We Left Deaf and Dirty--But Had Fun!

Lucky Dragon has been talking about the last demolition derby we went to in West Jordan. It is part of our conversation several times a day. He recounts what different trucks did and asks us which "car was your favorite?" If we don't answer right a way, or change our answer to make things more interesting (because we have this conversation so often change is necessary), he will correct us and tell us which cars we liked and which he liked and what happened.

Luckily I was able to get tickets to the last demolition derby for the year (at least in Utah) in Ogden and we went. For the entire month before the derby he would ask every day if we were going to the derby that day and would be dramatically sad if it wasn't the day to go yet!

They have the kids do a derby with their Trax cars. Lucky Dragon loved this

When we arrived we were shocked to find that we had seats right up against the railing in the middle of the stadium. We were literally feet from the cars. We were also literally feet from the four large concert sized speakers for the entire grounds. This was good because we were right in the middle of the action, but it was also intense because between the loud vehicles with no mufflers and the speakers booming voices and music, we literally left with throbbing ear drums! Not only that, we were so close to the vehicles there were several times mud and rocks were flung up at us. We had mud in our pockets, down our shirts, in our hair and had several red places on our faces from where we had been nailed by a rock! hahaha. Gave a new meaning to being involved!

Up close and personal

As we did last time we would choose vehicles in the beginning and root for that vehicle during the race. We yelled until we were hoarse, we laughed at how crazy the drivers were, and cheered when there was a good hit and a car was tipped over.

So close we could see the padding details of the vehicles

Lady Hiva was shocked to see that they started the vehicles by touching wires together (hot wiring them)

Hiding form the dirt and rocks that were often showered on us

It was a fun night. We were there for 5 hours! Yikes! There are not many activities a three year old will sit for 5 hours. Apparently, a demolition derby is one of them! And guess what the first question he had for me this morning was? "Dustin, can we go to another demolition derby?" I think he is a fan.

Dirt that was sprayed all over us

Temple Quarry--Where It All Began

The weather has been perfect the last few weeks. Yes, there were a few rain storms, that is much needed in the desert area we currently call home, but for the most part it has been cool and sunny. We have tried to find several ways to enjoy the weather and the autumn activities.

One of those was to take a drive and "hike" in the mountains. It is hard not to enjoy the beauty of the mountains when you live in Utah. They are a majestic addition to the landscape and, of course, endless places to explore for the adventurous. We wanted to join that group and found a short hike that was paved so we could bring Lady Hiva in her wheelchair. Temple Quarry trail at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon on the East side of the Salt Lake Valley.

The color of the leaves were beautiful. It was towards the end of the colorful season, but it was still worth spending some time out in the nature.

The history behind this trail means quite a bit to members of the LDS Church. It is where the rock was quarried for the building of the iconic LDS temple in Salt Lake City. The white stone was mistaken for granite, but it actually a quartz. The river bed gleams in the sunlight with basketball size rocks that have been rounded over the years. The steep cliffs that rise from the riverbed are just as dramatic white with a few trees here and there that grew from a small ledge or crevice. Many of those walls still have the dynamite holes and remnants of the quarry crews from so long ago.

Dynamite holes from the quarry

Riverbed stone

We had fun exploring the rocks and the nearby area. We would push Lady along to a place she could see us as we ran around looking for treasure or learning about the nature around us. Lucky Dragon was full of excitement as we jumped from rock to rock or stopped to watch an insect busily doing its work.

So if you are looking for an easy place for the whole family to enjoy the nature nearby. Temple Quarry Trail is easy to walk, beautiful and wheelchair (and Stroller) accessible.