My childhood is filled with cherished yet bittersweet memories of family trips to destinations such as Corpus Christi, Rapid City, Kauai, Calgary, the vineyards in Penticton, Acapulco, and Cancun. These places were worlds apart from the monotonous landscapes of Southeast Idaho, where I grew up surrounded by deserts and endless fields of wheat, potatoes, and alfalfa. Although I appreciate my home state now, that sentiment was absent during my youth.

I yearned for the thrill of exploration, eager to escape to anywhere but here.

Among my most treasured adventures were the annual road trips we took from Idaho to Arizona in our two-tone brown Pontiac Bonneville. I relished every moment—traversing the dirt and gravel roads before merging onto the interstate, where we would exhaust cassette tapes filled with the Beatles, Elvis, and the Rocky IV soundtrack. The exhilarating sensation of heading <i>somewhere</i> was true freedom, especially during the Christmas break when snow was left behind.

As we entered Utah, the expansive view of the Great Salt Lake began to unfold before us, revealing the surrounding plains, mountains, and towns.

The lake, flat and sprawling across the alkaline desert, may not be the most visually appealing, but it possesses a unique charm. Surrounded by the towering Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges, it seems they stand vigilant over the land below, contributing to the area's attraction for countless newcomers.

After leaving the Salt Lake Valley and passing through Cedar City—where winter snow often vanished and the weather warmed—we would continue through St. George in Utah, then venture into Arizona, passing Mesquite, Nevada, and finally arriving in Las Vegas. By then, our winter coats were long forgotten.

> “By the time it was done in 1973 the project had become the most expensive road project in American history, with a price tag in today’s money of over 50 million dollars per mile!” Source.

This stretch of road, notorious for its steep, winding turns and occasional rockfalls, often accompanied by the dramatic Vangelis score of Chariots of Fire, offered some of my favorite scenic views. The Virgin River Gorge, in particular, is a highlight of this area, not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for the bittersweet memories associated with it.

While some might not rank this location among the most picturesque, its striking features are undeniably captivating, filled with eccentric rock formations and unique vegetation like the ‘creeping devil’ and ‘dead man’s fingers’ cactus, as well as the well-known Joshua Tree.

I appreciated a description from The Most Strange Cactus in the Garden by the Desert Botanical Garden:

> “Razor sharp spines. Plants that cut themselves to creep along the ground. Cactus with mutations!”

The region is also home to a diverse array of sagebrush and similar plants in various stages of life and decay.

The hills and mountains, marked with crags, cracks, caves, and oddly shaped rock formations, appear as if hastily assembled, as if the creator ran out of time. The jagged canyon features steep cliffs and drop-offs, with the Virgin River winding through the gorge. Although it may not be the most beautiful river, it possesses a peculiar allure. Numerous dry riverbeds hint at a time when water shaped the landscape.

Hiking in this area is possible, but be prepared for the relentless heat and intense sun. It’s wise to venture out in the cool morning or evening, bringing ample water and sticking to known trails or using reliable GPS to avoid getting lost.

After our Virgin River adventures, we often spent time in Las Vegas, where everything was incredibly affordable back then. We would then make our way to Kingman, Arizona, traversing the Mohave Desert, a land populated with coyotes, cacti, and vibrant earth and rock.

However, the most unforgettable aspect of our trips from Idaho to Arizona was the awareness of time slipping away. If only we had realized how precious those moments were.

A vivid memory remains of stopping at a scenic overlook along Interstate 15, where a sweeping view of the Virgin River Gorge could be seen.

“Don’t get too close to the edge,” my mother would caution us gently. To this day, I maintain a safe distance from any precipice, even with a guardrail. Her words continue to resonate within me.

Little did I know that just a few years later, at the age of seventeen, she would be taken from us, like fine sand swept away by the wind. My brothers and I, still so young, were the ones robbed of her presence. I often wish to return to that time before everything changed, before life became incomprehensible.

It was only after her passing at 46 that we understood what truly made those trips special—her presence. She had a way of making everything beautiful, wonderful, and enjoyable. Have you ever known someone like that? Someone who infuses the world with energy, vitality, and wonder?

Her time in our lives was tragically brief, and she set a standard for others that remains unmatched. Despite my efforts to find someone who could compare, I have faced disappointment—an ongoing struggle that I address through therapy and mindfulness.

If she were alive today, she would have celebrated her 79th birthday on March 17th. She adored travel, photography, trying new dining experiences, and discovering new places. I long for her company on explorations of the vibrant streets of New York City, the beauty of Orlando's theme parks, and numerous other destinations.

Regrettably, I do not possess the family photos from those trips. One day, I hope to track them down with whichever brother, uncle, or aunt has them.

I came across a page that I enjoyed, providing insights about the Virgin River Gorge and featuring stunning photography: Introduction to the Virgin River Gorge — Adam Elliott Photography.

Regardless of where I go or what I do, I constantly think of her and wish she were here to share in my adventures. Life feels incomplete without her.

Some individuals are so unique and exceptional that they cannot be replaced.

Have you ever known someone like that? A rare person who held immense significance in your life but is now gone. The notion of the typical 'stages of grief' is misleading and overly simplistic.

In truth, the absence of certain people remains with us throughout our lives, their loss never fully fading. But it’s okay; we can endure. The shared experiences of joy and sorrow are what truly connect us as human beings.

By the way, did anyone notice something peculiar in that first photo, a detail that appears in many of my pictures? I didn’t until my cousin pointed it out, but that’s a story for another time.

This narrative was crafted as part of the April writing challenge focused on scenic vistas here on Globetrotters, introduced by Anne Bonfert:

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<h2>April Monthly Challenge — Scenic Vistas</h2>

<div><h3>Vast, endless and breathtaking</h3></div>

<div><p>medium.com</p></div>

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Can you create an engaging and descriptive story about a scenic vista you’ve visited? We’d love to read your experiences.

Here are some additional stories that feature stunning scenic vista photography that you might enjoy:

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<h2>A Scenic (and Whirlwind) Tour of Sedona, Arizona</h2>

<div><h3>Red rocks and sweeping views</h3></div>

<div><p>medium.com</p></div>

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<h2>Moments of Scenic Serenity</h2>

<div><h3>Sights that make the world pause</h3></div>

<div><p>medium.com</p></div>

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