Octoberfest 9/2

Not that you should need an excuse to go up to the mountains to relax. :) But Snowbird is hosting their annual Octoberfest. This is your chance to enjoy traditional German food (bratwurst, spatzle, apfelstrudel), music, and, of course, beer! Prost!


(The Snowbird tram takes guests up Hidden Peak.)

On your first trip through the beer line, be sure to buy a stein. Then on later visits (later that day or later in the year) bring back your stein for a cheaper refill. The pumkin beer is good, but the apricot hefeweizen is my favorite.


(Bill and Doug.)

Octoberfest continues weekends through October 8th. Check out http://www.snowbird.com/ for more details.

'til later,
- Jeff

Park City Marathon 8/26

On Saturday, a perfect (cool, damp) morning, I toed the line for the 10th annual Park City Marathon.

The beautiful course for this marathon starts at Trailside Elementary and makes a loop around the business park before coming back to the school and through Mountain Ranch Estates. It then heads up Old Ranch Road and along 224 crossing under at the white barn. There's a bit of a hill up Three Kings and Empire Avenue before dropping down and across the Town Bridge. From there you take the Rail Trail back to Promontory and finish where you started.


(Crossing Town Bridge, waving to Mom & Dad.)

I was lucky enough to have my parents join me as spectators. They provided much encouragement and most of the pictures you see. It was nice to have them out.


(Along the Rail Trail.)

As it was my first marathon in 15 years and only my second marathon ever, my primary goal was to finish. I figured if I could run ten-minute miles, I'd be happy. And if I broke 4 hours, I'd be quite pleased. Things were going well the first 18 miles and I was averaging about 9 minutes a mile. But the last 8, especially the last 6 kicked my butt. I made it to the finish and did so in 4:16, so I was happy. But there's room for improvement next year!


(The finish.)

For more on the race and to see race photos and results, click http://www.pcmarathon.com/

'til later,
- Jeff

Lake Powell 5/17-21

May 17 we headed the 5 hours south to Lake Powell. Thirteen people, two dogs, two ski boats, one jetski, one big (59'!) houseboat, and four days of fun in the sun.

We all arrived on Wednesday night to take advantage of the pre-board option, saving time the morning of our departure. We actually took the houseboat out that night and camped near the ferry dock. Early the next morning, we launched the ski boats and took off up the lake.


(Heading up lake on the houseboat.)

There was plenty of water skiing, wakeboarding, jetskiing, and bare footing not to mention a little cliff diving, some volleyball, and plenty of sunshine.


(Me wakeboarding.)

The weather couldn't have been much nicer. Daytime temps were near 100 but there was enough breeze to keep it from being too hot. Water temps were close to 70.


(Sunset.)

We ate like kings and queens. Due to some trouble with the generator one day, we had to grill our English Muffins! But the salmon later in the trip was excellent.


(Volleyball.)

As usual, a good time was had by all. I can't wait for out next trip.

'til later,
- Jeff