We are fortunate here in Utah to have the distinctiveness of the seasons. But among these four seasons, none allows us to discover as much diversity as our autumns. From those sunny September days to the first snowfall on the colorful foliage of October to the frigid nights of November, we can see it all.

Autumn is a signal of change. On November 1, the Guardsman Pass road gates were closed. It was the annual signal that winter was approaching. I drove on completely clear roads to see for myself.

This week, as I walked through our mountains looking at the aspens and fallen leaves covering the early winter snow, it was a time to reflect on the past six months. Wow, what a wonderful season of Sunday Drives we had this year!

It all started in late April with a hike to the summit of Ensign Peak in downtown Salt Lake City, offering panoramic views of the western Utah desert, the Oquirrh Range and Antelope Island.

Being a history buff myself, this year we visited a Jeep museum in the central Utah desert and a fire truck collection in Grantsville. Oh, and let’s not forget the Museum of Clean up in Pocatello, Idaho. I still can’t believe I drove three hours to see a vacuum cleaner collection – but it was, hands down, one of the best adventures of the summer. In fact, I also have my eyes set on the Idaho Potato Museum for next year!

Sunday Drives are all about adventure. And adventure is about discovery. What I’m trying to do with Sunday Drive is get you to push the boundaries a little bit. Maybe it’s finding a new easy hike for the family, like Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove. Or maybe it’s a little more adventurous, like finally taking your shiny Jeep Wrangler out into the desert to drive through the Elberta Tunnel or climbing the switchbacks to Inspiration Point in Box Elder County for a scenic sunset .

Over the past six months, Sunday Drive has taken you to 28 new destinations. Every week I had this moment of struggle: “Is there really a place new see?” And every week, a revelation came to me – often with the help of my wife, Carole.

My inspiration for adventure came from my parents. Our childhood trips were frequent, although a little tamer than what we do today for adventure here in Utah. Growing up in Wisconsin, my sense of history was fueled by trips to Gettysburg, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. I got a kick out of weekend trips in the 1950s to northern Illinois to smuggle margarine back to our dairy-only state of Wisconsin – always with a stop at the Wagon Wheel Resort or Tibbie’s for Sunday afternoon fried chicken.

What is your family adventure? What memories do you leave for your children to pass on? With winter approaching, Sunday Drives require a little more planning. Watch the weather. Don’t hesitate to call a ranger station to ask.

Want an extra adventure? Take the family for a hike in Coldwater Canyon in North Ogden under The Major Flag, flying proudly for one more weekend.

As I close out this season of Sunday Drives, I want to thank all of my readers for your support. I’ve heard about you more than ever this season. It means everything to me that readers come to me in town to share their enthusiasm for discovering new destinations and develop their sense of adventure.

For now, enjoy the transition to Ridgelines next week. And I’ll see you again next spring with Sunday Drive.

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