Heber Valley Life

Tag: adventure

  • The Height of Summer Fun.

    The Height of Summer Fun.

    Utah is a land of breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping adventures, and nestled within its scenic wonders lies Heber Valley, a hidden gem for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Among its many attractions, Zipline Utah and the Rainbow Bay Aquapark stand out as must-visit destinations, offering heart-pounding excitement and refreshing aquatic fun amidst the majestic towering beauty of Timpanogos Mountain.

    Zipline Utah: Where Thrills Reach New Heights

    Imagine soaring through the air, feeling the rush of wind against your face as you zip across a rugged mountainside and over water. At Zipline Utah, this exhilarating experience becomes a reality. Located just a short drive from downtown Heber City and Midway, Zipline Utah boasts one of the longest and fastest over water zipline courses in the world, promising an unforgettable adventure for all who dare to take the leap.

    The zipline adventure begins with a scenic ride up the mountain, where panoramic views of the surrounding landscape serve as a fitting prelude to the excitement that awaits. As you climb the launch platform, anticipation builds, and adrenaline courses through your veins. Then, with a leap of faith, you’re off, zooming through the air at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour, suspended high above the treetops.

    The course features multiple ziplines of varying lengths and heights, each offering its own unique thrills. From exhilarating descents to breathtaking aerial views, every moment spent on the zipline is an adventure unto itself. And with professional guides leading the way, safety is always a top priority, allowing you to focus on the sheer joy of the experience.

    Whether you’re an experienced thrill-seeker or a first-time adventurer, Zipline Utah offers something for everyone. So why not take the plunge and embark on an adventure you’ll never forget?

    Rainbow Bay Aquapark: Splash into Fun

    After a spine-tingling zipline adventure, there’s no better way to cool off than with a visit to the Rainbow Bay Aquapark. Situated on the shores of the pristine Deer Creek Reservoir, this inflatable water park offers endless fun for the whole family.

    From giant water slides to challenging obstacle courses, Rainbow Bay Aquapark is a playground of aquatic adventures. Climb, jump, and slide your way through a series of inflatable obstacles, testing your agility and balance as you navigate through the watery course.

    For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the aquapark also features floating lounge areas and shallow pools where you can relax and soak up the sun. And with lifeguards on duty to ensure safety at all times, parents can rest easy knowing their little ones are in good hands.

    But perhaps the highlight of Rainbow Bay Aquapark is its iconic floating trampoline. Bounce and flip to your heart’s content as you defy gravity atop this exciting attraction, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Deer Creek Reservoir.

    Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a relaxing day by the water, Rainbow Bay Aquapark offers the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for visitors of all ages. Come back again and again with their season pass.

    Adventure Awaits

    In the Heber Valley, adventure is never far away. Plan your visit to the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir’s Rainbow Bay and experience the excitement for yourself. From high-flying adventures to refreshing aquatic fun, the possibilities are endless in this outdoor playground.

    LOCATED AT: Deer Creek State Park Rainbow Bay
    10 min. Southwest of Heber, UT 84032
    Hwy. 189 at Mile Marker 22

    Find out more!
    ziplineutah.com

     

     

    A fun, safe and exciting activity for the whole family!
    rainbowbayaquapark.com

  • Jerry Robert Springer

    Jerry Robert Springer

    How do I sum up one man’s life in a few short pages, especially one who has lived a life as full of adventure and service as Jerry Springer? I don’t. All I can do is capture bits and pieces – the moments in time that stand out – and hope those stories honor this man who has touched so many lives.

    Jerry’s first experience in life began with an adventure. His parents, Beryl and Tura Springer, were living in a tent cabin community near Mammoth Lakes, California. Beryl, like his father, Jeremiah (Jerry) Robey Springer, and his grandfather, Nathan Chatman Springer, was a miner, working at the Cardinal Mine in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. As if being born in a mining community wasn’t exciting enough, Jerry decided to take things up a notch. Jerry Robert Springer made his debut in Bishop, CA, on January 21, 1937, right in the middle of a massive snowstorm! Getting to and from the hospital was challenging. Due to the heavy snowfall and record-cold temperatures, two neighbors tried but could not start their cars.

    Jerry recalls his mother telling him, “It was quite difficult, as big as I was, to keep getting in and out of cars. It became hilarious; in fact, by the time I got to the third car, I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.’” The roads coming home from the hospital were impassible, and the Cardinal Company had to send a snow plow to clear the roads and tow the Springer’s car back to the mining camp. They were the last two vehicles to travel the canyon until mid-February. Once at their home, Beryl and several friends had to “[…] dig a snow trench and tunnel over six feet high and more than 30 feet long from the road to the cabin door.” That experience was probably not much different than the ones they would have while ‘digging out’ roads and driveways at their home base in Midway, Utah. Midway was home to several mining families, especially during the Depression. The husbands would work in California, Argentina, Mexico, or wherever they could find work, while the wives stayed in Midway.

    Although Jerry spent his early years living in various mining camps in California, Nevada, and Park City, Midway has been home to the Springer families since the late 1800s when their ancestors, Captain Cornelius A. Springer and Elizabeth (Bess) Moser Springer, first settled in the Heber Valley. Beryl purchased property in Midway (now 71 South 200 West) in 1939, eventually building a home in 1941. The home was unique because it was constructed of wooden ammunition boxes, using sawdust for insulation. Like many miners, Beryl split his time between farming and mining, and Jerry only lived in this particular home for a short time while Beryl and Tura built a home across the street. During his elementary school days, Jerry lived in Midway and spent his summers out of town wherever Beryl was mining. By the late 1940s, the Springer’s moved to Pleasant Grove, where Jerry would graduate from Pleasant Grove High School in 1955.

    Within a few years of his birth, Jerry was joined by a brother, Richard, and a sister — whom he adored — Norma Jean (Jeannie). Jeannie and Jerry shared a special bond, “She was a great gal. We did a lot of things together.” Jerry chuckles as he remembers, “We double-dated; she’d have a girlfriend that didn’t have a boyfriend, and she’d say, ‘I’ve got a brother.’” Jerry pauses for a moment before continuing, “It’s kind of hard to talk about her.” He then shared that on Christmas Day, 1956, while riding in a car with a friend, they were hit by a drunk driver, and Jeannie was severely injured. During the 1950s, ambulances looked more like station wagons. Jerry’s friend was the driver, and he let him crawl in the back to be close to Jeannie. Norma Jean Springer passed away in the ambulance while en route to the hospital in Salt Lake City, just 16 days before her 17th birthday. It was an earth-shattering event for Jerry and his family, and Christmas Day has never been the same. While the ache of loss never really leaves us, we discover how to treasure the memories of those moments and look toward the future. And Jerry had scores of moments and memories ahead of him.

    Following in his ancestor’s footsteps, Jerry began working at the mines when he was 15 as a Nipper. Jerry explains, “My father was a hard rock miner. […] He worked underground, where they had to blast, going after metals like gold, silver, and copper. I was what they called a ‘Nipper,’ that’s a person who would work with the underground miners. We’d keep them provided with water; we had to use water to keep the dust down while they drilled. We’d get the dynamite and make sure that it went down the hole, and whatever other tasks they needed.” After high school graduation, Jerry would return to California, mining near his birthplace in Mammoth Lakes to help pay for college. Jerry also worked at mines in Park City, Snake Creek, and Mayflower. He states, “We were cheap, and we were careful, and that’s what they wanted.”

    Through the years, Jerry developed a deep love and passion for education, western and local history, photography, service, and his community. This enthusiasm would help to shape the rest of his life. Jerry attended Utah State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in history. While attending USU, Jerry met Karen Rae Knight. Karen was from Woodland, Utah, and shared Jerry’s passion for education, service, and eventually Wasatch County. Jerry and Karen were married on March 15, 1963, and had six children: CheriLynne, Trent, Raechelle, Sarah, Hazel, and Robyn. Although the couple would later divorce, they shared an amicable relationship. One of the family’s favorite memories was when all the siblings and their spouses took a trip to New York City with Jerry and Karen. Jerry doesn’t like flying and jokingly told one of his daughters, “I’ve gone this far (70 years); why not go the rest of my life without flying.” As the adage says, ‘Love conquers all,’ and Jerry’s first commercial flight was for his kids! He shares, “It was beautiful flying over the area.” Then he chuckles, “I wish the plane tilted a little more so that we could get a better view.” Apparently, Jerry has quite a sense of humor and loves to tease. A prime example of this was when they went to see the Statue of Liberty. As they were going through security with their cameras, Jerry kept asking, ‘Did you shoot that?’ Did you shoot that?’ The fun continued as they arrived at the ferry. It was raining, and everyone was in a hurry. Each time Jerry tried to go through security, the alarms would go off. He emptied every pocket, took off his coat, and tried everything until they figured out that it was the metal clips on his suspenders underneath his shirt. Jerry recalls, “It was a fun trip.” Jerry’s children credit him for their ability to laugh when things get hard and describe Jerry as fun and spunky.

    Jerry’s ‘spunkiness’ was evident even as a young boy. His Aunt and Uncle, Pauline and Joseph Erwin, were the original owners of Luke’s Hot Pots Resort in Midway (now Midway Mountain Spa/Ameyalli Spa Wellness Resort). Both Pauline and Joe had a lot of connections in the entertainment industry. Jerry recalls, “Pauline was a hair model, and Joe played professional baseball, wrote songs, and was in movies.” The couple’s friendship with big names like Roy Rogers and Virginia Mayo helped the Hot Pots become a major attraction for Hollywood celebrities and other entertainers. And spunky ten-year-old Jerry couldn’t wait to be right in the middle of all the excitement. Jerry loved horses and was put in charge of helping with the horses at the resort. During this time, young Jerry got to meet a lot of Hollywood stars and entertainers, but Rogers and Mayo, were the ones who visited the most and remain etched in the nostalgia of Luke’s Hot Pots Resort. One of Jerry’s best memories of that time was getting to ride on a horse with Virginia Mayo.

    Horses were a big part of Jerry’s life, and his fondness for them has led to many adventures. Jerry spent numerous summers saddle-packing the Wind River Range in Wyoming, the Thorofare region of Yellowstone to the Tetons, the eastern Sierras, and the Uinta mountains. While traversing the majestic peaks and inspiring wilderness, Jerry documented his travels and took amazing photographs. Jerry has had many of his writings and photographs featured in magazines like The Western Horseman, The Intermountain Quarter Horse, and Cutter & Chariot Racing World. His packing adventures initially began while Jerry was in college. During one summer break, he volunteered at Inyo National Forest in California and recalled, “We helped with everything from maintaining trails […] and taking the general public into the mountains. We were their guides and packed with horses. We also packed for those running cattle — we called ourselves Packers. I don’t remember the year, but it was a really special time and a lot of fun for a young single kid.” Inyo was near the mine where Jerry used to work with his dad. His experience working with horses there would be the catalyst for years of volunteer work with the National Parks and the National Forest Service. In 1967, Jerry joined the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Posse. When it was discovered that Jerry owned a boat, the Sheriff asked if he would join Search and Rescue — and of course, he did. However, most of Jerry’s time with SAR would be spent on the back of his horse, Smokey. Jerry recalls, “We rode horses year-round, even in the snow. We patrolled Deer Creek Reservoir and around the lakes in the Uintas. We found a lot of drowning victims – we were pretty successful at finding them, but it was difficult to get there in time.” It was a grueling and emotional task for the men. Jerry shares, “Horses have a real sense when you are riding them, especially when we were carrying living and non-living people.” Jerry also helped others with their equine escapades. You may or may not be aware that Heber used to host cutter and chariot races, and as can be expected, Jerry was involved with those too. His favorite memories with horses involve riding with his son, Trent, as they explored the mountains and forests he loved. His excursions on horseback inspired Jerry as he combined his passion for the outdoors and history, creating hundreds and hundreds of lectures. Jerry spent 20+ years traveling with his kids to the national and state parks and forests in Utah, California, and Nevada. They would set up camp, and Jerry would present on mining, the fur trade, or national and state parks. Jerry’s children spent their summers visiting mining sites and camping all over the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains. Many of them love camping because of these experiences.

    While at home, Jerry settled into his daily routines and community service projects. Jerry worked for the State Office of Rehabilitation as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Heber and later in Provo. He enjoyed working with individuals who found it difficult to get a good job due to various mental and physical struggles. Jerry shares, “We were serious about what we were doing. We made sure that they were comfortable with the work they wanted. Many of those I worked with didn’t have arms or legs, and they trusted us to help them find work.” Jerry’s brother Richard also worked as a Vocational Rehab Counselor, and the brothers found a lot of happiness and satisfaction in helping others succeed. Jerry also enjoyed success in his endeavors. He built a beautiful home for his family in the same spot where his grandparents home used to sit. And, just like he enjoyed playing on his grandparent’s large front porch as a child, Jerry’s children would enjoy the “giant front porch” of their home. Jerry’s involvement and volunteer work in Wasatch County extends generations of Springer family service. Beryl and Tura were involved with creating the Midway Boosters Club in 1947; Jerry’s grandparents and Aunt and Uncle also became members.

    While part of the Booster Club, the Springer family joined forces with the Kohler family to create a beautiful float for the first Harvest Days Parade. Six years later, in 1953, it was decided to switch the focus of Harvest Days to a Swiss theme, and Midway’s very first Swiss Days was created. Jerry’s grandfather was one of the five-person committee who oversaw the first event; Jeremiah and Lydia Springer were listed as ‘Patrons of the first Midway Swiss Days.’ The Springer’s volunteered the use of their three-acre pasture west of the Ice Rink on Town Square as a parking area until the 1980s. Naturally, Jerry would continue to be involved with Swiss Days as an adult and served as the chairman of the Swiss Days Committee for three years. He was the first chairman allowed to pick which vendors could go in the square. Jerry has fond memories of these days and remembers “[…] spending the night in a sleeping bag next to the large Swiss Days fire pit with friends to make sure nobody would fall in it.” Three of his daughters were Swiss Miss Royalty, and in 2013, Jerry was chosen as Midway’s Honored Citizen and took part in the Swiss Days parade. Jerry’s deep love for Wasatch County, especially his hometown of Midway, is apparent through his acts of service.

    Anybody can make history. It takes a great man to write it.  – Oscar Wilde

    During his lifetime, Jerry has served on committees for the Midway Town Hall Restoration Committee and the Wasatch County Fair. He was also a special appointee of the Mayor as a member of the Midway Historic Preservation Committee, and was a frequent contributor to the Midway Newsletter. Jerry has been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings like Ward Historian, Ward Clerk, and Assistant Scout Master. Many scouts have fond memoires of their backpacking, hiking, and camping ventures. Jerry’s educational endeavors included teaching at Wasatch Junior and High schools (1963-1966), teaching History at Brigham Young University, and teaching at Elderhostel programs for BYU and UVU at the Homestead Resort in Midway, the Chateau Après Lodge in Park City, and Snowbird Lodge at Brighton. Helping others receive a good education has always been important to Jerry; Utah State University has two scholarships, one in geology and one in business, set up in the Springer name. Jerry created several historical mining displays (some permanent) for Midway Elementary, Heber Valley Senior Citizen Center, the Heber City offices, the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the Sons of Utah Pioneers, and at the visitor centers at Jordanelle State Park and Wasatch Mountain State Park.

    Most Wasatch County residents know Jerry Springer as the ‘town historian,’ and for good reason. Jerry has spent decades compiling and collecting photos, articles, letters and notes, artifacts, memorabilia, and a plethora of other items of interest, from mining to Utah’s past and the Old West to Wasatch County’s history. Jerry meticulously arranged everything that could tell a story in the last home he built and lived in, near the property that originally hosted Luke’s Hot Pots. It is here that my family was first introduced to Jerry. While out for a drive, my husband and son passed Jerry’s home. He was outside and flagged them down — they stopped — and before long Jerry had invited them into his home. (I learned later that ‘inviting others in’ was a common event for Jerry.) Hours later the two returned home and excitedly told me about this amazing man they had just met, they showed me pictures of what I could only describe as an incredible in-home museum. I immediately wanted to meet Jerry and write his story — I had no idea what I would discover. To write Jerry’s life story would take years and fill volumes. Those lucky enough to know Jerry well are probably nodding and smiling to themselves right about now — a true testament to the lives he has touched. To say that he has had an enormous impact on Wasatch County residents and visitors would be an understatement. Many may not even realize that they’ve benefited from Jerry’s countless labors of love. When I finally had the privilege of interviewing Jerry, a few of his daughters, who live nearby, were able to join us. The one thing that stood out the most to me was the love that permeated the room. Our conversations were full of smiles, tender reflections, a few tears, and a lot of laughter. As stories were shared, Jerry would interject with comments like, “That’s alright, you can’t embarrass me,” and “I don’t know what stories she’s telling you, but there sure is a lot of laughing,” or my personal favorite, “Well, I’ve never been in Jail.” Actually, my favorite statement and moment was when one of Jerry’s daughters said, “Oh, Dad! We are so proud of you! And it’s really fun to brag about you for a little while.” With tears welling up, Jerry quietly responded, “Thank you.” Although there is a lot to ‘brag’ about, as Jerry has received many awards, honors, and accolades for his contributions and service hours, I believe his greatest accomplishments can be measured within the hearts and memories of his children.

    Recently, his children made sure that Jerry had the opportunity to visit the Springer Farms’ new farmhouse. After 86 years, Jerry has come full circle from walking in the space of the original home his great-grandmother, Matilda Robey Springer, built, and his father later grew up in, to visiting the new space his 2nd cousin, David Springer, helped design and build — a tender moment I’m sure. And one that, in typical Jerry fashion, has been documented in writing and captured with photographs. Jerry has spent his life devoted to sharing the history of places and people, and I hope that this brief but heartfelt ‘history’ of his life is, in some small measure, an honorable tribute to Jerry Robert Springer.

  • Spring Clean Your Daily Routine

    Spring Clean Your Daily Routine

    Do you wish you could ditch your daily responsibilities and heed the call of adventure in our majestic Wasatch Mountains or leave work early to go fish the Provo River?

    Designing a daily routine where you feel competent in managing your time will ultimately result in you being able to “do it all.” Maybe you already have a routine that you enjoy, or maybe you have a routine that currently is not working well for you or your household. Perhaps, your “routine” consists mostly of reacting to your day instead of being in control of your day. With over 16 years of experience running a family and several successful businesses; I’m looking forward to sharing my Simple Systems with you. Let’s begin by highlighting a few ways for you to examine how you can optimize your time.

    Designing the Perfect Daily Routine

    Your first step in designing the perfect daily routine is to closely examine what you are doing now, and discover where your time is well-used and where it is wasted. Routine doesn’t necessarily mean a rigidly scheduled series of events.

    It means something a little looser like — a rhythm. You might already have a bit of a rhythm where one activity follows another naturally. This is the best kind of schedule when children and families are involved. Many studies show children (and most adults) thrive in orderly environments that have a predictable routine. This doesn’t have to mean following a schedule around the clock. If you don’t currently have any sort of routine or rhythm but you have a growing to-do list, I think it is safe to say that you need to get some sort of action plan in place!

    The “Must”, “Should”, and “Could” Dos

    Step 1:
    Write down your must, should, and could dos under each day of the week. This step might take you a while as you will continue to add new tasks as they come up. Some ideas to include are laundry, showering, dishes, workout time, work tasks, meals, chores, commuting, and family time.

    Step 2:
    Use a timer and follow your task list to see the amount of time it takes to complete each task. At the end of this exercise you might have to make the difficult decision to let go of tasks that simply do not fit in your life right now. As hard as it is to say “no,” it will reduce stress in your life and ultimately improve your health, both mentally and physically.

    Step 3:
    Look back at your list and ask yourself if you are being realistic. As busy humans, we have long to-do lists, and often overestimate what we can actually get done. These unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of defeat. Is your plan making you exhausted before you even start your week? Does it just look impossible to get accomplished? It may be time to say “no” especially if you feel like your health is suffering from being overtaxed.

    Does saying “no” bring anxiety? It does for me! But the alternative is not pretty either. Saying “no” can involve something as difficult as telling a friend or family member that you cannot do a task or meet an expectation. Or, it can be as simple as purging your own tasks off of your list of expectations that you set for your week. Look at your time diary; are you noticing that your day is broken up by so many little things? Running a simple errand can completely derail your day and mean that nothing on your to-do list gets done. It is important to make sure that you are not fragmenting your day with little tasks, especially little unplanned tasks. You may have to say “no” to yourself. Do you need to say “no” to all the time you are spending dealing with emails? How about a “no” to time on the phone, social media, or running meetings, groups, etc.

    You might not need to eliminate certain things completely out of your life, but maybe you need to scale back your responsibilities. After week one of your timer exercises and most definitely by the end of week two, you will have a few thorns that stick out to you. One might be a habit or responsibility that you have taken on that is derailing your productivity. That habit could be something like constantly looking at your phone. There may be some responsibility you’ve taken on that is simply not in the plan for you in this season of your life because you already have a full plate. Whatever the case may be, the timer exercises will give you concrete evidence of where your time is going and how much of it you have left to spend.

    A Few Ideas for Your Routine

    Now, I want to share with you some of my favorite ideas that will help you build out a routine that really works. A routine that will mean you are not constantly reacting to life, but instead are proactively managing every aspect of your day.

    • Get up before the craziness of the day starts. It is amazing how this can make you feel so much more in control. It will also significantly reduce anxiety. OR stay up a little bit later if you feel like you are more of a night owl than an early bird.
    • Create a moment that you look forward to every day so getting up early isn’t as painful. A cup of coffee isn’t a bad start, I recommend mycotoxin free beans so you don’t hit a slump a few hours later.
    • Decide what really matters for the day and ignore the rest. So much of our day can be completely consumed by reacting instead of addressing our true priorities. At the end of the day, we are completely frustrated by the fact that we did not get anything done on our “to do” list even though we worked all day.
    • Attempt to determine the hours in your day when you can be most productive and maximize that time.
    • Make your morning routine such a habit, that you don’t even have to think about it.
    • Use the snooze function on Facebook.

    Designing Your Custom System

    These are only a few ideas to get you started. I hope they help you realize that you can design a custom system that will help you accomplish what needs to be done and what you’d like to do. I would love to hear more about your experience with designing your perfect daily routine and to answer any questions you might have. Who knows maybe we’ll meet while taking a hike or sipping a drink in between ‘doing it all!’

    Download a FREE copy of Sarah’s Momentum Blueprint: www.sarahharding.co/momentumblueprint
    and follow her online @thesarahharding

  • The Sky is the Limit

    The Sky is the Limit

    When passing Deer Creek State Park, you can see boaters, scenic mountain and lakeside views, and…the world’s longest continuous zip line course. That’s right. Zipline Utah is shattering world records in our own backyard.

    Zipline Utah owner, Jon Johnson, developed an interest in ziplines at a young age. Growing up in Orderville, Utah, Johnson’s family lived on a sprawling ten acres of land. At age 15, Johnson found a cable on the side of the road, took it home, and had the bright idea to try out configuring his own zip line. His construction went from the top of a hill by his house, and down into the bottom of a tree. He convinced his brother and a friend to give the makeshift cable a try. After a few adjustments, Jon had successfully created his first zipline!

    Johnson later built a larger zipline on their property with his father’s help. Word caught on in the community and Johnson was soon constructing backyard ziplines for neighbors. However, as life would have it, Jon’s zipline adventures came to an abrupt stop — not at the end of a tree — but while working in maintenance at BYU for 20 years. Thankfully the break was temporary. Johnson shared, “It felt like Groundhog Day work. You know — the same every day. So, I was trying to figure out ventures I could do to draw me away from that type of work. And then I had the idea to build ziplines again.”

    Deer Creek Origins

    After assisting Sundance for a year and a half where they built their own zipline, Johnson tried to find another venue to build his own. “I drove by Deer Creek State Park every day as I was heading to work. And I thought, well, maybe they’d want one. So I pitched my idea, they loved it, and the rest is history,” said Johnson.

    Open year-round, Zipline Utah offers seven different experience tours taking adventure seekers up spiral staircases, across suspension aerial bridges, and soaring down ziplines. Tours range from $39 for the “Out and Back”, designed for those who want a quick thrill, up to $199 for the “Screaming Falcon Full Adventure”, which features all ten ziplines and seven aerial bridges. To ensure everyone’s safety, two adventure guides accompany guests throughout the entire course.

    While most zipline courses start by driving visitors to the top of a hill and then ziplining switchbacks down to the lower valley, Zipline Utah offers courses as a continuous loop. They accomplished this by constructing a series of poles with staircases and bridges to gain elevation as visitors go up the hill. Not only does this make the course the longest continuous zipline course in the world, it also features the longest deployment over water in the world. Johnson explained, “Being almost three-quarters of a mile, that makes our course very unique. Then you add in the views of Deer Creek on top of that, and it’s pretty amazing!”

    Building Backyard Magic

    Johnson’s love for constructing custom backyard ziplines never went away. Today, Johnson is still designing and building ziplines for the smallest backyards to the largest ranches. After a potential customer reaches out, Johnson and his team visit the property. They discuss ideas and budget, they learn about and understand the terrain, and determine the feasibility of building out the customer’s dream zipline. “We like to get creative and build unique things that people love. The feedback that I’ve had is that kids just love them even if it’s a small zipline,” said Johnson. Every backyard zipline is constructed according to the same commercial specs and regulations as Zipline Utah was.

    Zipping Into The Future

    Last fall, Zipline Utah added a ropes course to their already extensive adventure offerings. Johnson says the ropes course is one of the largest you’ll come across in the country. It is constructed with larger bridges and five different levels of increasing intensity. In the future, Johnson is planning to build a climbing wall on their main tower. His team also hopes to collaborate with other local adventure operations to offer family-friendly, multifaceted experiences combining elements like UTV, boating, and snowmobiles with ziplining tours.

    The sky is literally the limit for Zipline Utah.

     

    Zip on over to ziplineutah.com to book your ultimate Zipline Utah course today! Better yet, give them a call and schedule a visit for them to build your own unique backyard Zipline.

  • Ladies Day Cross Country Ski

    Ladies of all levels welcome! Ladies Day cross country skiing at the Nordic Center is incredibly popular and continues to gain momentum each year. Participating in the Nordic Center Ladies Day at Sundance is a great way to stay in shape during the winter months in an environment that is fun and friendly, safe, and affordable.

  • Life Is Better On Two Wheels

    Life Is Better On Two Wheels

    The leaves crunch under-tire as the crisp air greets and awakens your senses. Fall in all its colorful splendor is finally here! And, what better way to welcome autumn than with a bike ride in good company?

    Slim and Knobby’s Bike Shop has been hosting group road and mountain bike rides for the last few years. On Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings, a group of road bikers makes their way around the valley by riding in a big clockwise loop. Making mostly right turns Thursday evenings, they’ve dubbed their ride; Thursday Night Rights or TNR. For both morning and evening rides they divide into two different skill levels; A group and B group. Ron Yerrick, the manager of Slim and Knobby’s, playfully differentiates between the two as “a fast and furious group and a chill posse.” It really is a group event though, with everyone starting and finishing together, so while the A group gets in some extra sprints and mileage, the B group takes a little shortcut. They occasionally mix it up by riding to Woodland for a visit to The Woodland Biscuit Company or to Kamas for some Chevron donuts. The general schedule, weather permitting, is Tuesday at 6:30 am and Thursday at 6:00 pm, meeting in front of Slim and Knobby’s on Main Street in Heber.

    For those who crave the challenge of mountain biking, WOW Wednesdays are in full swing. Slim and Knobby’s provides a shuttle at the Pine Canyon parking lot to take bikers to the top of the Wasatch Over Wasatch trail. The WOW trail works great for hosting a party of riders with each group typically having around 15-20 mountain bikers. It’s not uncommon to have as many as 50 people show up for the beautiful ride through our mountains.

    Why join up with the biking crowd? For Bob Emmett, a leader and instigator of the road rides, the social part of it and sense of community are his favorite. He has watched the group slowly grow from 3 people to 30 people in just four years. He says, “If there’s [sic] 30 people there every week [some old, some new], that means I know 50 people because of the ride.” He loves that he has been able to build so many friendships through biking. He shared that he can pretty much walk into any store in Heber, see a shaved pair of legs, and know it is most likely a friend he has made biking the roads of the valley.

    If you are considering riding with the gang, but feel a little intimidated as a new biker, Ron Yerrick has some great advice for you: “Just come out and do it. We’re very accepting. The B group is a no-drop group so everybody goes at the same pace as the slowest rider. It’s fun. They’re insightful. You get to learn a lot.”

    The group rides generally start up the first of April and go through October, and possibly later in the year if the weather allows. So dust off your old bike or grab your sweet mountain bike and go hit the roads and trails!

     

    GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT RIDE!

    Call Slim & Knobby’s 654-2282 or check the I Ride Heber Facebook page.

  • Autumn Adventures

    Autumn Adventures

    It is hard to imagine that more could be written, said, or conveyed about The Sundance Resort. With over 50 years of history, it has a life force of its own that is well-known around the world. Reviews abound for this timeless spot along the Wasatch Back, but then again, the elegance of Sundance is its uncanny and vigorous ability to be exactly what you need, when you need it — a true chameleon while simultaneously an intimate and metamorphic experience. The nuance of Sundance is — it is always this way each time you visit.

    As the world changes all around, Sundance remains essentially the same as we imagine Mr. Robert Redford intended it to be. The lush history of Sundance leaps off of the photos you find embellishing the walls within the resort. Yet, the euphoric and intimate space between sleep and wake that no doubt we all have experienced at some point in life seems the closest way one can describe touching the ethos of Sundance. Honestly, it is more than a household name or destination — it is magical. It is a way of encountering every adjective for the word “adventure” in the English language. Sundance is excitement all year round, but one could argue it hits its peak in autumn.

    From the fall leaves illuminating the very last of our inviting summer nights; to experiencing the best of harvest ingredients within the changing menus at The Tree Room and Foundry Grill — Sundance in autumn is a treasure, expertly preserved and authentically executed — much like the actor himself who is quoted as saying, “When you get older, you learn certain life lessons. You apply that wisdom, and suddenly you say, ‘Hey, I’ve got a new lease on this thing. So let’s go.’” The resort offers an eclectic array of activities, and the vibe one gets while at Sundance is to experience them all!

    Fall is the perfect time to take a scenic walk through the colors of the changing leaves, zipline through their alpine Zip Tour, take the most picturesque chair lift ride, or stroll through the Autumn Festival that meanders through the resort. For adventure-seekers, the understated draw to the 12,000-foot sprawl of Mt. Timpanogos via the resort makes Sundance the most coveted home base to launch exploration. Horseback riding in the morning can easily turn into razor drifting up the resort trails and end with hiking to Stewart Falls. Do, please, make your way to the Sundance Mountain Outfitters shop to collaborate for your grand adrenaline rush — expertly and properly. As their tagline says, “Gearheads, we got you. Also, non-gearheads, too.” Imagine having the chance to drop your gear down and spend the afternoon at the Owl Bar, recharging, and then meeting up to fly fish your way towards sunset.

    The art of crafting the ultimate treasure hunt nature can offer in one place is not lost on those who spend even one day at the resort. One could get consumed in the cadence of every nook-and-cranny of the resort and still not discover everything there is to see. A favorite among the locals is the Author’s Series or spending the day at the Sundance Art Studio. When walking into the spaces that appear nonchalantly crafted, with the perfect filter of sunlight, it’s easy to believe the illusion that Sundance somehow organically came together. In reality, Sundance was carefully orchestrated, like the soundtrack to a Redford movie itself, to give its visitors the perfect combination of outward presentation while subliminally giving subtext to your entire visit — that won’t register until you leave. And, all of this is just the beginning.

    Move over adventure, it is time to slow down as the sun hits the tops of the reds, yellows, and oranges of autumn — the colors seem to glitter and sparkle differently in the twilight of an early supper or pre-dinner drinks on the benches that stand stalwart along the paths of the grounds. Shopping has never looked so engaging before, and dining has never felt so effortless. For the fast and casual among us, the Sundance Deli has the most amazing Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Bahn that I’m sure customers feel they could eat every day and never get tired of it. While waiting for your sandwich, you can run your fingers over the textures and richness of the singular wares of the resort. Every item for sale is carefully chosen to ensure the merchandise tells the story of Sundance, timelessly, as if generations to come will automatically know the secrets each treasure holds. No detail is overlooked, and I wouldn’t be surprised to discover that there are teams behind the scenes that take great care in collecting just the right fit for each guest that might walk through the General Store. If you need serenity while on the grounds, the spa is not to be missed. You can multi-task by drifting online while soaking in the gloriousness of meditation space within the grounds. Not to be overlooked is the Bearclaw Cabin and Creekside Café. The Bearclaw Cabin is more than unique; it is the picnic experience elevated — literally — as you sit on top of the mountain surrounded by 360-degree views of Heber and the neighboring valleys. The coolness of fall taking over the last vestiges of summer’s warmth can be felt on the mountain tops of Sundance, and while skiing is just around the corner, fall holds its own so every guest can touch the changing of the seasons in one afternoon.

    For the more luxurious in spirit, The Tree Room is unsurpassed in its fine dining offering. It has been said that good food gives the taster a moment of transportation, but great food gives the taster a memory they will treasure in privacy forever. The Tree Room has all the correct elements for shaping the visceral, rustic joy of purely beautiful food. While walking to your table, you can consume with your eyes first as you view pictures from Mr. Redford’s private art collection. Saunter to your reservation, do not run or walk. You’ll miss the once again present subtlety of the experience. Be prepared to nestle into the glow of every bite, and for the skilled foodies; you’ll recognize the old-world French technique grafted to American comfort food.

    There is never a great way to end such an adventure. In speaking to Alysha Jeppson, Marketing Coordinator for the resort, she says what makes the resort special is “A melding of sophisticated and rustic — combining elements of nature and the old west to make something truly magnificent.” Hundreds of visitors annually would agree with her. Cascading springs, boardwalks, quintessential atmospheres, and the discernible change in attitude in each room you pass makes Sundance the epitome of autumn. Summer and winter may be hailed as the best times to book your time together; however, it could be argued that autumn is the premier time to mark your calendar for a true relationship with Sundance.  Come back often, but keep space open for the clandestine, serendipitous meet-up together each autumn as both the resort and you grow timeless together.

  • Play Stay Dine Explore Shop

    Play Stay Dine Explore Shop

    The lost art of a “staycation” needs to be dusted off and put back into circulation, and this summer is just the time to do it!

    For most, vacation means experimenting in new parts of the world. It goes beyond discovering but rather immersing ourselves in a pocket of memories carved out in one to two-week increments.

    The Wasatch Back is incredibly fortunate to be situated within minimal driving distance of everything from a quaint bed and breakfast to a swanky 5-star resort. Throw in some incredible scenery, and what more could you ask for in terms of planning the best summer? As we envision ways to maneuver some uncertainty, what calls to most of us is a way to experience the luxury of time away from home while also participating in the escape of indulgence. No matter what your budget or inclination, a staycation is well within your reach. Here are some ideas to make staying put better than staying away.

    For The Adventure-SEEKER

    If it hasn’t escaped you, Heber Valley, with all its charm, is in a prime position to be the best adventure spot around! There are local adventure outfitters, ready to rent you recreational adventure equipment for a real “DYI Rugged” time. Check out Midway Adventure for ATV rentals, downhill mountain biking shuttle rides or river rafting.

    This level of staycation is great for the kids because they can plan and be right in the middle of the action. Make an adventure map with an “X” on each spot where you will experience all the outdoor-ing you can! There are things to do on any terrain; water, mountain trails, suspension in the air, aka ziplining, speed-racin’, riding the rails on the historic Heber Valley Railroad and so much more. Another idea is to mix it up with wilderness-type adventure and urban, too. Grab an e-bike from Slim & Knobby’s or Wasatch E-bike and ride up and down the mountain trails or Main Street.

    For The LUXURY-SEEKER
    It is no secret that where we live, we are surrounded by resorts. Places like the Zermatt and Homestead are always a great place to start. They offer amenities such as spa packages, amazing meals, and lots of activities. Consider a week stay at either location where you can enjoy something for everyone. A round of golf or snorkeling in the cave at the Homestead cannot be beaten. With the up-and-coming refresh to the Homestead, in particular, new amenities will be ready for exploring and appropriate for all ages. Pay attention to the details of the renovation. It will give you a truly modern, fresh feel to our treasured spot for adventuring. The Zermatt is as classic as ever, and if you are into taking your time, the Zermatt has luxury “slowing down” etched into every nook and cranny. The spa is world-class, and the golfing is perfectly green. Combine your relaxing rituals with views of the mountains from almost every angle, and you’ve got the perfect chemistry of elegance mixed with sophisticated fun.

    For The PEACE & QUIET-SEEKER
    There is some nostalgia and necessity in experiencing a quiet summer night at a favorite bed and breakfast. The epitome of “chill” is the name of the game. There are no shortages of sleepy little inns with charming hosts and perfectly steeped coffee in the morning. Imagine trying a cozy little jaunt every other weekend at someplace like the Heber Senator Bed and Breakfast or the Blue Boar Inn — their menu is lovely. For a feeling of “leaving” without really leaving, the Woodland Farmhouse Inn is about as charming and remote-feeling as you can possibly get. Your stay comes complete with a pasture full of horses, too!

    Wherever this summer takes you, the ideal for everyone takes just a bit of imagination and planning. Whether you are treating yourself to an essential spa day, or feeling like the great Utah explorer, John Fremont, cutting new terrain, or just taking a moment to practice being still in the wake of a breakfast table against our mountain scenery, the art of the staycation is on-deck for this summer; and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

    “There is nothing quite so delightfully mysterious as a secret in your own backyard.”

    Patrick Rothfuss

  • Girls Rule

    Girls Rule

    Several winters back, Jennifer Thorne climbed the north ridge of Mount Nebo through waist-deep snow until she crested its 11,861-foot-high summit. During a time of year when most folks are cuddled up in front of a fire with a good book; Jennifer and two of her friends stood atop the highest mountain in the Wasatch enjoying the priceless 360-degree view of snowy mountains and grassy valleys. Removing skis from their backs they tackled a technical ski descent down one of Utah’s most imposing mountains. Would anyone believe that only a few weeks prior, Jennifer was teaching others how to make their first ski turns on the slushy spring snow of Park City Mountain Resort? Maybe one day one of those students will take in the same view. Everyone has to begin somewhere.

    In 2008, Jennifer and her long-time friends, Jen Dorius and Anna Cox, were all busy with life, kids, and jobs and needed a break! Passionate about the outdoors, they decided to carve out a few days for a ladies weekend bike trip. During this time, it became abundantly clear to them how quality time outside with other women augmented their ability to, not only be more present in life, but approach its challenges with confidence. Over the years, the three have garnered extensive experience, and regardless of the activity, they’re invariably asked, “How did you learn to do that?” Knowing it would be more fun and useful to show than tell — the adventurous women began a new journey.

    Jennifer, Jen, and Anna decided to combine their knowledge and love of sharing outdoor adventures with their families and others by establishing a place where women from all walks of life, and all skill levels, could connect with each other in nature. Taking on the mantle of outdoor recreation mentors, the trio created Ignite Movement. They soon discovered that many women in the community sought to learn how to participate in various activities within a climate of direct coaching, positive feedback, and emotional support from other women.

    A Learning Space

    The name, Ignite Movement, is not random; it represents lighting the fire to get you moving. It is for women who have been looking for a way to expand on, or learn new, outdoor activities but did not know where or how to learn the skills and gain confidence. With many free or low-cost clinics, the challenge for women is to prioritize time for themselves and get outside.

    Thorne shared that one of the driving factors for Ignite is to make the connection between “being outside in nature and the benefits of it. It is not just a fitness or wellness program [taking place] inside. It’s really about getting outside. We’re promoting getting women out and having adventures, an active lifestyle, [learning] wellness, and gathering and learning with other women.”

    All three women describe nature as a “place of perfect order,” and because of this Thorne says, “You can put away the chaos of this world and connect with something.” If you’re seeking a bit more balance, this connection may be what is missing. Adapting life to include outdoor adventure is fundamental to all their clinics and retreats.

    Anna was recently featured in a Women of Ambition podcast; she spoke about the effect of getting women together in such a learning space and described it as “Powerful!”

    Some Science on Being in the Natural Environment

    This connection is not anecdotal. In multiple studies from universities to non-profit wellness clinics, the connection between human health and being outside in a natural environment is unmistakable. An article published by the Harvard Medical School suggests that getting outside is good for your health, from boosting immune systems to healing faster from injury or surgery, not to mention just feeling better about life.1

    A review published on Pubmed.gov reports some “promising effects on self-reported mental wellbeing immediately following exercise in nature which are not seen following the same exercise indoors.”2

    If hiking a trail in a shady, wooded grove makes us feel better, that experience is reinforced by natural processes in our bodies and brains. The effect can foster the desire to cultivate more uplifting experiences. This simple formula can lead one through a lifetime of activity on the water, in forests, mountains, and deserts. They can be pivotal experiences that change the course of our lives. One caveat newcomers stand to face; if you don’t know what you’re doing out there, you might not be poised to have a great experience. You could find yourself injured and saying, “Never again.”

    Shortening the Learning Curve

    With complimentary but different backgrounds in coaching and teaching (check out the “About” page on their website) and decades of experience between them, Jennifer, Jen, and Anna offer instruction and techniques that some might not have considered. With gentle nudges here and encouragement there, everyone from the newcomer to old-hat will quickly find their stride and feel assured they’re being guided by sound advice.

    The mentors of Ignite Movement will also shed light on the other aspects of maintaining an outdoor fitness lifestyle. This comes down to foundational points like day-to-day diet and nutrition, mental fortitude, emotional discipline, and even taking care of your gear. Some readers may have taken notes on Jen Dorius’s recent instructional clinic on bicycle maintenance.

    The knowledge they offer will shortcut the rough experiences of trial and error while attempting to learn it on your own. Mountain biking, for example, is a very cognitive sport. Not only must you learn to manipulate your body, but also the two wheels below as you ride over variable terrain; now pair that with learning to locate trails and repair a flat tire, and your heart rate may just go through the roof! It’s not easy! With the help of other women just starting out and some, who’ve been-there-done-that, one will be on their way to mountain biking independence and confidence to hit the trail with or without the group.

    Ignite Movement helps answer these questions and more: How do you plan your next outing? Where are the trails? How does one navigate with landmarks and a map? What are my post-activity recovery steps to recoup my energy and soften my stiff muscles? How do I do all this so I can focus on the fun?

    Rest and Recharge at a Seasonal Retreat

    Sometimes the best thing you can do is concentrate the learning into a weekend retreat and soak in everything, all while being surrounded by other like-minded women. The quarterly retreats offered by Ignite Movement are pinnacle events. Their summer retreat is scheduled for June 24 thru 26. Looking forward, the next retreat will take place in the fall.

    These retreats feature seasonal outdoor sports, along with a host of other wellness clinics. Jennifer explains, “Not only will you be mentored through amazing outdoor experiences — but you will also be inspired and educated with a variety of uplifting classes. All abilities are welcome! Activities will include hiking, paddle-boarding, kayaking, cooking demonstrations, inspiring mini-classes, yoga, campfires, meditation, amazing women, crater floating, food, fun, and an all-around uplifting weekend with new friends, new challenges, and new ideas!”

    This trio wants to light your torch with their knowledge, give you confidence in an active lifestyle outside, and show you how to fuel the fire with your passion. Thorne talked about engaging in challenging activities outside and incorporating structured reinforcement with other women. This is just one way that Ignite Movement can help accomplish new challenges. It will not seem obvious at first, but accomplishment breeds thirst for other challenges. It can become a cycle, and you may just find yourself trying and learning new activities in other parts of your personal and family life.

    To the women out there who have been looking for the means to get moving outside, Jennifer, Jen, and Anna want you to know that there’s no better time than now! They invite you to come out and join them and make this part of your life. “As you fill your own bucket, you’re better equipped to serve others.” Whether it is to be a better partner or spouse, parent or person, finding rejuvenation in outdoor adventure will truly revitalize the soul.

     

    July 08                   INTRO TO OPEN WATER SWIMMING

    July 10                   group ride to Woodland Biscuit Co.

    July 27 – 28          Mountain Bike Retreat

    August 14            Mountain Bike Clinic

    FOR MORE INFORMATION visit:
    ignitemovementnow.com

     

    1 https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco)

    2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21291246

  • Things to Do in 2021

    Things to Do in 2021

    Covid restrictions may change the way we gather and participate in events, but that shouldn’t stop us from living our best lives in 2021. When in doubt, get outside!

    It’s never been more important to support our friends and neighbors that operate small businesses. Not sure if they are open to the public or holding that special event you like to attend each year? Check in with them to see what requirements they may have for attendance. After all, we’re in this together. Let’s show each other how much we care.

    Best selling author, Gretchen Rubin and her sister and screen-writer, Elizabeth Craft, offer tips on being happy in their top-rated podcast “Happier.” Years back, this witty twosome offered up a whimsical way to celebrate goal setting and living your best life throughout the year. They challenged listeners with a fun spin on a bucket list and New Year’s resolution. The approach was this, create a list of things you would like to accomplish in the upcoming year — or conveniently check the boxes here that interest you. When you write it down you become more committed. I have had these yearly lists for awhile now and have to admit, they have stretched me in my adventures.

    I hope to become a runner, purchase a few pieces of jewelry symbolic to me, begin my Masters program, take more walks, carefully consider nature and my surroundings, and take more one-on-one outings with my children.

    The world we live in today may feel a bit different than it did just a year ago. Lucky for us, we live in an amazing place!

    Now go get started!

     

    Family-Friendly Things To Do

    Eat Out:
    or eat in with curbside pickup. Try a new restaurant monthly or even weekly. There are more than 52 places to eat in the Heber Valley!

    Bowl A Strike:
    visit holiday lanes for a game night out.

    Take A Hike:
    did you know that we have year-round beginner, intermediate, and expert hike and bike options all around the valley?

    Ice castles:
    Bundle up and celebrate the magic of glowing ice sculptures and structures.

    Small Town Christmas:
     The holidays get festive each year with Swiss Christmas, The Creche, and the Christmas Festival for the Children.

    Ice Skating:
    Visit Midway’s small-town outdoor ice rink and sip a cup of hot cocoa.

    Light Hunting:
    Kick-off holiday seasons in the warmth of your car and see festive light displays.

    Ride The Rails:
    Themed train rides on the Heber Valley Railroad are always a big hit with the family or visitors from out of town.

    Local Flicks:
    Enjoy a night out at the movies with real movie theatre popcorn. We have two historical theatres here in Heber.

    Friday Night Lights:
    Attend a local high school sporting event. Go Wasps!

    The Show Must Go On:
    Theatre productions happen year-round in the valley. Check out Timpanogos Valley Theater and High Valley Arts for their schedule.

    Sleepover In The Outdoors:
    You don’t need to travel far to spend the night in the great outdoors. Visit one of our local campgrounds and be sure to reserve in advance.

    Stargazing:
    Celebrate our dark skies at Wasatch Mountain State Park.

    Visit A Working Dairy:
    From autumn hay mazes and pumpkin patches, to cheese making classes and baby animal days, there is always something engaging happening at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese.

    Heber Market On Main:
    Thursday evenings all summer long you’ll find friends and neighbors at the Heber City Park for live music, vendors and food.

    Boots, Chaps And Cowboy Hats:
    The Wasatch County Fair, Demolition Derby, and Rodeo are some of the biggest events in the valley each August. No cowboy hat required.

    Swiss Tacos Anyone?
    Midway’s Swiss Heritage is celebrated each Labor Day weekend with Swiss Days. Pageants, craft booths, food, live music and a parade.

    Sheepdogs:
    K-9 athletes and competitors flock to the valley each Labor Day weekend for the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Competition.

    Salmon Run:
    Did you know that we have Kokanee salmon in our local Strawberry Reservoir? In the fall, you can see them spawning right next to the board walk at the north end.

    Cascade Springs:
    Take the short drive up to a natural spring. There is a beautiful hiking path, boardwalk and tons of photo ops!

    Wagon Or Sleigh Ride:
    Haunted wagons and horse-drawn sleighs are so much fun with the whole family.

     

    Service-Minded Things To Do

    Yard Cleanup:
    Help out a neighbor in need. Rake their leaves, mow their lawn, shovel their snow. You never know how much it may matter to them.

    Take Out The Trash:
     A full trash bin can be extremely heavy for an injured or elderly neighbor to move. Lend a hand and take it out to the curb and/or back in from the street.

    Share Your Love For Nature:
    Invite a friend or neighbor to go for a walk along the river and breathe in a little fresh air and perspective.

    Donate:
    Some of our incredible opportunities include: Sub 4 Santa, Shop With A Cop (Christmas).

    Food Drive:
    Hold a food drive and donate to the local food pantry to help fight hunger in our community.

    Read To A Child:
    Open their world to new possibilities through literature.

    Get Involved:
    There are plenty of good causes to affiliate with in the valley. Choose one!

    Perform:
    Play an instrument or read for the elderly in our local rest homes or care facilities and scatter a bit of sunshine.

    Write A Thank You:
    Heartfelt thank you cards, written to local service providers can bring joy in an otherwise stressful day.

    Foster Or Adopt:
     Our local shelter, Paws for Life is a no-kill shelter and is always looking to find fur-ever homes or temporary homes for their animals.

    Babysit:
    Volunteer to babysit for a young couple so they can get out on a much-needed date night.

    Relief Supply Drive:
    Gather and donate materials for a Native American community. (Lynn Epperson: 435-671-5839).

    Beautify:
    You don’t need to adopt a highway to clean up trash along a road or street. See something? Take action.

    Climb:
    Hike Memorial Hill and pay respect to those who sacrificed in service of our country.

    Give Blood:
    Sign up with the American Red Cross and donate at a local blood drive.

     

    With A Friend Or A Date

    Moonlight Snowshoeing:
     There are organized hikes throughout the winter. Check out Friends of Wasatch State Park for a schedule.

    Romantic Train Rides:
    Hop aboard one of Heber Valley Railroad’s finest cars and revel in the Chocolate Lover Train or Hot Summer Night Ride.

    Staycation:
    You don’t have to go far to feel like a tourist. Spend a night at one of our local resorts, get room service and sleep in.

    Horseback Riding:
    Local outfitters offer riding opportunities year-round. Saddle up and take to the trails.

    Treasure Hunting:
    Rise early and scour yard sales and thrift shops for treasures.

    Visit The Library:
    Discover a great novel, movie, or a magazine, get hot chocolate on the way home and cozy up in your favorite blanket.

    Break Out The Lederhosen:
    Bottoms up at the annual Oktoberfest hosted by Heber Valley Brewing Company.

    Paddle Into The Sunset:
    Pick up a paddle board, canoe or rental boat and head to our local reservoirs for a day out on the water.

    Namaste:
    Perform sun salutations in the fragrance of sage brush hills with an early morning yoga trek.

    Hot Air Balloon Ride:
    Elevate your perspective and see Heber Valley from 4,000 feet. It’s amazing!

    Plein Air Paradise:
    Feast your eyes at the summer’s most beautiful event, hosted by the Midway Art Association with a painting contest, art exhibition, and sale.

    Sunrise On Timp:
    Set out early to summit Mt. Timpanogos and watch the sun come up over the grandeur of our little valley.

     

    Adventure Junkie

    Soldier Hollow Biathlon Experience:
    Discover the thrill and challenge of firing a precision rifle on an Olympic-calibre range. Private group sessions are available, winter and summer.

    Mountain Bike:
    Spin your wheels on one of our year-round trails! Rentals and sales are available at local outfitters.

    Fly Fishing:
    The fish eat all year so the fishing’s on! Book a local guide to show you the sweet spots.

    Tee Time:
    With over 90 holes of golf in the valley, you have no excuse but to get out and hit a few balls.

    Ski/Snowboard:
    New to winter? Take a lesson and learn to enjoy one of Utah’s most popular winter sports.

    Snowmobile:
    Safety first! Learn how to get outside and enjoy winter in the Wasatch with one of our local guided tours.

    ATV/RZR Rides:
     Go for a drive on a back country dirt road to explore our local mountains.

    Rock Climbing:
    A dangerous sport in the outdoors, or you can keep it safe and visit our indoor climbing wall — The Crag.

    Scuba Dive:
    The only warm U.S. destination to dive is right here at the Homestead Crater. Learn to dive and get certified!

    A River Runs Through It:
    Provo River is a great place to raft. We recommend a local outfitter for safety’s sake.

    Tubing:
    Snow is a fast, slippery surface for rocketing down the hill. Visit Soldier Hollow for rope-towed access to the best slopes in the valley.

    Ready? Aim. Fire!
    Big Hollow Shooting Range is open to the public at no charge. They specialize in pistol and rifle range shooting.

    Zipline:
    Glide through the fresh air on Zipline Utah at Deer Creek State Park.

  • Avalanche

    Avalanche

    Avalanche, it’s a sleeping giant in the snow, waiting below the surface like a troll under the bridge. Be on top of your game this winter. Avoid avalanche danger at all costs, and be prepared.

    You need to be “street smart” and “snow smart” in the backcountry. Tyler St Jeor, professional Ski Patrolman and current patroller with Wasatch County Search and Rescue filled me in on the conditions that lead to avalanches. What happens is this; the snowpack gets grumpy with rapid temperature change. Strong winds can also move tremendous amounts of snow, stripping it from windward slopes and depositing it on the mountain’s leeward side, forming dense, stiff slabs of snow. Imagine a precarious stack of folded laundry or a house of cards. The wrong shift of weight or misplaced addition, and it all comes toppling down!

    Some of the most likely days for avalanches to occur are those following heavy snowstorms. The snow needs time “to become comfortable in its own skin.” St Jeor understands waiting can be challenging. “As an individual who enjoys snowmobiling, I realize how tempting those beautiful days following the big storms are. The air is crystal clear, and the snow looks amazing. However, consider the new weight load the snowpack is trying to adjust to. Be smart and give it a little time.”

    Early season snow or infrequent storms also lead to potentially unstable layering; as thin snowpacks tend to be structurally weak, the snow turns into a pile of sugary crystals, or what avalanche experts call facets. The slope angle defines avalanche terrain. Slopes 30°- 45° are considered avalanche territory. As the slope increases, so does the danger. The gravitational force increases with the slope (Weed, T. (n.d.) Steepness. Utah Avalanche Center. utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/16386). Don’t forget, the area below these slopes is not always safe either; they may be connected to other dangerous slopes above or adjacent to where you’re riding. Having the ability to identify avalanche terrain and the knowledge to travel through that terrain safely becomes imperative to survival in the backcountry, even on a “low danger” day. There is always danger in certain areas. Avoiding those areas entirely on high hazard days becomes the best practice for survival and safety.

    How can you learn to identify avalanche terrain? The best and most responsible level of instruction is hands-on, intensive training held right on the mountain. The most responsible thing to do is to spend time with a professional on-site. To find local offerings check the utahavalanchecenter.org.

    Craig Gordon has been a forecaster with the Utah Avalanche Center for 20 years. He explains, “Avalanche accidents don’t happen randomly; it’s not like getting struck by lightning. There’s a great deal of science involved . . . before loading up your gear, check-in with the Utah Avalanche Center and get the latest forecast. Remember — avalanches are incredibly violent events, and nearly 1 in 4 people are killed by trauma — getting slammed into trees or carried over cliff bands. Even if you’re prepared, if you trigger a slide and need to use your rescue gear, it means you screwed up. If you’re caught and buried, you can’t just pop out of the snow because avalanche debris sets up like concrete in just a second or two; you can’t even wiggle your fingers. That means you’ve got to have all the rescue gear, and you have to know how to use it. It’s the only chance to find your partner under the snow.” Gordon continued with, “Let’s face it, even the best rescues have sad endings. So your best offense is a good defense; simply avoid getting caught in the first place. Your local avalanche forecast gives you all the tools you need to safely navigate the mountains and get a great day of riding in. But avalanche avoidance — that’s the big-ticket item.” Before heading to the backcountry, always ask yourself this question; what is today’s avalanche forecast in my area? And discover the answer first before going out on your winter excursion.

    Take someone with you! Four is a good, reliable number. If the group gets too big, risks increase, and communication becomes difficult. Buried alone, you won’t stand a chance. Be smart and take a partner or two that are trained. Remember, in the event you end up on the bottom of the pile, you’re entrusting your life to your buddies. Choose wisely.

    Absolute MUST HAVES:

    • Shovel
    • Avalanche Transceiver
    • Probe

    It is IMPERATIVE that you wear these items ON YOUR BODY. The avalanche transceiver must be worn under your coat, close to your chest. The shovel and probe should be in a sturdy backpack. Too often, snowmobilers will store their gear in their tunnel compartment. During the event of an avalanche, they may become separated from their sled. At that point, the tools are of no use.

    Avalanche Transceiver: A transceiver, also referred to as a beacon, is a device worn on each person in a party that continuously emits a radio signal. If an individual becomes a searcher, they switch their transceiver to the receiving setting. This action stops their transceiver from emitting a signal, and it now becomes a receiver for radio signals of victims in the vicinity. Transceivers should be checked for functionality, both as receivers and emitters, before every ride. Be sure to change out your transceiver’s batteries once they reach 50%. The transceiver’s search function drains batteries fast. Lithium batteries are an absolute NO GO! Only alkaline batteries should be used. Extra batteries should be part of your avalanche essentials included for every ride.

    Shovel: This is an essential tool with multiple options. Consider the style of your shovel as you invest. It should always be metal. St Jeor is emphatic that plastic isn’t allowed on the hill with his Search and Rescue crew. They break. It’s like trying to dig yourself out of jail with a plastic spoon! Shovels must fit entirely in your pack. If it is not a good fit, you risk losing it during your ride; especially in case of an avalanche, this life-saving tool could be torn from your pack (Delatado, N. (2020, January 13). The Best Avalanche Shovels for Portable Use. Retrieved October 09, 2020, from backyardboss.net/best-avalanche-shovel-reviews). You may feel that a shovel is too cumbersome and heavy to haul with you. However, the weight range is generally between 1-2 pounds, not a considerable burden at all when the cost of saving a life is in the balance (evo (n.d.). How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel. Retrieved October 10, 2020, fromevo.com/guides/how-to-choose-avalanche-shovel).

    Probe: This is the tool that determines the exact location of an avalanche victim. According to the Utah Avalanche Center, the most popular length is 279 cm long. This also happens to be the minimum length of probe you should ever invest in. Probes come in various lengths and are either aluminum or carbon. Remember, speed is the most critical factor. Be sure you can use your probe effectively (evo. (n.d.). How to Choose an Avalanche Probe. Retrieved October 16, 2020, from evo.com/guides/how-to-choose-avalanche-probe).

     Good to HAVES:

    •  Air Bag
    • Personal Locator
    • 2-Way Radio
    • Basic First Aid Kit
    • Food
    • Water

    Wear appropriate outdoor winter clothing! Shovels, probes, and beacons may save you if you’re buried, but they won’t protect you from the elements of the winter climate. The cold is real. The cold and wet may be unrelenting, and hypothermia can become your next problem, avalanche or not.

    Airbag: This handy device has a ripcord attached to a pack. If you hear that unmistakable rumble, the airbag can be deployed. Large airbags help bodies stay near the top of the rubble. St. Jeor compares it to being a “big chip in the bag.” Just as the big potato chips stay close to the surface of your chip bag, you stand a better chance of rising to the top of the debris and chunks of snow when attached to a deployed airbag.

    Personal Locator: Personal locators have direct locator technology and are a much faster and more reliable way of signaling for help than making a phone call. Pushing the SOS button sends an exact geo-tagged location directly to local search personnel.

    2-Way Radio: Good old walkie-talkies may be the best way to communicate with your party. Communication is paramount when working together in locating and accounting for your crew.

    Basic First Aid Kit: Knowledge of basic first aid skills and a simple set of first aid tools come in handy in countless situations. Materials for splinting are important must-haves as breaks and fractures are common. The top medical needs to address in avalanche rescues are airways and bleeding.

    Food and Water: Calorie boosting foods and water are always vital to have on hand when traveling or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Remember, once victims are secured, keeping them in the best condition possible for retrieval and travel is essential. This includes being well nourished and having sources of hydration.

    If you hear that distinct whoomph and the earth feels like it’s falling away from you — you’ll only have a nanosecond to do some quick thinking. Instantly, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Ideally, you have a game plan playing in your head before you even step foot on the slopes. Trees can be your best friend or worst enemy, depending on the stage of the game you encounter them. If you’re lucky enough to be next to a tree, immediately grab a hold. It is very likely to secure you through the slide and save your life. However, if you are moving with the avalanche and come in contact with a tree at the force of the slide, that tree is likely to be your demise. Experienced riders may be able to “ride it out” or make it to the side, out of the avalanche’s path. St Jeor says to deploy your airbag at once and do everything in your power to stay on top. “Fight like hell, swim, keep your head on top of the snow.”

    Here are the facts:

    In the event you’re lucky enough to escape the destruction yourself, you should know that right away, a clock begins to tick. In most cases, without an air pocket, you have about 10 minutes of survival time to save individuals buried.

    1.  One person take charge.
    2.  Get a headcount. How many searchers and how many victims do you have.
    3.  It now becomes a “resource management game.”

    Searchers MUST switch their transceivers to search mode. Otherwise, their signal emission will interfere with the search, and they cannot receive a signal for the victims.

    Use your personal locator now! DO NOT go call for help. The ugly truth is that unless rescuers are on the mountain with you, they will not make it in time to retrieve a live body. You are the rescuer! Search and Rescue can help get you off the mountain once you have located and unburied the victims. They will not be there in the crucial 10 minutes you have to find survivors.

    Quickly scan the area for visual clues. You may see a glove, a ski, a sled. Check to see if any of the items are still connected to a person. If the person is not with the item, leave it where it is to document the scene. Keep searchers paraphernalia from cluttering the search area. Items not belonging to the victim can confuse the hunt.

    Be aware that avalanches flow like water. Follow the “flow line” after the last seen point to find your victim. Immediately begin a beacon search to pinpoint your person. If the area to search is small, have others in the search party ready probes and shovels. If you have a vast area to cover, get several transceivers in a pattern to search simultaneously. Systematic searches where muscle memory can kick in and searchers are familiar with their gear are far more successful than unpracticed searches, which is why it is imperative to have training and practice. Practice keeps you prepared. Practice saves lives.

    Once the beacons do their job, it’s time for probes. Begin probing until you have a strike. When you have a strike, LEAVE THE PROBE IN and get shoveling. Shoveling is the most time-consuming step. Once your buddy’s out, if they are unconscious, the first thing you need to check is that you are in a safe location, preferably out of the snow, then check their airway. If they are wearing a helmet, get it off, and clear their mouth of any snow packed in by the force of the slide. Breathing and bleeding are going to be your top priorities to address — in that order. CPR is a back-pocket skill you may need. At this point, it is time to make that phone call, if you didn’t already push a button on a personal locator. Remember, your friend will probably be in shock and need to be kept as warm and dry as possible.

    Be on top of your game this winter and remember: Prevention is paramount. Get trained. Get supplied. Get a plan. Then, get out there and have fun!

  • Taste The World At Global Grill

    Taste The World At Global Grill

    In a time when people are traveling less, the Heber Valley has a new little gem providing a huge variety of worldwide flavors. Global Grill is just that — a global food experience unmatched in the area. Their slogan “Come Taste the World” says it all.

    The unique menu is listed by the type of food, but also by origin. Patrons can order a bowl from Japan, India, Indonesia, or Cuba. Pasta dishes are available from Italy, Argentina, Thailand, and Mexico. Burritos are listed from four different areas of Mexico: Cancun, Zacatecas, Michoacán, and Sonora. Burgers celebrate ingredients from Korea, America, Mexico, and Persia. And there is a variety of multicultural kids’ meals and desserts too. There are even daily specials to add a little more flavor, from Polynesia, Greece, and the Gulf Coast!

    Owners, Rick and Elizabeth Moreno created the concept, and the menu, specifically for the Heber Valley. They looked at what was already available in the area, and they decided to create something entirely different. “I created the menu this way because I can see people two to three times a week,” explained Rick Moreno. “Today, you may want an authentic Mexican burrito, but tomorrow you may want Indian food.” The same idea applies to an office lunch setting. “They come in, and they can get a burger, and they can get pasta, and everyone’s happy,” said Moreno.

    The Moreno’s are well-versed in the restaurant business. “I’m a chef,” said Rick. “My background is in restaurant executive management. My family has had restaurants since 1951 back in California.” Moreno also worked for large companies, such as Hilton Corporation, to gain even more experience. He also created restaurants, menus, and bars for casinos in Montana before moving here.

    Elizabeth has been working in restaurants since 1999. She was a sous-chef at the former Mayan restaurant in Sandy. In fact, that’s where they met. Rick was creating recipes and consulting for the massive, cliff-diver restaurant.

    “[The Mayan] could seat a thousand people, and had three levels of kitchens,” Rick recalled.

    One night, Elizabeth was the kitchen supervisor over multiple cook lines. The restaurant was so big that they had eight cooks for each line, so 24 cooks total. The servers were complaining that the food service was getting slow. Finally, Elizabeth went to the cook line, moved all the cooks out, and started preparing the food by herself. Rick shared, “The servers were saying, ‘tell her to slow down. We can’t keep up with her!’”

    “They needed their food right away, so that was my mission,” laughed Elizabeth. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Elizabeth learned from Rick’s mother, who ran a restaurant in California, and shared her recipes with Elizabeth. She has also worked for Chevy’s and Café Rio.

    The couple lived in Utah during the 2002 Olympics, and during that time, Rick created the restaurant Guru’s Cafe with two partners in Salt Lake. They eventually had four locations. His original recipes were used at the restaurants. The Food Network even did a show on Guru’s, where they showcased one of Rick’s recipes.

    Recently, the Moreno Family was living in Montana until they unexpectedly relocated to the Heber Valley last year. They had planned to move to Texas, moved their RV there, and then went back to Montana to pack. The couple’s older daughter was already living in the Heber Valley, and they decided to stop for a visit on the drive back to Texas. While visiting here, the Moreno’s found their current restaurant location and decided to stay. They created the Global Grill, opened in December 2019, and then the COVID pandemic hit. While it has slowed down the business, Global Grill is going strong. The food is full of variety and flavor, and the portion sizes are huge. Rick explained, “I did [large portion sizes] purposely because I wanted to make sure that,  everyone’s getting the value for their money. And most people take part of it home.”

    He continued, “We also have family meals. People can call us every day and ask for an Indian family meal, burrito, or whatever. We have two sizes; small is for four to six people, and large will feed ten to twelve.”

    “Just like our portions for our bowls,” Rick said, “We made sure that our family meals are huge.” Value for the money is a priority for the Morenos. “I hate to go somewhere and get a little disappointed with the food portions.”

    It’s not only the portion sizes that keep bringing people back. The food is all made fresh, in-house. And many of the recipes can be modified for those with dietary concerns. 90% of the menu can be served gluten-free, and 50% can be made vegan. They will also have alcohol available soon.

    The food variety found at the Global Grill is unmatched. “Besides our core menu, we feature other countries as specials,” Rick explained. “We do Russia one day, and we do stroganoff, and then we do Swedish meatballs. On Saturdays, we do Polynesian. Every Tuesday is Taco Salad, and Thursdays is the Greek Gyro Platter…Fridays is the Captain’s Platter.” said Rick.

    In addition to the meals, the Global Grill has two core desserts; tiramisu and tres leches cake. However, they also have other desserts available, such as chocolate tres leches, cheesecake, carrot cake, and tropical bread pudding. “The main ones are always tres leches and tiramisu, but I change sometimes,” explains Elizabeth. One day, Rick suggested that Elizabeth offer to make whole cakes, and “now she makes so many of those cakes!” said Rick. “It’s like a bakery too!”

    The Global Grill also does catering, but not just this menu. “Because of my background in large casinos, I can do anything. Literally, we can do carving stations or whatever. We can do any country and anything that they want,” Rick explained. “I’ve catered from 15 people to 1000 people.”

    The Global Grill fills a niche that the Heber Valley has been missing. And the Morenos are confident that the concept would be a success in other places too. They are preparing to create additional locations for the unique restaurant. Rick shared, “Right now, we’re ready to license them. If someone wanted to do one in Park City, or somewhere else, they could.”

    “We’re still trying to do that uphill climb because of COVID, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Rick. “We are very thankful for the support they’ve given us here in Heber. Everyone’s responded really well to the food, and the locals here have been good to us. They keep coming in and supporting us, and we want to say thank you. We appreciate that. Especially being the new guys.”

  • Holiday Traditions

    Holiday Traditions

    The crisp fall air brushes against our mountains, painting them with vivid oranges, yellows, and reds. Cornstalks rustle, and the nutty smell of squash, burning ditches, and cinnamon awaken our senses. Autumn arrives, ushering in anticipation for the Holidays — and the foods that come with them.

    Food sustains life and nourishes our bodies, but food also sustains cultures and nourishes our identities. Food is generally at the center of all we do. Foods are symbolic in our religious rituals and associated with specific celebrations. Our food preparation can be sacred, an exact science, a lesson in chemistry, or just some good ole’ fashioned fun — with a pinch here and a dash there! Creating delicious dishes binds friends and families together — or, if you’re on a cooking show, it can turn into a hellish-battle!

    Conversations, stories, history, and heritage are shared — traditions are passed down, and new ones are created — all while we gather around food.

    As we prepare to enter the Holiday chaos, it might be fun to learn a bit about the foods used in celebrations around the world. We invite you to sit back, relax, read for a moment — or two — then take a deep breath, exhale, and prepare to dive into whatever your Winter season looks like (don’t forget to pack a snack).

    While some people carve pumpkins for their October 31 celebrations, residents of Oaxaca, Mexico, are preparing to celebrate Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes). This tradition takes place on December 23 and has been practiced for over a century. Large radishes (upwards of six pounds) are grown and harvested specifically for the event. The radish artists can spend days creating and carving their masterpieces, many of which display nativity scenes, animals, or Mayan imagery. The best radish carver can receive a cash prize worth thousands of pesos (hundreds of USD).(https://www.wvpublic.org/news/2018-12-20/holiday-food-traditions-are-as-much-about-connection-as-eatin)

    The week-long celebration of Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1) is full of dancing, singing, gift exchanging, and culminates in a large feast. Catfish, collards, macaroni and cheese, jerk chicken, gumbo, and accras (Caribbean fritters), have become traditional foods used during the festivities. (https://www.africa.upenn.edu/K-12/Kwanzaa_What_16661.html)

    The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Southern Italian tradition celebrated on December 24. Whether you’re celebrating in North America or Italy, you won’t find seven specific types of fish being served. Think of it more as a seafood celebration. Typical fish used include: baccala (salt cod), frutti di mare (shellfish), capitone (eel), calamari (squid), scungilli (conch meat) and vongole (clams). Fried vegetables are also a popular accompaniment to the fish. Traditionally, the feast takes place in the morning’s early hours, after midnight mass. “Then it’s time for dessert, which may include biscotti, panforte, pandoro, and panettone.” (https://www.italiarail.com/food/feast-of-the-seven-fishes)

    Worldwide, it is Jewish tradition to eat matzah on Passover, and apples dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah. During Chanukah (Hanukkah), eating traditional oily foods such as latkes (fried potato pancakes) topped with applesauce or sour cream, and sufganiyot (deep-fried doughnuts) or other kinds of fritters, is in homage to the miracle of the oil that burned for eight nights instead of one. (https://www.chabad.org/holidays)

    Midnight snacking takes on a whole new meaning if you are celebrating New Year’s Eve in Spain. Apparently, eating one dozen grapes at midnight isn’t just a tradition — it’s a serious superstition. On Noche Vieja (Old Night), it is customary to stay at home until the clock strikes twelve. Families and friends gather around their bowl of lucky grapes (uvas de suerte) and wait to hear the chimes ringing from the Real Casa de Correos in Madrid (broadcasted via television across the country). The bells toll twelve times — one for each month. With each chime, you ‘pop’ a grape into your mouth — and probably try not to choke — or laugh. If you eat them all, you will have good luck in the new year. (https://www.donquijote.org/spanish-culture/holidays/nochevieja/)

    This next dish sounds delish! Lechón (Spanish for roasted suckling pig) is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines and many Latin American countries. The pig is usually stuffed with lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives; it is roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire. Lechón is traditionally served whole on a platter at celebrations like weddings and Christmas. It is often served with a thick, rich liver sauce cooked with sugar, fresh herbs, and vinegar. (https://www.tasteatlas.com/lechon) I don’t know about you, but all this talk of food is making me hungry!

    If you need to stop reading and make a food run — go for it — I get it! There are a few more unique victuals to share, but then I think we should go to work on creating our own traditional cuisine and get some food in our bellies!

    Onward — we go!

    In many European countries, you will see processions of girls dressed in a white dress with a red sash, wearing a wreath with candles upon their heads, singing, and carrying Saffron Buns in celebration of St. Lucia on December 13. In Greece, many fast before the holidays, and when Christmas arrives — they go all out — after they break their fast. One of the more popular traditional foods served is Melomakarona, a sweet, honey-soaked cookie topped with ground walnuts. Of course, there’s always the traditional Plum or Figgy Pudding from the UK, Danish Kransekake or Almond Wreath Cake, and all the marzipan, chocolate, red cabbage, and roasted goose from Germany. In Australia, Christmas and New Years are smack dab in the middle of Summer! They celebrate by throwing whatever they feel like on the barbie (grill for the rest of us mates) and enjoying seafood, cold cuts, alcohol, pavlova, and trifle, just to name a few, along with a challenging game of cricket. Here’s an interesting tidbit. According to BBC, for 40 plus years, many Japanese families have gathered around a KFC ‘Party Barell’ for some finger-licking-good chicken as part of their Christmas celebrations — bet you didn’t see that one coming.

    Food is an extension of who we are. Regardless of culture or religion, food is an integral part of life celebrations across this beautiful globe we call home. Food unites. Where ever you are in the world, and whatever you celebrate or don’t celebrate, whether you’re honoring a generations-old tradition or creating new ones; this winter season, we invite you to come, gather — eat and enjoy!

    Gather your kids, friends, and family to discover different cultures and the food they eat. Try out a few new recipes, and prepare them together. Participate in a festivity you’ve never celebrated before. Eat new foods. Share and create a new tradition!

Translate