We had a long day of driving on my 50th birthday, but it was brightened by many phone calls from family and friends. Loved hearing from everyone ... thx! Once we left Nebraska, the scenary got noticeably better. Pine trees, rocky cliffs and even a snow covered mountain in the distance. For lunch, we stopped at a rest area that had gorgeous views. Each picnic area was blocked off by 3 walls due to extreme winds in WY. Luckily, we had a calm day and driving was easy. Miles and miles of nothing in WY - no exits, no homes, no stores ... nothing! At one point, Matt asked, "How does anyone here get to a WalMart?" :-)
Just before entering Utah, we stopped at a rest stop that had a neat natural habitat area for prairie dogs. We got out some chips and hand-fed them for quite awhile. They were everywhere - I guess word got out that a tasty treat was being offered from some humans.
The drive through the mountains in Utah was beautiful. Our shutterfly, Matt, snapped over 50 pictures yesterday! As we drove past Park City (site of 2002 Olympic ski events), we noted how built up it was from the last time we were here almost 20 years ago. It used to be very artsy and quaint. May still be in the actual village, but all around it there were condos and fast food joints.
Salt Lake was hazy when we entered the valley - Dave thought the interstate system was much more intricate than he remembered. Found the hotel (Marriott) easily, and to our delight, we looked out our window on the 12th floor and saw we were directly across the street from the Morman Temple. What a view! Luckily, we arrived just in time to hear the Morman Tabernacle Choir rehearse! They only practice once a week - Thursdays at 7 pm. It was beautiful to hear - full orchestra, organ and many, many voices. They now rehearse in the new Convention Center built on their property as opposed to the smaller Tabernacle. Afterwards, we walked to Squatters - a local brew pub - and had a good dinner. Home by 10:30.
This morning, we headed up Immigration Canyon to have breakfast at Dave's favorite spot - Ruth's - a dining car in the mountains. We all had a fabulous meal. Sat outside in the garden, shaded, looking up at the commanding mountains. Ash ate his ham & cheese omelet and, of course, finished up my meal and Matt's as well. We then toured the U of Utah and drove by the house Dave lived in many years ago.
Dave and Ash dropped Matt and me off at the Gateway Mall (very cool outdoor mall) and they headed for Ogden to the Browning Museum. Matt shopped and shopped for Utah Jazz stuff and came away with two basketballs. Just yesterday Darrin Williams (from U of I) signed a 4 yr contract with the Jazz for $50 million! We got to see him play in Champaign and now he's on the Olympic team and making the big bucks here in Utah. We also went across the street to the Delta Center to go to their Fanz store. Took the light rail train back to the hotel (new in 2006) and will swim and relax until Dave and Ash return.
We did find out some exciting news - the Rocky Mountain Review is this week and NBA teams (along with players trying out for the teams) are playing here in Salt Lake! Matt and I will go an Atlanta/Dallas game at 4:30 today, while Dave and Ash tour Dave's friend Sam's machine shop. Do you get the idea the boys have completely separate interests? Tomorrow we will all be together as we head up into the mountains to ride the chairlifts and see the beautiful scenery.
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