How could my "U" for the ABC-Along be anything else?
Utah is a place I have had a love-hate relationship all my life. Not being one of the 'predominate culture' can be rough, but there are too many good things about living in Utah, so there is little need to complain about the not so good.
The number one reason to live in Utah is its beauty. Northern Utah has the majestic Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, both of which are minutes from nearly every front door. Recreation opportunities can be had year round and if you don't recreate you can just absorb the beauty by looking up.
Here are a variety of pictures from the Wasatch Range and most of the places shown are minutes from my home. 
Southern Utah is a whole nuther thing. When No. Utah is considered high desert country, the southern part of the state is the real deal when it comes to red rock and sand. The landscape is very unique and awe-inspiring in a completely different way than the mountain country. The National Parks of the area are 'must see' destinations if you travel West.
Many of the So. Utah pictures were 'stolen' from my sister Neena's blog. She lives in Cedar City, home the Utah Shakespearean Festival, another great thing about living in Utah.
Utah Pictures is a fabulous site full of Utah pictures (what else?) from all over the State. Be forewarned, there is sound and the first time I heard it I about fell out of my chair. Most of my ABCAlong posts have been places in Utah and you can check them out here.
I really enjoy your pictures of your state and, to be honest, I never would have known anything about it (apart from the whole Mormon thing) without you!
Posted by: AmyP | October 12, 2006 at 05:25 AM
Thanks to you, I have long wanted to visit Utah. It is lovely and you are fortunate.
Posted by: Teresa C | October 12, 2006 at 05:27 AM
You certainly live in a beauty-full place! Look at all the different kinds of places there are. Thanks for the tour.
Posted by: Ann | October 12, 2006 at 05:35 AM
It is truly gorgeous. And I, once far ahead, have now fallen behind in the ABC-Along.
I guess I know what my T is going to be, although it's rather boring. I have NO IDEA what my U will be....underwear?
Posted by: Norma | October 12, 2006 at 06:09 AM
Beautiful pictures, even if some were borrowed:) I would like to visit Utah in the winter; I hear the skiing's pretty good :)
Posted by: Alison | October 12, 2006 at 06:13 AM
Utah is somewhere I'd never have imagined wanting to see if it weren't for you. Your pictures and writing have demonstrated clearly that there is more to Utah than Mormons.
Posted by: hillary | October 12, 2006 at 06:18 AM
Absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Laurie | October 12, 2006 at 06:25 AM
I was in Utah as a child - we came down from our home in Wyoming to go camping in Utah. Unfortunately, I remember very little about the trip, as I was about 5 or 6 years old. I hope to make some more Utah memories one day. Your blog always makes me want to visit! You live in a beautiful state, indeed! ;)
Posted by: Lolly | October 12, 2006 at 06:27 AM
I never even considered the beauty of Utah before I started reading your blog. Since then I've seen it in person and agree that the scenery is simply gorgeous. But you forgot to mention the most beautiful thing about Utah and that YOU.
Posted by: Carole | October 12, 2006 at 06:34 AM
We've been from Promontory and the Golden Spike, to Moab,Arches and Dead Horse Canyon, to St. George, Brice and Zion, to Park City and the mountains...still haven't seen all there is to see in Utah. We'd keep coming back even if we DIDN'T have a baby granddaughter living there!
Posted by: Marcia | October 12, 2006 at 06:35 AM
beauutiful. Utah is definately on my list to visit!!
Posted by: Kelly | October 12, 2006 at 06:42 AM
The one time I visited Utah, we spent most of our time in the south, visiting Bryce Canyon and Zion National park. What gorgeous places.
Posted by: Jennifer | October 12, 2006 at 06:54 AM
Great photos (as always), and a lovely tribute to our beautiful state.
Posted by: Cheryl | October 12, 2006 at 07:13 AM
Margene I have always wanted to come and visit Utah so one of these days I will be knocking at your door! I want to go to your favourite restaurant and have breakfast too! The only red sand we have is in PEI (but no desert) and the mountains remind me of Alberta and BC (all of which I have had the pleasure of visiting or living there). When you are surrounded by such physical natural beauty it is so good for your soul.
Posted by: Cynthia | October 12, 2006 at 07:39 AM
I'm really glad I've been able to visit Utah as much as I have. Deep down I'm a mountain person, even though I've lived my whole life in the flat lands.
Posted by: wool winder | October 12, 2006 at 07:48 AM
Thanks for sharing all that beauty on a regular basis. I've only visited Southern Utah, but I'd really love to see your part of the state. It looks breathtakingly beautiful.
Posted by: regina | October 12, 2006 at 07:56 AM
I fell in love with Utah the first time I came here--about 6 years ago. I loved the Mountains and the snow (I came in January), then I had a chance to talk to the people and I felt so welcomed: everyone seem to be so courteous and respectful.
Although I love NY, UT has won my heart, especially Cache Valley.
Posted by: Isela | October 12, 2006 at 08:07 AM
You know I love Utah..............one of the very best places to motorcycle, in my humble little opinion. Next time, we'll have to motor your way and pay you a little visit.......vvvrrrrooooommmmm..........
Posted by: christine | October 12, 2006 at 08:31 AM
Bryce Canyon takes my breath away! As do the flowers in summer and fall colours in our No. Utah mountains
Posted by: Jacquie | October 12, 2006 at 08:40 AM
It's great that you live in a place that you do, clearly, love and appreciate. Beautiful!
Posted by: Vicki | October 12, 2006 at 08:59 AM
Thanks to you, I can now say I have been to Utah twice in my life, and I loved the beauty of it and want more! Thanks for assembling this breathtaking gallery - the state tourism board should hire you.
Posted by: Birdsong | October 12, 2006 at 09:07 AM
I never thought I would say this because I was so anxious to move away, but I really, really miss Utah! I even miss the extreme season changes (i.e. only 2 weeks of spring and fall). I really think there are some tough things about living there, though. Even if you ARE a conservative Mormon (which I am), it is really an unusual culture, and so I've always had a lot of sympathy for people who aren't a part of the culture at all--they have a lot of patience to deal with our little bit of funniness! But it's true, there are so many good things about Utah, too. We miss the skiing, and, of course, the mountains, and just the feel of the air! It's a great place.
It took me a long time to stop being so picky, but I really think there are wonderful things about almost all places. So glad you love it there!
Posted by: Kim | October 12, 2006 at 09:16 AM
Those pictures are truly amazing. I can't wait to meet you either, nor to read about Norma's underwear. (I sympathize with Norma, and think you are lucky to have Utah. When I blogged an alphabetical tribute to my husband, I found U the hardest letter.)
Posted by: Lucia | October 12, 2006 at 09:50 AM
I am so with you on the love-hate thing. My fondest wish for years has been to GET OUT of Utah, but it looks like that may be a long way off. So I have started, instead, to try appreciating what is lovely here. There really are a lot of wonderful aspects, mostly the one you hit on here -- it's beautiful!
Posted by: Katherine | October 12, 2006 at 10:04 AM
Thanks so much for sharing. I didn't realize just how beautiful Utah was. Now I know.
Posted by: Carol | October 12, 2006 at 10:21 AM