Our Last Days in Utah

We've been making the most of our last few days in Utah. On Thursday, while Jill was working, Brandon and I found a rock climbing gym in Salt Lake City. We spent over three hours at Momentum Indoor Climbing and enjoyed working through the different top rope routes. 

We checked out one of three locations that this gym has

The gym had plenty of space in a huge warehouse

We enjoyed navigating some routes around and over these blue bulges

Ready to climb

You cans see the mountains from the climbing gym

In the evening, we met up with Jill's small group. They're between Bible studies, so they had a social week which included eating at Loco Lizard and then bowling. Loco Lizard is a Mexican restaurant, so of course we were all in. The verde salsa there was particularly delicious. Instead of staying in Park City, we ended up driving 20 minutes to Salt Lake City to bowl, because there was a great deal. $6 for shoes and two games is a steal! Jill has a great group of friends and it was a good time. 

Taco plate

On Friday we hiked the "PC". What's that? One of the graduating high school classes cemented the initials PC, abbreviated for Park City, into one of the mountainsides. The initials are large enough that you can see them from many places around town. So, we took the trail up to the cemented area and then up to the top of the mound. It was a refreshing hike in the sunny weather, and there was a 360 view to enjoy at the top. 

Jill and I at the top of the "P"

Brandon and I at the base of the "P"

View of Park City from the "PC"

Panorama from the top of the hike

We spent our last evening together eating more homemade tacos, playing Hanabi, watching Bridge of Spies, and finishing up some Utah beer we had bought to sample. Bridge of Spies was an excellent movie with superb acting. It was based on a true story, which always makes us more engaged and leaves us thinking for hours after the movie is done. We enjoyed a Russian Imperial Stout by Squatters Brewery. This seemed fitting as the movie was set in the Cold War which involved the Russians or Soviet Union. 

Various brews from various Utah breweries that we tried over our last few days here. We also had a White IPA from Wasatch Brewing that was Jill's favorite. 

We were initially planning on leaving Sunday morning, but we've had to move our departure up to Saturday morning due to weather. When you're on a giant road trip, weather becomes all important. There's supposed to be a big snow storm coming across the West. While we might be able to race it to Colorado on Sunday, we feel it's better to be safe than sorry. We can't complain too much, because the Utah slopes need that snow, and we're hoping Colorado will benefit as well. Next big stop is Granby Ranch, Colorado to snowboard/ski with Brandon's family. 

Snowshoeing in the Wasatch Mountains

We've had a great time snowboarding in Park City, but lift tickets are expensive. So the cost adds up fast. Luckily there are lots of free things you can do around the area as well like snowshoeing. So on Wednesday we decided to set out on a "little" snowshoeing expedition. 

The view of Park City from one of our resting points half way up the mountainside.

Katie was quite excited about getting in some outdoor exercise for the day.

Jill taking a little sit down rest.

After what felt like forever...we made it to the top of Rob's Trail!

Taking in the 360 view.

I climbed up a little higher and captured this panorama of Park City Canyons Resort. We snowboarded on some of those runs!

Making our way back down.

Jill enjoying the downhill descent back.

We made it back down... RAWR! It was a great trek.

An Adventurous Sunny Utah Saturday

The adventures continue in Utah. We had a relaxing Saturday morning with Jill in downtown Park City. We sipped delicious red velvet hot chocolates from Atticus, a To Kill a Mockingbird themed coffee shop, while finding a birthday present for her nephew. The hot chocolates were so good we're going to try to track down and experiment with various recipes. 

Brandon and Jill drinking their red velvet hot chocolate by the Park City moose

We then took a nice drive between the mountains in the Heber Valley. We were able to view the stunning Timpanogos Mountain Range for miles. 

Timpanogos Mountain Range

Huge reservoir in the Heber Valley

Brandon made me pose in front of the Timpanogos from my photo taking vantage point

In the nearby town of Midway we had lunch at Tarahumara Mexican Restaurant, which was phenomenal. The chicken and carnitas meat was quality, and there was a salsa bar with over a dozen unique salsa options. 

Loaded taco plates

So many salsa options! 

Just a few of the salsas

After lunch we stopped to see the Homestead Crater in Midway. The crater is 65 feet deep and filled with 94 degree water that is hot spring fed. What is even more interesting is that the crater has a natural dome. The first visitors to the crater rappelled from a hole in the top of the dome to swim in the hot, mineral waters. Now a tunnel has been made for visitors to enter and swim. We didn't pay to swim, but we did touch the waters and marveled at the interesting natural structure. 

The dome of the crater

People swimming in the hot mineral water

View down standing on a bridge over the hole at the top of the crater

From the crater we drove down to Bridal Veil Falls near Provo, Utah. We took an icy walk to the partially frozen falls. It was a beautiful day. 

River along the walk to the falls with some bright red brush

The mountains look tiered and fun to climb

Half frozen Bridal Veil Falls

It was a great day of outdoor adventuring. We ended the day perfectly by relaxing with a movie back at the house with Jill and one of her friends. 

Snowboarding in Park City

We've had a great time snowboarding in Park City. Katie and I purchased 3 day passes that we had to use within a 7 day period, so we tried to take full advantage of each day we were out. But the resort is massive. I think even though we tried to catch first lift and stay till most of the lifts closed, we barely even scratched the surface. Here are some pictures from our time snowboarding in Park City.

Group shot on the lift

The rumors are true... Jill can ski!

Katie finding her groove

Jill and Katie making their way down the run together

Almost there

Despite pushing her to try harder runs sometimes, Jill was all smiles.

Katie waiting for me to stop taking pictures.

A much deserved break after a busy morning of boarding/skiing.

A unique view thanks to a gondola ride across what used to be two separate resorts.

The mountainous view off the backside of Park City Resort.

Riding the Orange Bubble Lift where there is a literal orange bubble that comes down to help protect you from the elements. We thought it was quite fun.

I got to have a gondola cabin all to myself, so of course I took a picture.

One of the main things we didn't like about Park City was how flat or even uphill some sections are. Here in the picture Katie did not carry enough momentum to get up to the mid-mountain lift area, so she just took her board off and walked the rest of the way.

Third day out and one of our last runs in Park City, still having a good time.

Taking in the view one last time.

Overall we had a great time snowboarding in Park City. We did not have the greatest conditions, especially the third day, but we still got lots of good runs in. And it was so awesome that we got to spend some time with Jill on the hill as well. I wouldn't rank it as the best place I've ever been snowboarding out West, but it is certainly hard to beat the easy access to so many giant resorts. I would certainly return if the opportunity arose. 

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.