5 on 5: A few of my favorite things…

Over two months have gone by and I’m still constantly day dreaming and talking about the experiences from my road trip. As inspiration or encouragement to anyone who has yet to explore the west, I offer my 5 on 5 favorites from the trip. Ah, to be on the road again…

Learning life lessons with my trusty Patagonia in tow

5 Favorite Items:

• Patagonia travel bag (didn’t do anything without it!)
• Fleece blanket (made by Jennifer)
• AAA TripTik map guide
• Petzl headlamp
• Nike Gortex jacket (best impulse buy ever)

A great run at Sugar House Park

5 Favorite Activites:

• Tram ride to the summit and hike down to the lodge at Snowbird Ski Resort, UT
• Fastest carousel ride in the west, Missoula, MT
• Group night ride on cruiser bikes to party, Bozeman, MT
• Ranger presentation on natural history, Glacier National Park, MT
• Running at Sugar House Park, Salt Lake City, UT

A beautiful sunset at Lake McDonald, Grand Tetons.

5 Favorite Places:

• Paradise Valley, MT (Drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone)
• Salt Lake City, UT (Holy canyons!)
• Canyons along Colorado River, UT (Rte. 128 from Grand Junction to Moab)
• Grand Tetons National Park, WY (Amazing glaciers)
• Stanley National Forest, ID (Drive from Sun Valley to Wallowas)

Hot off the skillet!

5 Favorite Meals:

• Scrambled eggs and salmon from the camp stove, solo by Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park
• Buffalo Burger and fries at the Garage with Kiefer, Bozeman, MT
• Amazing appetizers at the Shallow Shaft with Mike, Alta, UT
• Shrimp cocktail and fried bananas at Temple Square with Edna, Salt Lake City, UT
• Eggs, fruit and muffin at Shade Cafe in Jackson Hole, WY

A whole different thermal world

5 Favorite Insights:

• Better to get gas now than stress out looking for a few cents cheaper.
• “May my life provide how I desire…if it is in the best interests of all things in the universe.”
• Time is irrelevant. Time does not tick in nature, it passes.
• Life is not stressful – emotions are stressful. Don’t be attached.
• Don’t think, just be present.
• BONUS: Big rocks don’t get out of the way and driving over them makes dents. Go around!