My co-pilot has crooked ears.

I needed to be inspired today. 

I’ve been in a funk, and I’m not sure why. Ever have those days? There’s no ONE thing to pin it on, but things are just off. After feeling the stress level rise slightly as I reviewed the “My Wedding is in 103 Days” to-do list, I decided I needed a change of scenery.

With Cholula still on lock-down while her boo-boos heal, I couldn’t take her for a hike or swim like I wanted to. No, this mission was different. I welcomed her company as my navigator and co-pilot, and we hit the road in search of The View. I armed us with provisions, and XM was playing the good stuff. Cholula was alert and up for anything. So far, so good.

I didn’t have a clear direction, so I just started exploring random roads. If a view was my goal, it made sense to head UP. I caught a couple vistas of the “PC” initials on the hill below me, but considering my stunning surroundings, I knew I’d find better.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who needed to be inspired.

I should pause here and openly admit that I am spoiled when it comes to a good view. I live in a good view. I’ve spent years gallivanting around the Wasatch range, the Rockies, the San Juans. I’m certainly thankful for all of the beauty around me… but it would take a lot to impress me today.

I drove through Park City, smiling at the happy tourists with their cameras and fanny packs. It’s fun to be reminded that I get to live in a place where people come for vacation, even when there’s no snow for the Town Lift.

I checked out parts of the town I hadn’t seen before. An old mining town, Park City is full of the charm that new development can’t recreate. I even saw some untouched relics of the past.

My co-pilot was bored into unconsciousness (and secretly turning on my seat heater). I left Old Town and kept heading UP toward Guardsman Pass. I had a hunch the view I needed awaited me there.

I was right.

In every direction, there was something captivating in view. Grassy fields, rocky bluffs, looming mountain ranges in the distance, a huge sky filling with billowy thunderclouds… My mission was accomplished. This was inspiring.

An unexpected treat at this altitude was the colorful blanket of wildflowers still in bloom.

Even Sleeping Beauty perked up for a bit.

On the way down the mountain, it was clear an evening thunderstorm was building. Scattered patches of rain hit the windshield before I got home, but I wasn’t ready to end our mini-adventure.

Just behind our neighborhood, I drove the dirt road and enjoyed the feeling of solitude.

(Co-pilot FAIL.)

The clouds parted for a moment, before the rain really got going. I spotted a couple of trouble-makers, out for happy hour drinks.

I headed toward home, just up around the bend. The sky would soon get gray again, and a decent downpour would ensue. A glass of wine would top off a fun adventure, out of the house and into the mountains.

Cozy in my beloved slippers, I listened to the rain on the roof as I reviewed the photographs of the afternoon. How could I not be inspired? Stellar views, glorious wildflowers, wildlife- all in my backyard.

And the cutest pair of crooked ears you’ll ever see.