AndiePando Aspen Grove
Let me introduce you to Pando, one of the 40 wonders of the world! We met today…had lunch…the Earth’s largest living organism!
Over 40,000 Aspen trees all interconnected with 1 root system1 1 seed. 1 seed started this 106 acre grove. Pando’s energy production, defenses and regeneration involve every stem working to sustain the entire tree. Pando lives in Fishlake National Forest in the Fish Lake Basin, home to one of Utah’s largest natural mountain freshwater lakes.
I left early this morning heading back toward Salt Lake City and once I knew about him, I had to make the small detour. I was cold and snow was covering the ground, but it was a site worth seeing. You can even camp within Pando for Free!! Next time you’re anywhere around, you MUST stop for a visit!
It was unbelievable to see, smell and be engulfed by. Someone told me on my way here to make sure I saw the World’s largest “something”…and I made it happen! Isn’t he beautiful?!
After our visit, I continued on to Monroe, Utah. After all, my flight leaves tomorrow and I have a reservation for a hot springs soak at 8pm!
Mystic Hot Springs, Monroe, Utah
“The best hippie hot springs in the West! An oasis in the desert.”
Mystic Hot Springs was the perfect ending to my trip! I drove a couple of hours to a tiny town called Monroe. Such a beautiful drive, as it always is out here.
Mystic Hot Springs has been known throughout its history as a place of rejuvenation and peace, which is exactly what I came for.
The water continually flows down the hill at a steaming 165 degrees, cooling as it descends. Soaking pools and cast iron bathtubs, (between 100-111*), soothe even the sorest muscles.
The main mineral in the water is calcium carbonate. As it flows into the tubs it quickly build’s layers and layers of brown travertine and creates stunning waterfall trickles.
Calcium is excellent for skin and bones and soothing sore, achy muscles. Thank goodness, because my sunset soak definitely eased my muscles from hiking over 70 miles this week!
Unlike many hot springs, Mystic has no sulfur in the water so there is no stinky smell when you get out or while you’re soaking. You can reserve a 2 hr soak time for $20. I suggest looking at the sunset time and booking your time accordingly!
They also have a campground for small vehicles and tents as well as a plethora of vintage buses to stay in over night! This place was right up my alley and honestly was definitively one of the neatest places I visited!
I’m sad for this to be my last day in Utah. Normally after about 5 days…this momma is ready to go home.
I guess since this trip was spent moving from place to place, it never felt like i was tired of it and ready to go back home to Alabama. It could be because Utah has brought so much happiness and healing to my soul, that I will never forget it. Either way, I know there is a whole life to get back to; One that is worth living.
I’ve learned so much during this journey. Mostly about myself and how when I throw myself out of my comfort zone, I thrive!
I’ve met some great people along the way, healed my heart, experienced some amazing things and discovered even more!
I truly think everyone should solo travel, at least once in their life. It’s empowering!! I know I’ll be a better person, better mother, better friend because of my experiences here. Utah will always have a special place in my heart!
Today, I saw a wonder of the world, stayed at a hippy camp, chased a peacock, experienced a healing hot springs soak, took the shots and turned around to see anything I thought I might have missed.
I met some other, much younger, girls tonight. One had a hurting heart too, and the other was her best friend, that swept her up for an adventure. We soaked together for a bit and talked about life, love and I had a thought… Maybe these springs are more magical than I realized. Maybe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be at this exact moment in time!
Life is so much more than what’s in our box, don’t let it pass you by…and never let ANYONE make you feel like you can’t do anything you set your mind to!
We all deserve a little adventure sometime!!
xoxo,
Andi
Until next Utah…stay amazing!
If you’d like to read why I decided to Solo Travel, Click here! Also, be sure and check out my How to Score Cheap Flights post to help you book the best flight prices!
