The Azure Waters of Lake Powell
Their journey began at Lake Powell, a sprawling reservoir straddling the Utah-Arizona border. As they arrived, the sight of cerulean waters framed by red sandstone cliffs took their breath away.
Renting a small houseboat, they spent their first day navigating the lake’s shimmering expanse. The water sparkled under the sun, and the towering cliffs created an otherworldly backdrop.
The King took the helm with an eager grin, steering them toward secluded coves and hidden beaches, while Palacia leaned over the rail, her hair catching the wind.
“It feels like we’ve stepped into another world,” she said, marveling at the beauty surrounding them.
In the evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they docked in a quiet cove. Over a simple dinner of grilled fish and fresh vegetables, they listened to the symphony of water lapping against the boat and the calls of distant birds.
Day Two: The Mysteries of the Labyrinth Canyons
The next day brought them to the Labyrinth Canyons, a maze-like network of sandstone corridors accessible only by boat. Armed with a map and a sense of adventure, they set off early in the morning.
The canyons were a marvel—narrow passages with towering walls that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The sunlight filtered through cracks and crevices, painting the walls in shades of gold and orange.
At one point, they turned a corner to find a hidden grotto where water cascaded gently over moss-covered rocks. Palacia couldn’t resist stepping into the cool water, letting the cascade wash over her hands.
“It’s like nature’s cathedral,” she whispered, her voice reverent.
The day was filled with laughter and wonder as they navigated the labyrinth, occasionally stopping to explore on foot. The silence of the canyons was profound, broken only by the sound of their footsteps and the echoes of their voices.
Day Three: The Majesty of Zion National Park
From Lake Powell, they made their way to Zion National Park, where towering cliffs and lush valleys awaited them. The park’s iconic red rock formations seemed to glow in the morning light as they set out on the Angels Landing hike, one of the park’s most famous and challenging trails.
The climb was steep and exhilarating, with switchbacks that tested their endurance. Yet, as they reached the summit and gazed out over the sprawling valley below, every step felt worth it.
“This view is beyond anything I imagined,” the King said, his arm around Palacia as they took in the breathtaking panorama.
The day ended with a leisurely stroll along the Riverside Walk, where the Virgin River carved its way through the canyon. The cool water offered relief from the summer heat, and Palacia couldn’t help but dip her feet into the gentle current.
Day Four: The Otherworldly Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon was their next destination, a place famed for its unique hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that rose like sentinels from the canyon floor.
Arriving at sunrise, they were greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors as the first light illuminated the rocks in shades of red, orange, and pink.
The couple chose the Queen’s Garden Trail, a moderate hike that wound through some of the canyon’s most iconic formations. Along the way, they marveled at the surreal beauty of the hoodoos, their shapes and shadows shifting with the changing light.
“This place feels like it belongs in a fairytale,” Palacia said, capturing the moment with her camera.
Evenings Under the Stars
Each evening, the couple returned to their campsite or lodge, where they shared quiet moments under the vast desert sky. The stars shone with an intensity they had never seen back home, a reminder of how small yet connected they were to the universe.
One night, as they sat by the campfire, Palacia reflected on the journey. “This trip is exactly what we needed,” she said. “The Dacha is our heart, but being here, in all this wild beauty, reminds me why we do what we do. To create spaces that inspire, that connect people to something bigger than themselves.”
A Journey to Remember
By the time they returned to Orlando, their hearts were full and their minds brimming with inspiration. They brought back more than memories—they brought the spirit of the West, its untamed beauty and sense of wonder, to infuse into Palacia Dacha.
The journey reminded them of the importance of exploration, not just to discover new places, but to reconnect with each other and the world around them. For Palacia and the King, the trip to Utah wasn’t just an escape; it was a renewal of their shared vision and the perfect fuel for the next chapter of their story.