I Hiked the Narrows! One of Zion National Park's Beautiful Hikes!

Majestic Zion National Park. There is nothing like it. The towering rock walls, the winding Virgin River, the numerous hiking trails make it nearly limitless as a resource for outdoor excursions. I have biked it. I have hiked it. I’ve even floated in the river, and there are still things to do and places to see on my Zion bucket list.

Last week we hiked the Virgin River Narrows.  There are a couple of ways to do it. You can hike down from the top starting at Chamberlain Ranch. If you choose to do this, you are required to obtain a permit. You can get a one day permit (that’s what we did), or you can get a two day permit and camp mid-way at one of the twelve designated camp spots. Either way you have to make arrangements to be dropped off at the top and have someone meet you or leave a car at the bottom.

Hiking from the top, you will get to see the upper Narrows which I loved as much as the Large Narrows down at the bottom. We were pretty isolated the first half of the hike passing only one group until we reached the bottom half of the hike. Very Peaceful.

If you start at the bottom, you do not need a permit. You can hike all the way up to the water falls without a permit. You can veer off to the right and explore Orderville Canyon. Still a beautiful hike.

Things to take:

• A hiking stick. We brought our own telescoping walking sticks. You will cross the river a hundred times and the sticks help balance on slippery rocks. If you hike up from the bottom, there are a bunch of walking sticks at the mouth of the Narrows that people use and return. Not so if you start at the top.
• Good Shoes. I’ve heard different opinions on the best shoes to wear. I wore hiking shoes that weren’t water proof. I really liked these because of their ankle support and toe protection. Another person on our hike wore water proof hiking boots. These were great until the water was over the tops of her boots, then she found herself sloshing in water that couldn’t get out of her boots. Some people hike in Keens, I actually tried these for a bit and then went back to my shoes with more ankle support. Whatever you use, make sure they are close-toed. There’s a lot of rock stubbing.
• Ziploc Bags. Double bag everything you don’t want wet. The deepest water we had to go through was thigh deep but that all depends on the time of year, and there are no guarantees that you won’t step in a hole or slip and go down.
• Water. It’s a long hike. We took a gallon of water each and drank it.
• No Cell Phone.  It doesn’t work in the canyon.
• Hat. Not much sun gets to the canyon floor but when it did, I appreciated having a visor.
• Light Jacket. We only used them in the morning up by Chamberlain’s Ranch but were glad we had them.

Of course, things will vary depending on the time of year that you hike. We were mid-July. Check out Zion National Park website for an exhaustive list of warnings and instructions.

Go and enjoy the beauty of Zion. It truly is a wonder and for those of us that are locals…don’t take it for granted. Be grateful for the wonder that is in our backyard.

Contact me if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Southern Utah. I’d love to help you find the perfect place.

Chris: 435-313-3966

Or

Visit: www.whystgeorge.com

St. George Local Restaurants: Which is your Favorite?

“Where should we go to dinner?”

It’s a question that we have asked how many million times. Saturday night, I rattled off my answer, “I don’t care, but maybe Benja’s, Pasta Factory, Cappeletti’s, or Mad Pita.” It dawned on me that the four options I chose were all locally owned restaurants here in St. George.

We have some excellent locally owned restaurants here with a variety of food at a range of prices. And I love that these local owners are often the head chefs, they are very personally invested in their food and their service, and they are an active part in our community. The welcome at some of these restaurants is often personal.

We opted for Benja’s on Saturday night. Jenny was craving the Spicy Basil roll. Benja has two locations, one in Ancestor Square, the other just west of the mall.  We ate at the latter. An unexpected perk was the live music that was going as well. We sat front row listening to guitar music, eating sushi, and downing Pad Thai. I’ve never been disappointed eating at Benja’s.

Benja’s gets the shout out today because that’s where we ended up eating, but I trust that any of the options I suggested would have provided good food. What are some of your favorites?

Sometimes finding the best local places takes a little investigating but it’s worth it as I generally enjoy the friendly atmosphere and food. And hey, why not help our neighbors’ by giving them our business?

To buy or sell a home here in St. George

Call Chris: 435-313-3966

Or visit: www.whystgeorge.com

Where to Beat the Heat: St. George Children's Museum

St. George Children’s Museum: Double Thumbs Up

I have taken my kids to A LOT of children museums, interactive science centers, aquariums and other child centered, interactive exhibits in hopes of somehow putting a positive parenting stamp on my children. Of course, some of them are off the charts and some aren’t worth the price of admission—even when they’re free. St. George’s Children’s Museum was a wonderful experience. I admit to being impressed and even a little surprised at the quality of the museum.

You know it’s a hit when the adults are experimenting and playing right along with the kids. One of our boys’ favorite spots is the service station with a car (not real but real enough) that you can check the engine, change the tires, climb under and look at the undercarriage. Last time I was there, I watched two dads just about as enthralled as their kids.

The museum is on two levels. You check in on the upper level and receive a wrist band. The museum is technically free but they suggest a $3.00 donation which is more than fair for what you get. They require that all adults be accompanied by a child. Yes. That isn’t a typo. Adults without children are not allowed to come and wander by themselves. If you really want to see it and you don’t have a child, bring a valid id and a museum guide will escort you through the museum.

The upper floor seems to be geared a little for the younger and the lower floor for the older, but our children were up and down and found things on both floors that they loved.

Perhaps Chris Jones Real Estate Team will sponsor a room in the future where the kids can design and build their dream house. Hmmm….something to think about.

To find your dream house call:

Chris at 435-313-3966

Or www.whystgeorge.com

AS A SIDENOTE: Here are links to some of our favorite out-of-town children/science museums.

Las Vegas Children's Museum

Salt Lake's Children's Museum

San Diego's Science Center

Seattle's Science Center

St. Louis Science Center

Pioneer Day: Where Can We Celebrate the 24th of July?

(Scroll down for celebration sites and activities)

To most people in most states, July 24^th is just another day at the office, but in Utah, banks and many businesses close their doors and celebrate the 24^th of July, known as Pioneer Day or the Days of ’47 Celebration. This is our chance, whether we are multi-generational Utahns or 1^st generation Utahns, to celebrate the Pioneers who traveled West in the 1840s and began settling the Utah territory.

Today’s celebration include fireworks and parades. The Days of ’47 parade is broadcast on the local NBC station. People picnic, swim, hike or enjoy a lazy day in the comfort of their air conditioned house. A few years ago I laughed as I observed one of our local churches having a huge fair-like celebration outside in the sweltering St. George heat. I wondered if their pioneer progenitors weren’t rolling their eyes at these well meaning celebrants who could be inside enjoying modern cooling systems rather than melting in the heat of the day. Oh well, at least the kids enjoyed getting squirted by one of the local fire trucks.

I am in awe of the pioneers who were sent to settle St. George. Most were not volunteers but came by assignment to settle St. George and see if cotton could be grown here in the south. I love this desert, but I have adequate water supplies and climate controlled buildings. It is difficult to imagine, especially now as the sun and the heat beat upon us, what it would be like to live and raise a family without those basic comforts.

Click on the links to some of the Pioneer Day local events in the St. George area. (St. George City does not sponsor any specific events.) Happy 24th:

·         Ivins City Morning Celebration

Ø  Pancake Breakfast

Ø  Flag Raising Ceremony

Ø  Parade

Ø  Events in the Park

·         Washington City All Day Celebration

Ø  Flag Ceremony

Ø  Breakfast

Ø  Parade

Ø  Events in multiple Parks

Ø  Fireworks

·         Hurricane City Morning Celebration

Ø  5 K Run

Ø  Breakfast

Ø  Parade

Ø  Games

·         Enterprise All Day Celebration

Ø  Fun Run

Ø  Scout Pancake Breakfast

Ø  Parade

Ø  Program

Ø  Foot Races

Ø  Splash Party

Ø  Rodeo

·         Springdale Evening Celebration

Ø  Live Music

Ø  Dinner

Ø  Games

Contact me to find a place to settle and put down your roots.

Chris Jones 435-313-3966

Or

www.whystgeorge.com

Have you REALLY done Pine Valley?

Pine Valley Mountain over St. George Utah (source wikipedia)

Anyone who has spent much time in St. George, Utah knows at least a little bit about Pine Valley and the Pine Valley Mountains that are the northern backdrop of St. George. It is one of the places that we desert rats find respite from the hot, summer heat.  It is one of those places that we desert rats go in the winter to remind ourselves what that white stuff that falls from the sky in the winter feels like. If we are one of the lucky desert rats, it is the place that we purchase our cabin (or second home) and enjoy the peace and beauty of the green meadows and mountains.

You may have attended or at least toured the old, pioneer Pine Valley church. You may have camped with the scouts or fished in the lake. You may have even gone tubing up on the west side of the lake. But…Have you hiked the mountain? Have you hiked to the highest peak in the Pine Valley Mountains? Signal Peak is the highest peak and is recognized as a strenuous hike. It is not a walk for wimps, but the view from the top is incredible. As I was researching some of the details of this hike, I read a couple of opinions that the Forsyth Trail actually offered better views. I can’t say for sure from personal experience, but Signal Peak would be tough to beat.  

(source hikeradventures.com)

I wonder if with all the other great outdoor hikes around the St. George area if Pine Valley hikes are sometimes overlooked. Take some time to discover the beautiful, less busy hiking areas around Pine Valley. Just remember to choose your hikes wisely—like I said, some of them are not for the wimpy.

Here are some great links with details that I found:

Detailed instructions on how to get to Signal Peak-- http://www.utah.com/hike/signal-peak-from-pine-valley-trail

A little more history, detail and pictures-- http://www.summitpost.org/signal-peak/152966

Forsyth Trail option-- http://southernutahhiker.com/Pinevalley.html

We, of course, have loved staying in cabins in Pine Valley and have helped sellers and buyers find their slice of heaven. We would love to help you!

Call Chris at 435-313-2966

Or

Visit www.whystgeorge.com

HAPPY HIKING!!!

Betcha a cupcake this is new to you! Aviation Navigation Arrows in Washington County.

I love finding out new and unique things especially when they pop up in what seems to be the ordinary life around me.  The other day I was told about these giant cement aviation navigation arrows that have been in Washington County since the mid-1920’s.  I was floored that this was the first I had ever heard of these.  Here is what they look like. I can’t believe that we haven’t seen or at least heard about them as we have trapesed across our wonderful desert:

Pictures from Washington County Historical Society website.

According to the Washington County historical society, when the postal service began delivering mail by air, flying across country was somewhat dicey since the pilots had to rely on landmarks to navigate across the country. To solve the problem the Postal Service proposed “the world’s first ground-based civilian navigation system: a series of lighted beacons that would extend from New York to San Francisco. Every ten miles, pilots would pass a70-foot concrete arrow on the ground which was painted a bright yellow.” Eventually they created a route down to Los Angeles which is when the arrows in Washington County were installed. Some had beacon lights as well as towers. Once modern navigation systems took over the need for these navigation arrows was gone and the big cement slaps are all that are left.(http://wchsutah.org/aviation/navigation-arrows.php ) Click the link to get more details. I found it fascinating.

There are four arrows that have been identified in Washington County: one on the black ridge, one by Quail Creek, one on Shinob Kibe (Washington), one west of the Bloomington Walmart.

https://www.facebook.com/ShinobKibe

http://wchsutah.org/geography/shinob-kibe.php

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2013/09/07/jt-washington-county-points-the-way-from-salt-lake-to-l-a-1920s-navigational-cement-arrows/#.U7zQR_ldWvI

I guess my kids now know (or at least they’ll find out soon) where our next morning hike will be. Love learning new things.

Let us help you discover your place in Washington County.

Call Chris at 435-313-3966

Or

Visit: www.whystgeorge.com

Celebrate Freedom with the Navy’s Blue Angels

In the busy, day-to-day fray of life, I fear we sometimes forget to express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy here in our great country. I am grateful for the holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the Fourth of July that cause us to stop, acknowledge and remember the freedoms we enjoy and the price that has been paid by so many people for us to live and prosper in this country.

In July, the Navy’s Blue Angels will be making a return trip to St. George. (July 25-27). http://www.thunderoverutah.com/ The entire show is fun to see, and you can’t help but be amazed by the skill of the pilots and different aircraft that comes to the show. But I am also reminded of when they came two years ago and were doing practice runs through the skies of St. George prior to the show. I don’t know if all of St. George experienced the same pre-show thrill or if it was just the location of our home that seemed to get several fly-bys, but just hearing them fly above my head put a lump in my throat. If you will indulge me for a moment, I have to express my gratitude to the people throughout history who have had the vision and courage to stand up for what they believe—the people who knew the beauty of living in a country that affords freedom of expression and thought.

So the Blue Angels are in St. George and what better way to celebrate America in the month of July than by going and seeing the elite Navy pilots demonstrate the glamorous side of serving in the armed forces.

For selling or buying a home, feel free to contact us:

Chris at 435-313-3966

Or

www.whystgeorge.com

Other informative links for Blue Angels and their show in St. George:

http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/show/

http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2014/01/16/avm-blue-angels-return-to-st-george-thunder-over-utah-discount-tickets-available/#.U7t4c_ldWvI

Dog Days of Summer: Fighting High Utility Bills

ACKK!!! I opened my utility bill and just about had a heart attack. You would think after all of these years of living in the desert it wouldn’t cause such palpitations, but even knowing that my bill will soar in direct proportion to the temperature, I still go through a moment of shock each summer. So this year I decided to implement some of those great tips that you see each summer.  Here is a list of energy saving tips that I found pretty practical. (taken from https://www.pacificpower.net/res/sem/het/tsest.html)

1.    Set your air conditioner thermostat as high as comfortable – we recommend 78ºF or higher when you’re at home, and 85ºF when you’re gone. Keep inside air vents clear from furniture and other objects.
 

2.    Have your central air conditioner tuned up and clean or replace filters monthly for more efficient operation.
 

3.    Minimize indoor heat: run the dryer and dishwasher at night on hot days and let your dishes air dry. Avoid heat-generating incandescent lighting and use a microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead of the oven. It's best to avoid the use of major appliances between 2 and 8 p.m.
 

4.    Set your water heater to 120ºF.
 

5.    Keep the blinds and windows closed during the day and open at night. This is a no-cost way to keep your home a little cooler.
 

6.    Window, ceiling and whole-house fans are also low-cost ways to keep your home a little cooler.
 

7.    Wash clothes in cold water and clean the lint filter in the dryer after every use.
 

8.    Eliminate, or deactivate, extra freezers or refrigerators if you can, especially if they spend the summer outdoors or in a garage. Better yet, have your old refrigerator or freezer picked up for proper recycling and earn a cash incentive.
 

9.    Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Plug home electronics, such as TVs, DVD players and computers into power strips and turn off the power strips when the equipment is not in use.
 

10.  If you have a pool: consider slowly reducing pool filtration time by 30 minute increments daily. Keep on reducing the time as long as the water appears clean. You may find you only need to run your pool filter six hours a day. Install a timer to control the length of time that the pool pump cycles on.

The only tip I have to modify is #5. Here in our HOT, HOT DESERT, we rarely get the luxury of opening the windows at night, at least not in the full heat of the summer. I walked out at 4:45 a.m. last week and met a wall of hot air---the price we pay for fantastic spring, winter, and fall seasons.

Contact us to help you find the home that you want to spend the dog days of summer in. (Maybe one with a pool :) )

Chris at 435-313-3966

or

www.whystgeorge.com

Culture in the Desert: DSU Tanner Amphitheater

Southern Utah is indisputably the home to some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Take that scenery, in particular Zion National Park, and make it a back drop to a musical or theatrical performance and you are pretty much close to heaven. Hidden just off the main road of Springdale, Utah in the shadows of the majestic Zion National Park cliffs, you can find Dixie State University’s Tanner Amphitheater.  http://dixie.edu/tanner/

One of my favorite performances there was watching and listening to the Utah State Symphony Orchestra. There is never a dull moment as the music washes over you and the setting sun illuminates the towering red cliffs. The forty minute drive from St. George is worth it just to experience the location of this unique venue.

The events vary, so check out the schedule early and see what agrees with your taste, but remember that the O. C. Tanner Amphitheater offers more than just the concert. It offers yet another reason to fall in love with Dixie’s red rock and yes, Dixie’s red sand. http://www.dixie.edu/tanner/events.php

Let us help you find your perfect place live in what we feel is a perfect place to live. Fall in love with Southern Utah.

Find us at www.whystgeorge.com or call 435-313-3966.

Other information for the Tanner Amphitheater: http://dixieculturalarts.com/o-c-tanner-amphitheater-add/