One of the reasons Dave and Jan chose to move to Cedar City in Utah is the city’s proximity to the mountains which border the eastern edge of the city – along with other mountains and mountain ranges in almost every direction.  So, while awaiting the completion of their house, they decided to take a hike in the nearby mountains.  And they didn’t need to travel far to hike because it is only around three or four miles from their house to Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead where there are several trails to choose from.

They chose to take a loop hike of around five miles on two trails which intersect around three miles up the mountain – beginning with the Ghost Flats trail.

There were some nice floral displays to be enjoyed along the way.

And, of course, the natural beauty of the area was accentuated by that of Dave’s favorite lady who well-deserved the day’s break after the months of packing she did for the move from California to Utah.  [By the way, though this blog was set up by Dave and Jan’s son Stephen with Jan’s name attached, those who have followed it may have guessed that it reflects primarily Dave’s perspective as the one who actually does the writing].

The trail through Stephen’s Canyon is surrounded by beautiful red rocks.

It wasn’t long before the Lightening Switch trail diverged from Ghost Flats.

From across Stephen’s Canyon it wasn’t difficult to see why the trail was named Lightening Switch Trail!

As the trail ascended the view of Cedar City below continued to open up.

There were some nice and varied and attractive floral displays to be enjoyed at various points along the way.

Looking toward the south, snow was still visible on some of the heights.

This telephoto shot shows a ball field several hundred yards from the house Dave and Jan are expecting to begin living in – perhaps as early as Friday, May 29th.

In the months and years ahead there are mountains across the valley to the southwest to be explored – along with the mountains just to the east of Cedar City.

Back in town the city’s patriotic perspective was on full display with the approach of the Memorial Day week-end at the beautiful veterans’ park just blocks from Dave and Jan’s new address – 421 North Highland Drive, Cedar City, Utah 84720.

So what’s not to like about Cedar City?  Dave and Jan are grateful for the way the Lord has “greased the skids” for their relocation to such a beautiful region of the country!