Tag: 2013

Kayak the Mighty Provo River

Last Saturday, Mountain Dad and I attempted to introduce our tots to the wonderful world of white water. Mountain Dad was a river guide during his college days and since then we have acquired several inflatable kayaks in order to explore rivers in our area. Continue reading “Kayak the Mighty Provo River”

Sundance Mountain Resort Bluebird Cafe Summer Concert Series

Last Friday, Mountain Dad and I enjoyed the perfect summer evening, complete with good food, beautiful scenery and an unparallelled musical experience at Sundance Mountain Resort’s Bluebird Concert Series.
The evening began with a special summer barbeque where pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad and homemade coleslaw were served under a canopy of pines. Red and white checked tablecloths reminded me of summer nights growing up, and the sound of a gently gurgling river set a relaxed mood.
After we had eaten our fill, we joined the crowd in the Eccles Outdoor Amphitheater to welcome three talented musicians from Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. Every summer, Sundance Mountain Resort teams up with the Bluebird to bring great songs and the stories behind them out west.
When the concert began, Don Henry, Kim Richey and Jack Tempchin entered the stage to raucous applause. Each sat facing the crowd, their guitars the only thing separating us, ready to serenaded us with love ballads, dance numbers and silly singalongs.
Grammy award winner Don Henry was the first to perform sharing lighthearted songs and easy banter that made me laugh all night.
Although Don Henry excelled at joking around with the audience, he had a serious side too. His award winning song, “Where’ve You Been” brought tears to my eyes.
The best vocalist of the evening was Kim Richey, who has written hit songs for Trisha Yearwood, Brooks and Dunn, and many others. Her soulful serenades; Angelshare, Straight as a Crow Flies and Thorn in my Heart (the title track of her new album), were beautifully tender. Not to mention the stories she shared before each were very entertaining. At one concert, a grumpy girl in the front row sang along so loudly, she took over the lead vocals, leaving Kim to sing back up on her own song.
The third contributer, Jack Tempchin, is best known for his work with the Eagles. He performed his song Peaceful Easy Feeling and Already Gone at the concert, allowing the audience (and other performers) a chance to sing along. Although Jack performed some big hits, his most memorable song of the evening was a silly one titled, “Eat Some Food, Watch TV.”
As darkness settled, the other concert goers and I were mesmerized by comfort of this perfect summer night. The warm music, good stories and beautiful scenery brought us together like a large musical family.
Sundance Mountain Resort’s Bluebird Concert Series was the perfect way to enjoy the summer. I can’t wait till next year!

Black Forest Hike, Sundance Resort, Utah

Last week was my wedding anniversary. For nine years I’ve been married to Mountain Dad, (when we met he would’ve been better described as River Guy) and to celebrate we spent the evening in my favorite place, the mountains.

We live near Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah so we decided to take the last lift of the day and explore Black Forest Trail. I’m a little embarrassed to say that although I’ve lived here for a year and a half I had never taken the summer lift up for a hike. I had no idea it would be so beautiful.

Ray’s lift boasts views of snow capped Mt. Timpanogos, lush green valleys, and at one point Stewart Falls in the distance. At the top of the lift we bought a water bottle from the vending machine since we had come unprepared and went off to explore the Black Forest Trail. 

Black Forest Trail winds through pines and maples, with the mountain descending gradually below. It felt wild and reminded me how vital the outdoors is to my personal well being. I just feel more alive outside.

We walked through the forest and enjoyed each others company, passing fields and even a family of wild turkeys. Along the route, I imagined the mountain with a thick layer of snow, as I’m more accustomed to seeing it. I have to say experiencing the same space in a different season was eye opening.

The evening ended with an incredible meal at the Foundry Grill. The date was perfect, just like my husband. Thanks for all joy these last nine years, Mountain Dad!

Trail Info:
Rating: 5 stars, it helps that you don’t have to hike uphill
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Don’t forget water, or a few dollars to buy a bottle at the top of the lift.

Tony Grove Lake, Logan Canyon, National Scenic Byway, Utah

What made our trip to Logan Canyon, Utah so amazing was spending the day at Tony Grove Lake. 

Wildflowers ranging from cerulean to coral festooned the area. Little g and I meandered around the self guided nature trail and through some tall pine forest for a little over a half mile, enjoying the many colors all around us.

 Buzzing bees and hummingbirds whizzed around, and the high mountain temperatures were perfect for a summer day. 

Tony Grove Lake itself is calm and beautiful, surrounded by grand cliffs and tall trees. 


 This high altitude lake is located over 8,000 feet and is fed by snow runoff, making it cold. But Big E and his cousins didn’t seem to mind the chill, spending hours splashing, swimming and floating. We brought an inflatable kayak and loved the freedom of gliding across the water.

If you’re planning a trip to this area, be aware there is a parking fee for Tony Grove Lake. The parking lot is located at the end of a winding seven mile paved road, three quarters of the way up Logan Canyon. It was a great place to explore and the scenery was breathtaking.

Rating: 5 stars during wildflower season (June/July)
Length: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Expect to walk at a toddler’s pace unless you have the strength to wrestle a screaming, uncooperative almost two-year-old into a pack and then listen to her cry all the way along the trail.