My first stop along the scenic loop was Bridal Veil Falls - very nice. What really got me was when I turned around to get back in the car and the mountains across the road made me gasp - it was awesome. This picture doesn't really convey that feeling. As I was only at the beginning of my drive, I knew I was in for a treat. The next point of interest was Sundance - yes, Robert Redford's Sundance. I regret that I didn't stop and walk around, but it was about mid-afternoon and I was told the drive would be at least an hour - so I pressed on. From the road, you only see the parking area so you have no idea what the resort is really like - a good reason to go back. As I drove along Hwy 92, I was truly amazed at what lay before me. After 30 years, I am still in awe of the Sierras but this was different and probably more awe-inspiring, I think it was because I was driving through the thick of the mountains and every turn presented a different view - the Wasatch is very different from the Sierras.
Check out my Utah album for pictures - they're not in order taken, but you'll know which ones are from this drive. At one point I entered a National Forest and the road narrowed quite a bit with lots of curves - the speed limit was 20 mph - no complaints from me as I was enjoying everything I saw and wishing I had more time to spend there. At one point, I was a little nervous about where I was headed until I finally saw a car coming from the opposite direction. Then I felt okay about continuing on and not turning back - remember I'm in the middle of the mountains and by myself - even in daylight it was a little spooky. This area of the mountains is very thick with Aspen groves - unfortunately, the trees were already bare, but it was still stunning to see. The summit was at 8,060 ft elevation and the drive down the other side was just as spectacular as the drive up - I made it a point to stop at several turnouts to fully take in the views. There are quite a few trails in the National Forest and I would guess that they're pretty well used in the warmer months.I came down into Provo on the opposite side of town dotted with lots of newer housing developments and each with an LDS church in the middle - they all looked alike so they were easy to spot. By now, it was close to 5:00 pm and I was about an hour from Salt Lake City, so I headed north along with the commuters.
I had hoped to stay in SLC proper but hotel rates were outrageous so I stayed at a La Quinta Inn near the airport.
I had learned that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practices on Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm and open to the public, but I had to get to Temple Square to find out the schedule and location. Off I went hoping I would get to hear this magnificent choir. I found Temple Square but could not find any parking nearby - this was very disappointing on several levels. So I made my way to the State Capitol which is situated on a hill overlooking the city. It was about 7:00 pm and pretty well deserted and dark, but I walked around the grounds a little bit in search of Utah's Liberty Bell - turns out that it's inside the Capitol building. I drove around downtown for a little bit - still in search of a place to park near Temple Square - no luck so I headed back to my hotel. I decided not to go back to the city the next day as I knew I had a very long drive ahead of me, so I have no pictures in SLC.
My trip at this point is close to an end. Stay tuned....
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