Monday, May 28, 2012

My Backyard Is "America The Beautiful"


Some people say that my "backyard" is a thing of beauty.  It looks like paradise...Well, I guess that it does in some way.  For those that aren't familiar with the West...It is a land of mountains and deserts.  And even though the Salt Lake Valley is a desert, I happen to live in the most beautiful place one could live...at the base of the Cottonwood Canyons along the Wasatch Front.  In honor of Memorial Day, I would like to share some photos of my "backyard" and recite the words to "America The Beautiful", written by Katherine Lee Bates and melody by Samuel Ward. (You might want to turn on the music at the end while viewing)

The front yard view



O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!


A one mile hike from the trailhead 5 blocks up from us...Ryan and friends...






America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!









  

15 min up the canyon from my house




O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!




 
My neighbor's pond, stocked with rainbows and tiger trout






America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!








A Beautiful lake at the top of the canyon road...maybe 20 min





O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!




My view up the street





America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!





 
 
So surprised to find brook trout so close to home last summer!



O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!








Overooking the Salt Lake Valley and my digs below




America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!






The one mile hike is totally worth it in the fall.  And nice cutthroats!


  

Yes, I live in a beautiful place... But, let's remember why we enjoy our freedoms of the outdoors.  Thanks to all of those that have fought for our country and may we remember their sacrifice for each one of us on this Memorial Day.   




  

   From my backyard to yours...Have a wonderful and safe holiday.



Posted by THE RIVER DAMSEL at 12:16 AM

18 comments:

  1. cofisherMay 28, 2012 at 6:59 AM

    Beautifully done Em! Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

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  2. ColoradocastersMay 28, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    Love the backyard, mountain desert shots. Truth be told I spent 3 years in Draper Ut. and enjoyed the area quite a bit. You are truly blessed.

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    Replies
    1. THE RIVER DAMSELMay 28, 2012 at 8:01 AM

      Matt ~ Ahhh...nice! I work in Draper. It is constantly growing and changing. I live here because of the mountains... = )

      Delete
  3. GFPMay 28, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    I love Utah! My grandparents lived in Provo and we would visit every other summer. Some day I hope to get back...its been ten years since my last visit. I have great memories fishing all over with my grandpa.

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  4. Mark KautzMay 28, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    We do live in a beautiful country, don't we.

    Mark

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    Replies
    1. THE RIVER DAMSELMay 28, 2012 at 10:39 AM

      Mark ~ Yes, we do. Beauty is everwhere...you just have to look for it!

      Delete
  5. THE RIVER DAMSELMay 28, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    Mike ~ Thanks for stopping by! So many areas of the country that I still want to vist (and fish)!! Yep, I will be on the Provo River in a few days...

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  6. Bill TrussellMay 28, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    RD
    I have said this to other bloggers who live out West and yes I am going to say it again---living out West is my lost dream. I envy all you guys that can get up everyday and view the scenery and fish in some of the places you land those beautiful trout. If I could live my life over it would be out West. You are one lucky lady to be where you are!!! Thanks for sharing with one of your fellow bloggers who can only dream about a place like this. Have a great Memorial Day!

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    1. THE RIVER DAMSELMay 28, 2012 at 10:44 AM

      Bill ~ Make that trip out here within the next few years and we will caravan up to Yellowstone. I would love to "guide" you to some wonderful places. I might even find a bass pond where you can help me hook into something that is my "dream"! There's your invite. = )

      Delete
  7. Bill TrussellMay 28, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    RD
    My wife is retiring in a couple of years and we are headed West for our first trip. Thanks for the invite.

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  8. Brk TrtMay 29, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Well said RD.

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  9. SandersMay 29, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    A fine tribute to a beautiful backyard...hope you had a great day!

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  10. THE RIVER DAMSELMay 29, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    Sanders - Thanks for stopping by and hope you had the same.

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  11. Brian L. SchieleMay 30, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    We do live a great place don't we!
    For the record, I think you are fine American, a fine resident of the Great State of Utah and a fine friend. May God Bless you our Great Country and all the fish within a mile radius of you..
    Brian

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    Replies
    1. THE RIVER DAMSELMay 30, 2012 at 10:05 PM

      Brian ~ I humbly thank you and glad that we met this past year. <"(((><<

      Delete
  12. Steve ZakurMay 31, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    I've never been to Utah, but you've certainly whet the appetite. Nicely done.

    ReplyDelete

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