Nebo Loop: Fall Leaves

Nebo Loop: Fall Leaves
Darrel L. Hammon

Joanne and I finally completed the entire Nebo Loop on Saturday. We attempted the trip last year between Conference sessions but didn't quite make it, primarily because we--actually mostly me--had stopped so many times to take pictures, we didn’t make it too far. 

 

Joanne had to work at the BYU Health Clinic in the a.m.; so, we didn't get off until the afternoon. After having a delicious lunch from the leftover steak we had BBQ'ed last night, we headed for Nebo Loop Road. So, this year, we decided to take our time and take lots of pictures along the way.

The irony is this: We probably should have done the look much earlier. Many of the leaves had already fallen. Up higher, though, the leaves were still very bright yellow and some green 

There is something about autumn and its turning of colors. We who live in a climate where we have the changing of the seasons--spring to summer, summer to fall, fall to winter, winter to spring--feel blessed. Yes, we sometimes don't like the snow, mostly because of the cold it brings and the treacherous driving conditions, but we like what it does to the landscape. It paints the old and the ugly with a whiteness that creates a purity that goes beyond the imagination. 

Enough of the metaphor...let's continue the ride.

 

Not too far up the road, we stopped to look at the creek that runs down the canyon. For me, water running through and over rocks and then through beautiful Quaken Aspen (a.k.a. "Quakies) creates a sense of calmness. 

We stopped at the Beaver Dam Overlook. How beautiful and vast! 

Joanne and I took a selfie when we stopped at the Beaver Dam Overlook. We aren’t the best  "selfie" takers....but, alas, here it is.

We stopped along the way to see various parts. We loved the overlook that looked out to Utah Lake and beyond.

                

Just before you get to the turn off that leads to Nephi, there are several outcroppings of different rocks. 

Most of them are white. Beautiful! I told Joanne we needed to come back and hike to some of them to see them up close.

 It took us over four hours to drive the Nebo Loop, but it was well worth it! 

I suspect had we stopped along the way even more than we did, we probably would still be up there. Many pullouts were for trail heads. Many cars and trucks were parked, now empty because people were probably were sauntering all over those mountains and hills, enjoying the yellows, golds, reds, greens, and other fall colors. 

We loved the trip and cannot wait until next year to see more colors that God has in His palette. When one looks across the valleys and the overlooks and the incredible vistas, how can one say there is no God? This stuff doesn't just happen! It has to be created, and many thanks to a loving Heaven Father whose creations are incredible!