Some places resonate with me long after leaving. Alcan Highway From Skagway to Anchorage, the humidity wrapping itself around you as you step off the plane in Manila, the cold crisp wind worming it's way through your clothes as you cross the Franklin bridge from Union Sation. And then there's Clear Creek Ranch.
Smells sometimes escape me (broken nose from a fight at Enclave - something to do with strippers, Ukrainian mob, etc.), but the smell of wood and earth penetrated my senses and settled in as I watched the sun set behind some mountains west.
This sprawling lodge had 10+ rooms, bunk beds for the kids and dedicated/shared bathrooms to house way many more people than our paltry group of 10. A kitchen with all the necessities and a wide open parlor that's anchored by a fireplace and a spectacular view of a pond outside and Zion not far beyond.
The internet didn't work, but was assured that connection there was usually reliable, but I found this disconnect a welcome feature. No calls, no urgent emails to respond to, no NOISE that we seldom notice as we've become numb to it's incessant need to grab our attention.
This was our first time in Zion and we were completely and utterly spoiled.
We picked a room that could occupy 4 and settled in.
A sprawling fireplace dominated the central common area and was overlooked by a balcony on the second floor that had a second suite of rooms available. The outside patio feature picnic tables and both a charcoal and a gas grill. The property was managed by Gordon, a true to life cowboy whom you'd probably want to throw a few beers back together to hear what stories he had behind smiling eyes.
Behind the lodge was a vaunted obstacle course that a sorority was using for pledge week. This is a no holds barred obstacle course that my broken body can no longer dream of tacking, but local law enforcement and military use regularly. The Zion entrance is just 5 minutes away, making this location was ideal.
I'm running out of words to describe the magnificence of this place. It's everything and more than a city boy like me would envision of a mountain getaway.
I love this place and so will you. read more