| I never considered myself an outdoorsy person | | | | outdoor adventure was rather rough. There were |
| and certainly not an enthusiast by any means. To | | | | too many bugs and creepy crawlers, it was |
| me, the outdoors epitomized dirt, bugs, extreme | | | | freezing at night and too hot during the day, and |
| discomfort, and a myriad of other unpleasant | | | | no shower for three days was quite a shocker. |
| things. I know this sounds a bit contemptuous but | | | | However, the more and more I was exposed to |
| "roughing it" to me meant giving to stay in a two | | | | the outdoors, the more I began to enjoy it. I |
| star hotel. A cabin? Highly doubtful. A tent? | | | | soon learned not to sweat the small stuff (getting |
| Absolutely not. | | | | a little dirty, the bugs, etc.) which allowed me to |
| Well, that is until I moved to the great state of | | | | relish in my natural surroundings. I savored the |
| Utah. Who knew so much natural diversity could | | | | pristine scenery of the Wasatch Mountains and |
| exist in one single state? Mountains, desert, lakes, | | | | the stunning desert landscapes in southern Utah. I |
| sand dunes, canyons...you name it, Utah has it. Not | | | | learned to wakeboard during our numerous |
| to mention the beehive state is nature's | | | | boating trips to a number of Utah's lakes and |
| year-round playground, with world-renowned skiing | | | | reservoirs. Floating the famous Provo River was a |
| and snowboarding in the winter and an abundance | | | | great way we beat the summer heat. I even |
| of spring and summer activities such as boating, | | | | picked up rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking |
| backpacking, rock climbing, etc. | | | | (all the hours in the gym were really starting to |
| I began my transition from city damsel to an | | | | pay off). |
| active, nature-loving country girl (okay, maybe not | | | | As one speaking from experience, I would urge all |
| quite) slowly at first but was quick to gain a | | | | of you who aren't big on the nature or |
| sincere appreciation for the natural beauty of the | | | | self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiasts to go outside |
| great outdoors. | | | | and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery all around |
| Not to say the aforementioned transition was | | | | you. |
| smooth sailing from the start. My very first Utah | | | | |