Salt Lake, And The City
The Salt Flats were disappearing behind us, but Steve and I found ourselves moving into an area that was just as interesting…if not strangely eerie. Coming up on our left was the infamous Great Salt Lake. There’s a stretch of I-80 that comes right up close to the shore and when we got that close we had a great view. I knew I had to find a place to get out and get up close. We pulled off the next exit and just navigated our way to the shore. This large, seemingly out-of-place building loomed-up next to us in the parking lot. It looked like an old temple, or something like that. As soon as we got out of the car, this strange feeling gripped me as I surveyed the area. To this day I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it mixed-in with my awe for the area and made for a unique visit.
Should I explore this peculiar building or head straight for the lake? Well, the lake won out on that one and Steve and I marched right toward it. Gazing out across the water, mountains loomed in the distance, shooting off to the sky from all different directions. I could see what looked like a barren island not to far off, and the water slowly lapping the shore came-in quite quietly. The whole place came-off as very low key. Off to the east there was what seemed to be a mist coming over one of the ranges. Honestly, I felt like I was on another planet. There was an eerie type of tranquility to this place, a quiet that’s not totally comfy. If lakes could keep secrets, I’m sure this one had a few…and it’s dropping hints.
We waded into the water, and it was a very comfortable temperature (it was August). I walked out a ways, and was generally enjoying myself until I looked down and noticed tons of really tiny bugs all over the place. You could see them moving around on the water, and they were also all over the shore. Needless to say, I was out of there. I’m not sure if that’s typical of the lake in general, or just that area. But it freaked me out a bit. We meandered over to this building which came up close to the shoreline. Turns out this temple-looking thing was a rock club/tourist trap with mini gift store/public bathrooms. Once inside I could see how it would be a great venue. Catching a show there, or even playing there would be a very cool experience. I checked the schedule and one of bands I was really into at the time had recently played here. To bad, because it would have been a blast to see them in this joint.
We were back in the car and hitting downtown Salt Lake City in no time. I like the way the city is set-up. To the west you’ve got the lake and then it flattens out beyond that to the flats. Then immediately to the east you’ve got the what I believe is the Wasatch mountains, practically pushing right up against the city limits. Steve and I drove around downtown for awhile, just trying to catch the vibe. Obviously, there were a lot of Morman-related sights to see. It was also very clean. Overall it seemed to be one of the nicer metropolis’ this country has to offer. It had that big city feel but wasn’t a pain to get into or out of. It was easy to get around in and definitely well-kept. To me at least, it didn’t have that oppressive city-feel. You know, that mix of hustle-bustle, insane masses of people, ugly industrial buildings, and dog-eat-dog attitude. For a city, it wasn’t that bad. But being in our “out in the wild blue yonder” mindset, Steve and I were ready to grab some Chinese (it was great) and drive through those mountains.
Little did I know, but the drive from Salt Lake City to Riverton, Wyoming was going to hold one of my all time favorite road trip experiences. It’s running through my head right now…
Up next: Good ol’ Riverton, WY (good times, and a little danger for good measure).

Comments (3)











nice
RT @tweetstraveler: Travel Tweet:Frugal:Salt Lake, And The City http://itournow.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/salt-lake-and-the-city/
That is the most amazing picture!! Surreal-