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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
Best Restaurants in Kanab, Utah

Best Restaurants in Kanab, Utah

Kanab, Utah is the perfect home base while visiting one or all of the Mighty Five National Parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion). It’s also close to Lake Powell, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and so much more. The list goes on and on! On top of our list is volunteering at Best Friends Animal Society. Here is our list of the best restaurants in Kanab.

1. Vermillion 45 is a new casual French/Italian bistro. The food was spectacular! We have come to expect the unexpected in Kanab and Vermillion 45 fits right in. We loved the casual vibe and the open kitchen. The owner, Walt, was walking the restaurant and chatted with guests every time we were there. We really enjoyed talking with him and that level of service. Vermillion 45 is down-to-earth fine dining.

Fricassee De Legumineuse En Gratin – Vermillion 45

Sego Restaurant and Chef Shon in Kanab, Utah

2. I dream about Sego Restaurant all year and Chef Shon’s deep fried soft boiled egg. It is heaven! Chef Shon is magical in the kitchen and Sego is such a special place from the food to the service. It’s our date night go-to. They have the best charcuterie boards and we love the social style of dining.

Charcuterie Board – Sego Restaurant

AZ. Beef Filet – espresso chili rub, ancho & agave steak sauce, horseradish cream sauce, s.w. parmesan potatoes – Sego Restaurant

Grilled Caesar – romaine, caesar, fried egg, parmesan – Sego Restaurant

Best Vegan Pizza in Kanab, Utah

3. I wouldn’t have believed it if you told me that I would LOVE the vegan pepperoni pizza at Peekaboo Canyon Wood-Fired Kitchen. Peekaboo’s items are all vegetarian or vegan recipes. They opened my eyes to vegetarian food. Peekaboo is our favorite spot to dine al fresco for lunch.

Half avocado topped with quinoa and lime-cilantro vinaigrette.

4. When in Kanab, you have to stop at the Rocking V Cafe! Not only for the food but for the art. The owner, Victor, is always there to greet the guests and will put a smile on your face. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your trip with a fun atmosphere and yummy food. Visit Victor’s Instagram page at @rockingvcafe to see all the PORKCHOPPERS.

5. New to us this year but not new is Wild Thyme Cafe. Two words: Corn Bread.

Lunch at Best Friends Animal Society

Bonus number 6! Best Friends Animal Society offers a $5.00 vegetarian lunch buffet every day. It’s so good and feels like home. We love their salad bar!

Last little bonus but not least because it’s the only way to start the day. 🙂 Our two favorite coffee shops – Willow Canyon Outdoor Company (Again very unexpected but that’s what we love about Kanab) and Kanab Creek Bakery.

Check out the best pet-friendly lodging in Kanab, Best Friends Roadhouse.

© What Stirs Your Soul Media

June 20, 2019
Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota

It’s a rainy day so I’m dreaming of camping, looking at photos from past trips and planning new ones. I love going through old pictures and reminiscing. One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is the convenience of not having to travel too far to “get-away”.

We really enjoyed camping at Baker Campground which is part of the Three Rivers Park District (offering 27,000 acres of parks and trails) and is only 22 miles from Minneapolis.

The campsites are spacious, tons of wooded trails, and we loved being so close to Lake Independence. There’s so much to do that it’s hard to find time to relax! We rented their tandem bike which was so much fun. Another nice amenity is that they have rental equipment for almost any activity that you want to try. I recently turned 50 and it’s motivated me to try new things! It’s nice to be able to rent and try something a few times before making a big purchase.

This was the first time that we brought our girl, Utah, camping with us and the first time that Terry and I put up a tent together. (which you know can end a marriage. ;-)) But we were very pleased with our REI Co-op Camp Dome 4 Tent. It was very easy to set up…whew! There was plenty of room for us and we even brought Utah’s kennel in for the night.

I love all the different hiking trails and taking pictures of the wildflowers. The trail system is extensive offering something for everyone based on your skill level.

There is nothing better than relaxing in our hammock after a hike! If you are considering getting one, DO IT. I love the ENO hammocks because they are so easy to pack and don’t take up much room. They are so lightweight that you can just throw them in your backpack. I waited to purchase one thinking it would be hard to deal with and wish I would have got one sooner. It’s the little things!

Utah loves the hammock too! 🙂

What is your favorite thing about camping or favorite spot?

Sponsored advertising content for REI.

©Tracy Blowers

May 27, 2019

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