Away: Utah to Colorado part 5

   After staying in Utah for about a week, it was time to go visit the Galla family, and Christianna, in Colorado. However, we ran into an unexpected mishap with our flight.  Our plane had been damaged by a hailstorm in the night, and was out of commission for the day. Instead of a direct flight, we had to take a plane to San Diego, and then over to Denver. Because of this little blessing in disguise, we were able to see the Pacific Ocean for the very first time. This was possibly my favorite part of the entire trip. It's hard to choose between this and the Great Salt Lake, but I'm thinking the Pacific Ocean wins.

   This was the most memorable flight in all my air travel experience. Of course it's only the fourth airplane I've ever actually boarded, but still... the Pacific Ocean! I mean, can you really top that?! 

    I was so excited that our direct flight to Denver, CO was canceled that I couldn't contain myself. Being able to go California, even just for half an hour, and seeing the Pacific Ocean was incredibly exciting. It may have been more tiring for everyone involved, and definitely more traveling time, but I am so thankful for that hailstorm that sent us further west.

Away: Utah to Colorado part 4

Part 2 of the outdoor adventures in Utah. This was at Battle Creek Falls, so named due to a horrible and brutal massacre of an Indian tribe.

  Battle Creek Falls was a fun adventure with Nathanael and his family. Jesharelah and the children ran in and danced under the waterfall. Personally I felt it was too cold to get in, but I did go further up the mountain and enjoy a nice refreshing drink. 

  We also enjoyed another hike which ended with an impressive nighttime view of the entire SLC. We got to watch planes come in for their landings and others take off bound for who knows where. 

Away: Utah to Colorado part 3

   Next up on my Utah adventures is our outings in nature. Nathanael and Jesharelah took us up a snow-covered mountain where people were still skiing and snowboarding. Then onto Antelope Island. 

From this point, the pictures were taken on Antelope Island and at the Great Salt Lake.

    While on Antelope Island, I saw a grand total of 5 antelope. However there was a large herd of bison, who took their sweet time crossing the road before we could pass them. I am fairly certain that they strategically plan to cross the road just in front of oncoming cars.

    The walk to the Great Salt Lake was bombarded with salt flies that bite you and play hide-in-seek in your hair. I have never been that close to a body of water that stinks that bad. When I followed Mom's example and actually stepped into the water, I discovered it was surprisingly difficult to stand still. The ground felt like it kept moving under my feet, while the water pulled at me. On top of that, much of the underwater sand area is covered with solidified sand/salt. If I wasn't careful, the sand would cut at the soles of my feet. Despite all this, I really enjoyed visiting the lake. It was  beautiful, and strange, in the best way. The Great Salt Lake has shrunk dramatically over the years due to rapid evaporation. While it will likely last for many more, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it at least once while it is still there.