Tag: travel

  • One Blanket, Two Hearts

    One Blanket, Two Hearts

    The human connection. 

    Traveling always offers the most interesting conversations and connections with strangers. Each encounter teaches us something and leaves an imprint.

    While staying at Jackson Lake Lodge, on a brisk early morning, we met Adel.

    One of our favorite things to do is to take the Jackson Lake Breakfast Cruise to Elk Island. We’ve learned from the past that mountain mornings on the boat can be pretty chilly and this year we packed a blanket.

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    Jackson Lake Lodge Breakfast Cruise

    After we arrived on the island, the sun was rising and I started warming up. I unwrapped from the blanket and had it resting in my arms while talking with the ship captain. An older, beautiful, petite woman walked up and stood next to me. I thought she was waiting to talk to the captain but shivering, she said…

    “It’s so cold, isn’t it?”

    As I started to answer her, I realized how cold she was and asked…

    “Do you want to use my blanket?”

    Her face lit up and she said, “Yes, thank you, thank you!” 

    She wrapped herself in it and my heart smiled. I felt so thankful that we brought the blanket and that I could share it with her. She kept herself wrapped in it all through breakfast and on the boat ride back. When we got back to the dock, we reconnected and she gave us this advice…

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    “Stay together, trust each other and love each other.” – Adel

    We hugged and as she walked away she said ” You’re an angel on earth.” which is exactly what I thought about her. That morning, strangers connected over a blanket. I will never forget Adel. ❤️

    The Blanket: We love our Rumpl blanket and bring it everywhere! It’s lightweight, packable, eco-friendly, and machine washable. We have two dogs and it’s their favorite to cuddle up in. It’s so durable that even after three years, it looks like new.

    Rumpl is offering 25% now through December 2, 2019! 

    Click here to purchase and for Free Shipping + Free Returns on Orders $49+

    This post is sponsored, which means if you purchase, What Stirs Your Soul may get something in return. Thank you for your support!

  • Belly of the Dragon – Kanab, Utah

    Belly of the Dragon – Kanab, Utah

    Would you dare the depths of the Belly of the Dragon?

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    This “cave” is actually a manmade tunnel to redirect drainage from the upper canyons under HWY 89 to the North Fork River just outside of Kanab, Utah. The water created this ripple effect that looks like you’re going into the depths of a beast.

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    It is a bit of a shuffle to get down into the entrance but once you’re there, it’s an easy hike. Make sure NOT to walk through if it has rained and always watch the weather while hiking in Utah. You can make this a quick hike just to walk through the tunnel or if you keep going, you can hike another 4 miles to a slot canyon.

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    There is a light at the end of the tunnel but it does get dark. If you plan to hike through the tunnel, a headlamp would be a good idea.

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    We had so much fun playing around and taking pictures. There is a lot of graffiti which is too bad. Make sure to leave it like you find it. #leavenotrace

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    There is plenty of parking and this is fun for the whole family.

    To learn more, visit visitsouthernutah.com.

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    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile – Kanab, Utah

    Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile – Kanab, Utah

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    If you love animals, then this hotel is for you! I’ve written about Best Friends Animal Society many times. We adopted our two dogs from Best Friends and we go back every year to volunteer at the sanctuary. (Which we highly recommend!) We are so excited that they recently built a hotel in Kanab, Utah which is located just a few miles from the sanctuary. Let me introduce, Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile! Follow the paw-steps…

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    There are many pet-friendly lodging options in Kanab, Utah but the Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile goes beyond by offering a fenced dog park, dog splash zone, dog washing station, and more!

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    The Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile helps support the lifesaving works of Best Friends Animal Society. They offer sanctuary tours, entertainment, off-road tours, and community events. We will be staying at the hotel in April 2020 so stay tuned for more!

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    Utah and Allen are already daydreaming of staying at the hotel!

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    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Let Go

    Let Go

    We attain freedom as we let go of whatever does not reflect our magnificence. A bird cannot fly high or far with a stone tied to its back. But release the impediment, and we are free to soar to unprecedented heights. – Alan Cohen

    Let go of the negative and make room for the positive. 💛

    Today as we start the week, if something or someone is holding you back, try hard to release that energy or find distance from that person. Life is short and every passing moment is a new opportunity to find your happiness.

    XO

  • Moonlight in Kanab, Utah

    Moonlight in Kanab, Utah

    We danced too wild, and we sang too long, and we hugged too hard, and we kissed too sweet, and howled just as loud as we wanted to howl, because by now we were all old enough to know that what looks like crazy on an ordinary day looks a lot like love if you catch it in the moonlight. – Pearl Cleage

    I captured this photo in Kanab, Utah on a beautiful April evening. This quote is from my box of 365 quotes that I purchased at Hummingbird House in Sedona, Arizona.

    When I read the quote, it reminded me of how I feel when I travel. ❤️

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Camping – Minnesota

    Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Camping – Minnesota

    Have you been to the awesome camper cabins at Whitetail Woods Regional Park?

    The best part is that Whitetail Woods Regional Park is only 40 minutes from the Twin Cities and yet, you feel like you are 1000 miles away.

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    There are only three cabins so they book up quickly on the weekends. There is more availability during the week and if you plan ahead.

    The cabins sleep six, are very clean, and well kept. They have heat and would be a gorgeous winter getaway. The trails for hiking, walking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are literally right outside your door. They are very spacious with a beautiful deck that looks out over the towering pines.

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    We only stayed for one night and I was worried that it would feel like a lot of work for such a short amount of time. I was completely wrong! We loved the whole experience and felt so relaxed. It was a good reminder that even one night away is so good for the soul. We had plenty of time to hike, take photos, grill an amazing dinner and watch the Minnesota Vikings (oh yes we did! There is great wifi for streaming). Then we were blessed with a beautiful sunset. There is nothing better than spending all day and night outdoors!

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    The next morning we had coffee and breakfast over the open fire, a couple hours of hammock time, and a lovely walk.  This sunrise!

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    We will definitely stay here again. If you’ve been there, let me know your thoughts. If you haven’t and are looking for a cool place to camp close to the Twin Cities, I would check it out.

    My reminders and takeaways from this trip…..

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    Keep it simple.

    One night away in Mother Nature’s arms is the best medicine.

    Treat yourself…

    xo

    Another great spot to enjoy peace and quiet in the Twin Cities is Two Pony Pizza Farm.

    We stayed here in 2017 – updated July 2019.  ©Tracy Blowers
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