My daughter joins me in the West

Ilsa, just outside her front door at Canyonlands NP

You never know when you wake up what adventures a day may hold. That was true for my daughter a few weeks ago.

Just as I was arriving for my stint at Arches National Park, a student worker scheduled to come to Canyonlands NP backed out at the last moment. My boss was desperately asking around for tips on individuals who might replace that worker for three months, and I thought of my unemployed daughter in Minnesota. It was a wild idea… but, with a few bumps and some finagling, it came together.

Yesterday she arrived. After 1400 miles, city girl meets wild west. It’s gonna be a great spring.

One of my favorite experiences is to be alongside someone seeing these remarkable locations for the first time. Their awe and wonder are a source of deep joy to me. I hope many of you can come to these places for inspiration, rest and soul-refueling.

White Rim Overlook -- that white rock is 1000 feet below us