

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DATE: August 20, 2007, 6:42 pm / MOOD: Happy

Did you know there are islands in the Great Salt Lake that you can visit? 

One of these is Antelope Island in Davis County, a 28,000 acre retreat for hiking, mountain biking, nature study and bird and wildlife watching.  Driving across a 7 mile long causeway gives you the real feel for this gorgeous area.  You know there is a supreme being who created this oasis!

For $12(entrance fee and primitive campsite) I finally got to  see all the bison I could ever imagine.  This has been my dream to see them in the wild and believe me, it's nothing like seeing them in a zoo environment!  About 700 live free in herds on the island where 40 natural springs and acres of lush pastures provide plenty of nourishment for survival.  The state of Utah has a bison roundup in October each year to cull the herd down to a manageable 500 head.  What an awesome site to see groups of 15-25 just wandering along the sandy beaches of the Great Salt Lake or off in a meadow.  Even more fantastic to have them come up to your vehicle at dusk or watch a  group gallop down a small hill, heading for a shady area.  My first sighting was of about 250 bulls, cows and calves in the meadow: some eating, some laying down resting, some rolling in the dust, and others jockeying for power.  I took out my chair and field glasses and just sat and watched them for about an hour.  This is the end of mating season and I even saw some hanky-panky still going on.  And all this from an original 12 head brought to the island by homesteaders.

Why then is this called Antelope Island?  Well, in 1845, John C. Fremont and his guide, Kit Carson, re-discovered the island and saw large numbers of antelope.  For 135 years a working ranch has been a part of the southern end of the island.  The ranch house is the oldest Anglo-built house still on its original foundation in Utah.  Volunteers take you on a tour of the buildings and allow you to enjoy the hands-on exhibits at your leisure.  Ride horses here or take your canoe or kayak and shove off for a relaxing ride on the Salt Lake or go on the dinner cruise from the marina. 

Better yet, spend the night in the primitive campsite viewing the wonderful sunset and sunrise on Bridger Bay.  I watched coyote playing on the beach from my tent as the sun was sinking and watched them meet up again in the morning just beyond my campsite.  Met jackrabbits and a red fox on the way to the latrine early the next morning.  And saw young great horned owls roosting in the trees at the ranch.  Saw a few antelope and some burrowing owls and several mule deer as I drove along the main road.  Hiking is strenuous but the only way to see more antelope and big horn sheep, as I was told.  My energies had about given out as I was finishing up my trek to northern Utah, so I only hiked the beach and got into the water, alive with the only living creatures able to survive its salinity- brine shrimp and brine flies.  Birding, on the beach and on the causeway, provides great numbers of CA gulls,white-faced ibis, American avocets, black-necked stilts and overhead pelicans(there are 2 islands that are bird sanctuaries nearby).  GSL Bird Festival is in May. 

Such a peaceful existence for all.  This is definitely a very scenic state park with a small, informative visitor's center and one I may return to someday.

Happy Camping!   Susan

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DATE: July 27, 2007, 5:10 pm / MOOD: Happy

The Neil Simon Festival runs for three weeks each summer in the Festival City.  This is the world's only annual festival dedicated to celebrating and preserving Mr. Simon's work.  I didn't realize he had produced so many Broadway hits(38) or how many of them I have seen over the years(17). This year's performances include Plaza Suite, The Odd Couple(Female Version), and The Prisoner of 2nd Avenue. 

Do you remember Eddie Mekka?  He was Carmine Ragusa on the "Laverne and Shirley" TV sit-com for several seasons.  Well, The Big Ragu has grown more mature, added several pounds and lost some hair over the last 30 years, but he is still a great comedic actor.  His role as Mel Edison in Prisoner is excellent.  His wife, Edna, played by Jan Broberg(Nurse Louise-"Everwood") is an exciting complement to Mekka.  What a treat to enjoy this show in the beautiful Heritage Theater in Cedar City, Utah.  Pity that so few patrons attended the performance but lucky for me to have gotten a ticket at the last minute.

I have seen over half the plays I wanted to attend this summer.  I am certainly enjoying indulging myself in this pleasant experience.  This is truly the life!

Happy Camping!    Susan 

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