SYRACUSE -- Six people piling into one RV and visiting 43 Utah state parks in three days.
Sounds like a television reality show, right?
That could be a possibility as a videographer will be along for the ride when this sight-seeing group leaves Antelope Island for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
"I can't wait to see what it's like when the whole thing is done," said Barbara Riddle, president and CEO of Davis Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau. "We've been calling it a little like the Chevy Chase 'Vacation' tour. Our hope is nobody ends up in the rocking chair on top of the RV on the way back."
Riddle is one of the road-trippers who will leave Antelope Island at noon on May 12 with the hope of returning to Antelope Island on May 15, after stopping at each of the state parks.
Also with a seat in the RV are Chris Dallin, Tim Hughes, Russ Smith, Bill Francis and Vaughn Jacobsen, all of whom are involved with the Antelope Island Stampede Committee.
"The idea of the road trip is to showcase the importance, beauty and diversity of Utah's state park system and rally Utahns to come out and support their favorite state parks, and state parks in their communities," Riddle said.
Dallin came up with the idea when he and Jacobsen were talking about Dallin's idea for a fun weekend.
"I believe that life is made up of activities and fun moments and we thought this would be a fun way to see state parks," said Dallin, a board member of the Davis County Chamber of Commerce.
The road-trippers have not planned the final route; however, Willard Bay State Park is likely the first destination. After that, the RV will head north to Hyrum and Bear Lake state parks before heading back south.
Riddle said there could be welcoming parties at each spot. She also mentioned that the group plans to drop in at the Utah Tourism Conference in Park City.
The trip has even gained national attention, with the U.S. Travel Association recognizing the trip as an official event.
Dallin said he thinks that it is sad that when he talks with people around Davis County, they tell him about trips to Paris, Cozumel and Cancun. But when he asks them if they can name four Utah State parks, he has not found one person who can answer.
"Around here they say Willard Bay, Antelope Island, and that's as far as they go," Dallin said. "We hope we can bring some attention as a part of this and help people recognize that there is beauty out there that needs to be discovered by them and their families."
All Access Recreation Club will provide the RV and Chevron will chip in some cash. The Imagination Company, owned by Francis, will provide the videographer.
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