TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Category: travel

Sedona, Arizona – Hiking – Broken Arrow Trail

Broken Arrow is a new trail for us this year. We were hesitant to hike here because the trail runs parallel to the jeep path and we thought it would be disruptive. The jeeps didn’t bother us at all and it was fun to watch them cruising over the red rocks.

The hiking distance for Broken Arrow Trail is approximately 3 miles out and back. There are 12 parking spaces at the trailhead. The road to the parking lot is dirt for a short distance and very bumpy. There’s only room for one vehicle at a time on the dirt road to and from the lot so prepare to back up if another vehicle is coming. The trail is worth the little scramble of parking. This hike takes about 2 hours.

The 360° views are beautiful of the canyons and red rock spires.

Not far into the hike (at about 1/2 mile) you will come to Devil’s Dining Room. Devil’s Dining Room is a 50-foot wide and 90-foot deep sinkhole! The area is fenced off so you don’t miss it or accidentally fall in. 🙂 There are informative signs as you walk up explaining how the sinkhole was created and more about the bat colony that lives here.

Hello down there!

As you work your way up and you will see more signs for Chicken Point which is the top or you can take a side trail to Submarine Rock. Submarine Rock is a nice flat area to enjoy a picnic and the views. If you continue up to Chicken Point, you will also be connected to Little Horse trail to make this a longer hike.

When you see these views you will understand why so many old westerns were filmed in this area. You couldn’t create a better backdrop. I love the way the rock formations look in the shadow of the sun.

Almost all the trails in Sedona are pet-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. Our little guy is having a blast hiking these red rock trails.

We always meet the nicest people hiking the trails. We met a professional photographer who offered to take our picture. So great to have a photo of the three of us on the trail.

Enjoy and keep on exploring!

#WhatStirsYourSoul #RoadTrippinTheUS

©Tracy Blowers

January 27, 2020
Fort Snelling State Park – Twin Cities – Minnesota

There are so many beautiful winter trails in the heart of the Twin Cities!

We visited Fort Snelling State Park the day after Thanksgiving (we needed the exercise after eating so much food). 🙂 Minnesota state parks waive the entrance fees on Black Friday to encourage people to get outside and explore.

Fort Snelling State Park is where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet. You can hike to Pike Island where they converge and enjoy 3 miles of packed walking trails. You can also leave the park and hike to the historic Fort Snelling.

The rivers offer amazing scenery and views as you hike the trails. We loved all the reflections of the snowy trees in the water. There are 12 miles of cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing anywhere but on the groomed trails.

Fort Snelling State Park also links to an extensive regional trail system.

Our favorite thing is that the park is pet-friendly! The dogs loved getting out on the trails and meeting new friends.

There is a visitor center with gift shop, exhibits, and flush toilets that is open year-round. We got another sticker for the Thule!

It’s hard to believe this park is in the middle of the cities and right next to the airport.

Make sure to get out and explore the Minnesota State Parks and Trails this winter!

©Tracy Blowers

December 1, 2019
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.

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…

“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!

November 24, 2019
Belly of the Dragon – Kanab, Utah

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

To learn more, visit visitsouthernutah.com.

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

November 10, 2019
Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile – Kanab, Utah

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…

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!

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!

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

©Tracy Blowers

November 10, 2019
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.

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.

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!

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

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…..

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

July 21, 2019

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