A well worth Travel for good company and perfect hometown food.

The desert really is a perfect scenic terrain. I drove to Vernal, Utah this weekend to visit my long-time friend, Mallory Ross. Vernal is a unique town with a large industry for natural gas and has a beautiful topography. I had a great guide to show me many aspects of the town including some great spots to dine. Split Mountain is the beacon and light of Vernal, where it will always look complex and breathtaking. Standing center, its presence always powerful.

I had the opportunity to see Carnegie Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument. The Quarry is a mass amount of dinosaur fossils that were discovered in 1909 and were left where they were found. The museum was built around the sight.

There are many ancient petroglyphs around Vernal. This first picture is taken within Dinosaur National Monument. These petroglyphs are believed to be anywhere from 800 to 1200 years old.

McConkie Ranch, Vernal. 

It was an eventful hiking and sightseeing day. I am fortunate Mallo is aware of and appreciates these places. The images at McConkie Ranch were my favorite; being better preserved and seeing the detail and design gave me a better idea of what they were drawing. For what resources they had its amazing art. I honestly cannot draw half that well on paper.

I wanted to really try for the full-Vernal experience so I had to try one of their locally owned restaurants.

Mallory told me The Quarry was really good, a little pricy, but never disappoints.  I was a little apprehensive at first because our appetizer was not very impressive and our server was below average. I have been really craving some fish and chips. I have been disappointed the last few times I had ordered this seemingly expensive dish at different places. I decided to ordre their beer-battered halibut and it was very good. The batter was crisp and cooked perfect while the fish was tender. They had a spicy  tarter sauce that complimented the fish well. Let us not forget the importance of a nice cold beer with this classic dish. 

I have always had a great time in Vernal and there is always something to do. I thank my knowledgeable guide and important friend, Mallory and her sister, for giving me this experience.  I had a perfect weekend. I cant wait to visit again and try new trails.