High Country Rafting + Hypothermia

*High Country Rafting = awesome
Hypothermia = not so awesome

*Disclaimer: when you hear "High Country Rafting" you may be led to believe we were rafting through whitewater, running rapids and drop-offs. This however is NOT what rafting down the Provo is like. It would be more accurately called Leisurely Country Rafting or Lethargic Country Rafting. Nevertheless, we had a great time. The views of the mountains and valleys were beautiful and we even got to see some wildlife. At one point a herd of horses was gathered at the edge of the river, lapping up some water. It was incredibly peaceful and we hope to return and try kayaking down the river. The one thing we did not anticipate was how DANG cold the water is. After spending my summers swimming in Lake Michigan I figured it couldn't be any worse... HOLY MOLY was I wrong! Rory shivered the last half hour of the trip even though it was 90 degrees out. Maybe next time we'll get some wetsuits.

SSSSSuuuueeyyy

So maybe you're not familiar with the term, but I would like to state that that is not a picture of a Dutch oven haphazardly filled with pig slop. It is actually a rare Utah delicacy, one of which we call tourte aux fruits de cocotte (or maybe I just used an online translator to attempt to translate Dutch oven cobbler. maybe.) Nevertheless, last weekend we had a wonderful evening at Big Springs park making this Utah staple. But I must say, my favorite part of the evening was setting of the panic button on our car every time a certain couple began to inconspicuouslly mack in the field adjacent to us.

4th of July

Provo appears to be a sleepy little boondock town, that would be somewhat inconsequential if Brigham Young University and its 30,000 students had not plopped down in the middle of it. However, when it comes to the fourth of July, Provo is not a sleepy little boondock town at all. In fact is the biggest thing since deep fat fried oreos (which are actually amazing and will change your life... and unfortunately your waistline). They call the fourth of July festivities AMERICA'S FREEDOM FESTIVAL at Provo, and begin the celebration the Sunday before the fourth of July. Events include: a colonial fair, a gala, a freedom run, grand parade and Stadium of Fire. Although we were not able to participate in all of these events, we did make it to the parade. Which is a miracle since Provo city ordinance 9.14.220 states: "spectators may stake out their claim to a spot along University Avenue no earlier than July 3, 2009 at 3:00pm." Yes ladies and gentlemen, if you wanted to see the parade you had to get your running shoes on a whole 17 hours ahead of time, stake out some land, oh and sleep there overnight. I felt like I was in Oklahoma, in 1889, racing to find of the best piece of land to settle. BUT, luckily my sister had a spot reserved, so we bummed off of her and didn't sleep there overnight. Thanks Meghan!

There were 250,000 people there! I didn't know there were that many people in Utah.

There were at least 3 high schools with bagpipe marching bands. Oh and other awesome floats like the "Cowboy Poetry Gathering" (see above) and Utahs "Fiddling Extravaganza"



After the parade we went to the Farmer's Market

Our Summer Project

For those of you who know me, you may be aware of my dis-inclination for all things Utah. Moving from a big city to the desert was no easy adjustment and I felt myself constantly yearning to be back in the hustle and bustle of a big city. However, I have decided it is time to change my ways. This is our summer project. We plan to become cultured in all things Utah and embrace all of the unique experiences available. Let me expound.

Buckin' Broncos

Llama FestSwiss Days

Among many other interesting and enlightening Utah activities (notice I didn't even say Utard). If you know of another event more exciting than a llama festival (which I highly doubt), please let us know so we can add it to our list!