It was an early morning for us on Saturday, the day we have been waiting to celebrate for thirty days–the Park City Mountain Resort!
We opted to come from the South and take the scenic route through Provo Canyon, Heber, and into Park City.
It was dreary and somewhat chilly, typical October weather for Utah, and the leaves and views were magnificent.
There was road construction, which seems to be the Utah way of life, and we opted to use On Star on the Chevy Traverse to help us navigate through the Provo-Orem area.
On Star had us avoid I-15 and sent us on the old highway.
Then we entered Provo Canyon.
As a child, I have fond memories of traveling this same canyon.
On the right-hand side is Bridal Veil Falls.
This 607-foot-tall, double cataract waterfall used to have what has once been deemed the “world’s steepest aerial tramway.”
In my youth, I often found myself in a tram car heading to the top to peer over the edge, admire the view, and wish we could eat at the restaurant built by Groneman Construction.
Two avalanches and a fire later, the tram no longer exists.
The falls, however, remain a beautiful sight to behold.
We admired the fall colors and marveled at the diversity of the canyon, one side was crimson and gold littered with trees, while the other side of the highway in some stretches was barren and scattered with sagebrush.
However, the inside of the Homestead Crater is something that will take your breath away.
It’s an amazing testament to the power of nature and the beauty that lies hidden.
Entering Midway, we were on the lookout for the Homestead Crater, a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock that has been hollowed out by Mother Nature and filled with 90-96 degree water.
The outside is nothing spectacular.
Right before entering the descent into Park City is the Jordanelle Reservoir.
A man-made reservoir that provides water play in the warmer months.
It was a great morning drive.
We wound our way off the freeway, into Park City, and eventually to the Park City Mountain Resort.
There was excitement buzzing in the Traverse as the kiddos were ready to hit the slopes for some slides and coasters.
First, we needed fuel.
We went to Baja Cantina, compliments of Chevy and had a family fiesta.
The menu had so many options we had a hard time narrowing it down to just one so we started.
Chips and Salsa – Fresh chips & salsa, made daily, your first basket is on us, seconds on you.
Li’l Man polished off an entire basket by himself!
We all decided to try something different on the menu.
Jake opted for the:
Chimichangas – Chicken, Beef, or both with onions and cheese rolled in a flour tortilla and lightly fried.
It is covered with your choice of Ranchero sauce or Green Enchilada sauce.
Santa Fe Enchilada |
Enchiladas Santa Fe – Cantina Chicken, fresh tomatoes, onions, spinach, and cream cheese.
Rolled in flour tortillas and smothered with our Enchilada sauce. Served with rice & a Mexican salad.
Zac tried the most vegetarian approach with:
First Time |
First Time – Beans and cheese inside a flour tortilla topped with melted cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Served plain or smothered with red or green enchilada sauce.
I wasted no time and claimed the
The Claimjumper |
The Claimjumper – Pork Chile Verde, beans, and rice rolled in a flour tortilla and coated 1399 with our spicy green salsa, melted cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. For expert eaters, only!
All three of the little ones went with the traditional
Chicken Fingers
|
Chicken Fingers!
It was ALL absolutely delicious!
Then it was time to put the feast aside and get to the real fun!
Our first ride was the PayDay ski lift.
It took up to the top, and along the way, we enjoyed the beauty of the fall colors. It was stinkin’ chilly on the lift, but not one person complained!
Pulling our Alpine Sleds |
At the top we, each grabbed a sled for the Alpine Slide.
Jake climbs in his sled |
We stood in line and then climbed in the sled.
Jake and Zac listen to the instructions |
We waited in our sled
blah…blah…blah… |
Rules were given, which included “the slide is fiberglass.
You are not attached to the slide, therefore, if you eject, friction may result in injury.
“Also, it was stated that “racing is not encouraged.”
I paid attention; however, I didn’t take heed.
I told Zac, “While racing may not be encouraged, I’m going to be the first one to the bottom.” I pushed my lever full throttle, paying no attention to the “rules” or fear…which resulted in me being ejected from my sled and the friction melting the fibers in my sweatshirt and jeans before I could become one; again with my sled!
Failure to abide by the rules may lead to the need for a heating pad. |
When I reached the bottom, it was out to the Chevy Traverse for some Heated Seat action because my body was in pain!
Then we rode the Alpine Coaster, which was everyone’s favorite.
Unfortunately, it was forbidden to take pictures or video. After my failure to abide by the rules on the Alpine Slide, which resulted in injury, I obeyed, leaving this part of the post-photo-less.
Becky, Jake, and I set out to break down our fear to finalize our day. Zac led the way as he had experience, and we rode the PayDay Ski Lift back to the top for the Zip Line.
Becky and Jake getting ready to ZIP! |
Here Becky and Jake get settled into the straps.
Notice how Becky’s legs are pressed against the gate?
It’s a ploy.
That’s how I would like to think we PREVENT ourselves from falling; however, they’re tricky here and open the gate, sending you out!
All in all, it was a fabulous day where we experienced great views, excellent food, and unique adventures.