Living Life with Jill in Park City, Utah

Outside of snowboarding, we've still had plenty to do with Jill in Park City. On Monday, our first day in town, Jill gave us a tour of the area. We drove past the nearby ski resorts which include Deer Valley (no snowboarders allowed) as well as Park City Mountain and Canyons that have now merged into one giant park (where we've been snowboarding). We saw the downtown main street filled with shops and restaurants. Jill recommended a cafe with red velvet hot chocolate that we vowed to return to try. There's even a lift that runs from downtown to the slopes; it's a true resort town! 

Though Park City is a resort town it feels more like a normal city than we expected. This is probably because of all the standard city amenities that are present. It also doesn't feel isolated because Salt Lake City is just 25 minutes away. Jill said that Park City stays alive in the summer. The town does a good job putting on weekly concerts and events. It also has plenty of hiking and mountain bike trails for summer adventurers. 

On Tuesday we ran some errands in Salt Lake City. I desperately needed a new pair of climbing shoes as mine were full of holes after our time in California. I had found a pair online, but wasn't sure of sizing. As it turned out the company was located in Salt Lake City, so we just dropped by their warehouse instead of ordering online. There was no customer store front, so it was an amusing experience as I sat on a small couch in an office space trying on the climbing shoes from the warehouse in the back. But, I successfully found the right size and purchased them for a good price. I am so excited to try them on the wall! 

Gear Express: No store front, just a warehouse and office in an industrial park

Ridiculously excited to have new climbing shoes

We also took care of our car in Salt Lake City. Lucille got an oil change, tire rotation, and car wash. While that was being done, we wandered the neighborhood parks. We also stumbled upon a Chick-fil-A which Brandon was obliged to get chicken nuggets from. 

Brandon feeding his love of Chick-fil-A nuggets

Tuesday evening, we went to junior high youth group with Jill, as she is the Student Ministry Associate of the church. We participated in the silly games and listened to the lesson about dating and relationships. It was fun to be see that part of her life in action. 

This week we also took time to check out Olympic Park where the 2002 winter games were held. The museums were entertaining, but what was most exciting was seeing the facilities in use. We watched some youths practicing jumps and then headed over to the bobsled and skeleton course. At the course we were able to walk up the service road and onto some decks overlooking the track which was over two miles of great exercise. Thirty minutes later some professional drivers with paid tourists riding behind them took the bobsleds down the track. They hurtled by us reaching speeds of 63.5 mph. Though I'm sure real bobsled teams go much much faster it was still impressive and fun to see. We didn't want to pay the exorbitant amount to ride the bobsled, but if they had offered it for free we would have accepted it in a heartbeat. 

Some of the smaller jumps at the Olympic Park

Mid-sized jumps with a swimming pool at the bottom to land in for practicing

The terrifyingly largest ski jumps still used for competitions

Brandon awkwardly pretending to carry to Olympic torch

Giant decor used in the Olympic opening ceremony

Jill and I in front of the bobsled course map and scoreboard

Appreciating the view down over the bobsled course

Brandon was hoping to be scouted for Olympic bobsled team 

Beginning of the track

A bobsled going uphill to complete the course and slow down

Bobsled speeding along curve 12, which is traditionally the hardest curve of the course

On Thursday evening we were able to join Jill and her Life Group for a Bible study about community. It was great to meet more people that are a part of her life, share stories, and well, just be in community together. We're looking forward to spending next Thursday evening with them as well.  

We've also enjoyed cooking together this week as well as conversing and playing card games. Jill shared her delicious orange chicken recipe with us, and we've made some of our regular dishes for her. Our hosts have a beautiful kitchen that I've enjoyed utilizing. They also have a hot tub that has soothed our achy muscles after snowboarding and skiing. We're rather spoiled. 

Friday night we were able to have dinner with Jill's co-worker Joel, the youth pastor of the church, and his wife Kristy. It was a delicious and wonderful time of fellowship together. We can see why Jill has fallen so in love with Park City and quickly made a place for herself in the community. 

Everyone we meet around town asks what touristy things we plan to do in the area. They suggest the national parks in Southern Utah or the hot springs or different hikes. While I'm sure we'd enjoy all those things, we try to explain that we're just here to spend time with Jill. The best part about being here is just living life with her and experiencing the ordinary days.