Utah Vacation: Running Around

After chasing the Big Boy to Castle Rock, we still had a lot of day left to fill. We had lots of ideas, and we pretty much did them all.

While chasing the Big Boy up Echo Canyon, we passed a rest area that looked pretty interesting. So our first stop after leaving Castle Rock was the rest area. The rest area sits between the lanes of the interstate and is situated on a hill that overlooks Echo Canyon and the Union Pacific tracks. At the top of the hill is a memorial to the oxen that pulled the settlers through the canyon over a century and a half ago.

Oxen memorial at the rest area

Our next destination was Ogden. Susan needed a prescription filled and Ogden was the closest place she could find to fill it. While she went to get it, Andrew and I went out in search of ice cream. Eating ice cream outside in Utah requires quick spoons to stay ahead of the melting action.

Next we took the Taggarts exit off Interstate 84 and parked at a very popular railfanning site where a pair of bridges cross the Weber River. We considered parking here earlier, but we knew it would be very crowded and difficult to leave. Andrew pulled out the drone and got it in the air. Very soon, a Union Pacific freight train came out of the tunnel and crossed the bridge.

 

Then we continued East on the interstate and took the Echo Canyon Road exit. From here, we followed the train tracks until we found a good viewing spot. Again, Andrew pulled out the drone and started flying. Soon, another Union Pacific freight train came along for him to capture.

With our appetite for trains finally satisfied (for the day), we headed towards the Utah Olympic Park near Park City. Park City was host to the 2002 Winter Olympics. The park is now used as a training ground for current Olympians. We toured the grounds, which included ski jumps into a pool, a bob sled track, and a museum. Andrew was fascinated with the large piles of snow that were piled up, slowly melting in the springtime heat.

Ski jump at the Utah Olympic Park

Next, we traveled Southwest through Provo Canyon. We passed through here yesterday after visiting Soldier Summit, but it was too late to stop and see anything. Today, we stopped at Vivian Park, which is just one of the many parks along the route. Although finished with trains for the day, we still managed to find some railcars near the park.

Vivian Park

Our next stop was Palisade Park, in Orem. This park is very big, with multiple soccer fields and a nice playground. But the thing I liked the most was the view of Mt. Timpanogos. The second best thing about the park is the grass. We all sat in the grass, in the shade, and took in the view.

View of Mt. Timpanogos from Palisade Park

Our last stop of the day was the Black Bear Diner. It is a quaint family diner offering simple American food options.

Click below to see more photos.