This national park preserves more than 2,000 naturally occurring sandstone arches. It’s also home to some lovely desert plants and even a few animals, some of whom are very good at hiding.

Rachel and Hilary were in awe of the vast, open spaces and the grand scale of the rock formations. The Southwest exists in an entirely different palette of colors than the rest of our United States, and we were happy to get a closer glimpse before going deeper into this beautiful land.


As Rachel took it all in, Hilary encouraged her to pose for the cheesy photo above, which made Hilary smile.

(Evidence of smile)

Thanks to Daniel for teaching Hilary what facilitating is really about: noogies. We wish him well on his travels. May he survive the western desert’s Burning Man Arts Festival unscathed.

Andy Zimmer (right) and Tod Apedaike (left) had never met before their visit to StoryCorps. What was obvious as they settled in at MobileBooth West was that neither of them walks; they roll. Tod has used a wheelchair his whole life and Andy has used his wheelchair since a bike accident two years ago. Across the StoryCorps table from one another, however, they discovered that they have a lot more than wheels in common. They share a passion for extreme sports, a “similar outlook on life,” and desire to be and remain fully independent. “Something like this doesn’t change who you are,” said Andy, and what these two guys are is strong stuff. Skiing, rugby and sled hockey are some of their favorite pastimes. Andy also works to make local hiking trails accessible to people of all abilities (parents with strollers, visually impaired individuals, anybody and everybody).

A big thank you to the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University for bringing Tod and Andy together for their interview–and for a tremendous partnership while we were in Logan.

Welcome to Logan, Utah. StoryCorps MobileBooth West pulled in and set up beside the lawn of the Logan LDS Tabernacle, just off Main Street. We quickly became accustomed to one of the local traditions here in Logan. We are located directly over an irrigation channel, with a steady stream of water heading into the city, bound for lawns and gardens.

While the Booth enjoyed cool water lapping at its heels for the first time, we had a smashing opening day with Logan Mayor Randy Watts interviewing his father Cal Watts. Afterward, Cathy Ives (center) and Lee Austin (left) from Utah Public Radio spoke to the crowd of reporters, volunteers, and passers-by, welcoming StoryCorps to its first-ever Utah stop. The Mayor (right) added a few words of his own.>

We made the headlines, with Facilitator Rachel Falcone highlighted in a picture and interview.

A hearty thank you to all of our volunteers. Here, hard at work, are Yi Ching Fedkenheuer and Georgiana Banellis. Logan it is!

Advance Coordinator Eliza Bettinger and Facilitators Daniel Littlewood and Rachel Falcone took full advantage of their day off in the beautiful Cache Valley. We rose early and took a hike up the Wind Cave trail on the north side of Logan Canyon. We were blessed with cool morning clouds and a quiet trail as we ascended.

We were slowed by the delicate finds only the way – curious snail shells and woodwork. What are snail shells doing several thousand feet up anyway?

Resting was necessary too. In one of the natural caves, Daniel took in the view.

Eliza thought this was a good idea too.

And 6000ft later?

Ah, we have arrived.