Utah! 9th - 16th February

How quickly times flies?!! This half-term was gorgeous, it seemed to go on forever, but suddenly I'm back at work and it's like I was never away!

We flew into SLC which was a quick 3 hour flight with gorgeous views of the Rockies. And the weather ..................! Bright blue skies and sunshine, which was totally uplifting. Ali said that apparently we've had a total of 11 minutes of sunshine in Chicago this February, which probably explains our excitement!

We drove north for about 3 hours, winding our way higher and higher into the mountains, and ended up cresting the hill and driving own the other side into sweet little Bear Lake (population: about 50 weirdos, it seemed!). Our condo was lush, we really appreciated the massive beds, hot tub and fireplace, especially with aching muscles.

We set off to find supplies - which turned out to be a tiny little store 2 minutes down the road, run by the sweetest simple girl, who just couldn't work out where we were from (by the end of the week we wish we'd tatooed our home countries onto our foreheads!). Our fond hope of croissants for breakfast was soon shattered, although it did supply fabulous homemade rasberry jam. We were giggling helplessly, especially when we realised the only alcohol they had was beer and alcho-pops. Disaster!

We zoomed off down the road in search of 'Gladys', our nearest destination for hard liquor (well, wine!), which was just as amusing as it was about the size of a postage stamp and full of curiosities; not least 'Lee' who took a liking to Emma's hair and was disgusted that we were buying litre boxes of wine. Em was convinced he was a serial killer who would follow us home ......... but that's another story.

The next morning we set off in search of Beaver Mountain - it claimed to be Utah's best kept secret, and it was!!! We absolutely loved it, especially the incredibly friendly 'lifties' who always made our day with some good chat! A big shout especially to Marshall - who always kept us smiling and who we all missed massively once we'd left.

The weather really smiled on us - the sun kept shining and we could eat lunch outside, it was so mild. The conditions were also great; really good runs and nice and groomed! I don't like unexpected bumps! Ali and I improved our skills whilst our 'Little Beaver' (Em) valiently ploughed on down the bunny slope. Ali and I spent the best part of two days trying to find the fourth ski-lift; at one point we took a wrong turn and ended up half a mile down the road, having to take off our skis and walk back to base!

Our last skiing day (Wednesday) dawned snowy and grey, and in fact it snowed all day, smacking into our faces, obscuring our view and generally making life difficult! I was feeling rough by then so curled up in the car while Em and Ali made a last triumphant run down 'Little Beaver' mountain! So sad to leave!

Set off the next morning for SLC, dropped off the car and headed downtown to our hotel. What a romantic Valentine's evening we spent (Ali and I were meant to be on a date but Em gatecrashed due to being stood up by poor Sharon who was too poorly to fly out and join us) at 'Squatter's' brewpub. Some poor airpost security man had made the error of telling us we looked like we were in a British band, and so there was no stopping us - suddenly we were telling everyone (well, I was!) that we were 'Celtic Rock', a rock band touring round the States! Em drew us matching Celtic tatoos and there was much silliness and tomfoolery! Checked out a few more drinking establishments ............ I'll leave it there, for now!!