Friends, within a few short days I think Utah has done something to me.
There’s something so wild and uncanny about the landscape here that really wends its way into your heart. I don’t know if it’s the dramatic red rock towers or the ubiquitous dust that is now permanently stuck in my hair, but there’s a part of me that I’m letting go of, and Utah is helping.
That part of me is perfectionism.
I’m under no delusions that I am perfect in any way, at least not in any conventional way. I’m well aware of my flaws, but there’s a part of me that still desires to be perfect. Or at least, the image of perfection.
But hanging out on a ranch leaves absolutely no room for this. The wind will unravel your hair and cover you with dust in no time. We’re constantly dirty, sweaty and somewhat out of breath, especially as we climb up these amazing red towers to get a bird’s-eye view of the muddy Colorado river.
We rode horses today, and my horse had a particularly strong taste for the shrubbery that somehow grows in this arid climate. If you’re looking for perfection you won’t find it in my horseback riding skills either. Nothing about the experience terrifies me more than a horse trotting downhill— I’ve ridden enough horses to know that they won’t fall, the question is, will I?
Thankfully no one tumbled off their horse today and eventually my horse decided it was done eating shrubs, so we were able to enjoy a few moments of uninterrupted quiet as we bumped along the bottom of Ida’s Gulch.
But despite my windswept hair and the horse slobber on my shirt, I experienced an immeasurable amount of bliss. I’m imperfect, but it doesn’t matter. All I had to do was stand in awe of the stunning earth that has heaved and breathed over hundreds of millions of years.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? The quintessential question for mankind’s hubris. My answer? I was definitely not here. No way. But I’m glad I’m here now.
Ah yes!!! 🙂
Stunning!!! I have no other words!!!
Ah thanks!! You should *definitely* come to Southern Utah. Moab is a great little (inexpensive) town to stay in while you visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park! Do it!!!
Your photos are beautiful, Daisy! My dad grew up in Idaho and we visited my grandparents a few times, but we never ventured to any of the surrounding states. We hope to make a huge road trip out west soon.
Thanks Kelly!! It was super fun– once my horse decided to behave 😉
Love your photos! Haha, that horseback riding sounds like an experience – but it must have been fun!
Ah thanks Deniz!! It’s a beautiful place– hard to believe I’m still on planet Earth, much less in the US!
It’s truly stunning!! And yes you’re exactly right– travel allows us to forget those frivolities that are unimportant!
Thank you so much Kiki! This is a really special place, and I hope you get to visit one day! 🙂
This looks absolutely incredible, Daisy! The pictures seem like they are from a different world. It’s great to hear that you are enjoying your experience!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
Ah thanks lady! the landscape here is incredible!
Horseback riding is super fun!! It’s easier to find when you’re in an area with lots of ranches 😉
This looks soooo incredible! The landscape is just amazing. I would love to ride a horse through that! I know what you mean about wanting to seem perfect. Travel has really allowed me to let go of that, and I no longer care about what my hair looks like or that I’ve been wearing the same clothes for day, as long as the experiences are amazing!
What an amazing post. I’ve always dreamed of visiting the West, so thank you for letting me live vicariously through your pictures! And your words were really inspiring to me. I try to let go of my perfectionism and see what happens to me when I’m not trying to control everything. THank you for sharing such a great experience!
xo Kiki
https://colormekiki.wordpress.com/
This is BREATHTAKING! It’s actually insane that I haven’t witnessed this is real life! Sounds like you are having a great time!
Xx, Tiffany | http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com
That would be a dream trip for me! I went horse-riding once when I was little and I LOVED it! I’ve never been able to do it again I should really try harder to find a place and a someone to go with, hehe! 🙂
I’m glad you are getting so much out of your experience.
Away From The Blue
Aw thanks friend!
Hahaha it’s been fabulous for sure 😉
Ah thanks Trou! This is a beautiful place– don’t miss Moab!! It’s close to Arches and Canyonlands!
Ah thanks Nabihah! And yes it’s been super fun to be on our feet and then relaxing later in the day. I’m getting tons of sleep! 😉
Wow that sounds like an amazing experience! And yes, the woman you’re talking about is exactly what I’m thinking of! The true I-don’t-care attitude, not the carefully composed one.
Love this! So glad it’s been a life giving trip for you so far! Enjoy!
Riding horses through the Red Rocks of Utah!? Daisy! What dream are you living in?! 😉
Always, Anita
This is unbelievably beautiful. I am thinking of visiting Utah next summer and this looks like a gorgeous spot to hit.
The Peculiar Trouth
These pictures are absolutely breathtaking, I would love to do something similar to this! I love these adventure/physical activity type holidays, they make for amazing experiences.
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
I felt this exact way when I visited Alaska back in 2009. There was something so different up there. People were less worried about what they wore and more so about nature around them. I met a woman named Olivia, on a humpback whale excursion. She had that fishy, sea-water smell to her. She didn’t wear makeup, her hair was piled under a hat but she was prettier than anyone with a ton of makeup caked on. And you know what, she loved her life. I think society has a way of convincing us we need to be perfect. But actually, the more flawed and unique you are, the more beautiful you are.
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com