Back to Mount Nebo
Fall Colour Tour 2006
October 8

9000 South and Redwood Road was our departure point for this year's fall tour. Meeting here were Larry and Margaret Farrington in their '76 TR-6, John Progress in his '62 MGA, Roger and Jill Davis in their '93 Honbeam, Mary and Mike Scoggins in their '74 TR-6, Clayton Merchant in his '58 MGA, Gary Lindstrom in his '60 TR-3A and me, Paul Jaroch in my '95 C 280 "Benz-O-Matic".

Rolling south on Redwood Rd. the city quickly turns to farmlands of gentle, rolling hills along the west side of Utah Lake. Sky is blue, temps are warm, there's the aroma of cut hay in the air and traffic is almost nil. We motor south on SR-68 to Goshen and on down that fun road by Mona Lake to Nephi. There we get treats at Wendy's and hook up with Bert Cherry in his '59 Jaguar and Rondo Rawlins and friend in his "Fusion Green" Spitfire. We're rolling as a group now.

Up on the Mt. Nebo Loop the climb is serious. I'm watching my temp gauge so I know everyone else sure is as well. But not to worry, the Little British Cars motored right on up that grade without a miss like the happy little cars they are. The road is in good shape and the scenery on the climb is stunning. We settle into the campground areas and begin seeing four legged residents, deer and black cattle which nod in approval as we slowly motor by. Mary says they are interested because most of us are red.

We stop and picnic at Bear Canyon where it's so still. I cross the little road to take pictures and all I hear is the water in the creek. This entire area is horse and hiking recreational and I have noticed many trail heads along the way up. I'll notice many more throughout the drive up to the summit and on down.

Once up top we stop at one of the many overlooks on the way down, one with a short hike to a "mini Bryce Canyon" geologic site. The aromas of cedar and other flora along the trail are incredible. The other overlooks are just as beautiful down the grade and we pull in at many to enjoy the view.

Now it's as steep going down to Santaquin Canyon and Payson as it was going up from Nephi. This is one dramatic drive and I'm impressed.

Once down below we bid one another farewell and head north, half of us on rural Hwy 89 rather than the interstate. This takes us through historic old towns and on up to Lehi and I-15 the rest of the way home.

Roger and Jill summed up the drive best with, "many different types of roads for us, lots of stops along the way for everyone to get together and talk, impeccable weather and scenery".

This was easily one of the most enjoyable drives I have participated in.

--- Paul Jaroch

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