the Greats of SLC

A really great thing I love about SLC life is that there are always great things to see and do here.
So when Shylettera came into town two weeks ago there were a couple of sights I wanted to show her!
Our first stop was the Great Salt Lake. 
Ive always wanted to head out there and see how Great our city's name sake is.

It was a perfect day to go. It was cloudy/rainy/snowing in the city but once we drove out to the lake it was sunny and {relatively} warm.
The GSL is 75 miles long! and 35 miles wide.
It is mad up of 33% salt. Thats double what is in the ocean!
I loved seeing the photos of The Great Saltair and the resort status it was back in the day.
I learned all of this at the Visitors Center, of course.

I then had the idea to drive out to the Salt Flats. 
It turned to a crazy idea cause it was like a really long drive away.
But once we started driving there was no turning back and we really wanted to go!
Before we actually got to the Flats we got to another part of the lake. I think. I'm not really sure what it was but it was cool. It was so beautiful and had the perfect stillness. We realized afterwards that it was so still that it had a perfect reflection. If you turn this picture upside down you won't even be able to tell which way is up. I dare you. Try.

We weren't sure how much longer we had to go until we finally saw it.

We pulled straight over on the freeway and ran onto the Flats.
I think I pranced around for awhile I was so excited to be there.

It was the most amazing site I have ever seen.

And the fun didn't stop there!
We were about out of gas after such a long drive and the only place to fill up was Wendover!
Haha. So we drove the 8 miles to fill up and we reached the state line. We drove Shylettera all the way back to Nevada.
And we even got to be in two places at once, which doesn't happen every day!

The Lake and the Flats are definitely a site to see. And Wendover, will it was just an added bonus. 

Valley Ventures: The Endeavor

I have been back to my Valley hood all week and love being poolside, hanging out with my family, being in traffic and seeing downtown.
While being back home, I thought it fitting to bring back the Valley Ventures.

 This past week we ventured out to the California Science Center to see the retired space shuttle, The Endeavour.

Every since it got retired at brought back to LA in October I have been wanting to go.
Before seeing the ship we went through a short Museum all about space travel and specifically the Endeavor.
I was intrigued with the section on using the restroom while in space.
Never thought about the gravity issue...I thought it was interesting, however my 9 year old niece was pretty grossed out.
These are the tires last worn by the Endeavour. The wear seen here is from just one landing of the ship, and must be changed after each mission. Tires are $5,000...a piece.

One of the coolest parts of the space shuttle coming to LA was the fact that it arrived via an airplane and then was taken throughout the streets of LA to get to the Science Center.

We watched a short film of the time lapse of the shuttles drive through LA.
To see the video, you can go here.
Roads had to be reinforced to support the weight, streets poles had to be moved, electricity needed to be cut and the shuttle had to be carefully maneuvered around trees.

Now on to the Space Shuttle...

The Endeavour is only one of five shuttles built.
It was named after Captain James Cook's ship and his first voyage.
It was built to replace the Challenger, which was lost in 1986.
It's first launch was in 1992 and had a total of 25 missions.
It orbited 4, 671 times.

{photo bombed by Laura & Lyla}
It was really cool to see it up close.
I mean, this thing went into OUTER SPACE!
How mind blowing is that!?

imma model. What!?

Ok not really. 

 But kinda...!?

Remember back when I went to St. George on spring break oh so long ago?

Well during that vaca Aubry and I got all dolled up for a little modeling sesh for my roommate Chelsey. 

Chelsey Rae is staring up her own photog business and to help her out we did a little modeling shoot.

I felt insanely awkward the whole time and didn't know what do, however, Chelsey did an amazing job!

Aubs and I definitely had a fun time and really like the photos.
Check out Chelsey's website here, and hit her up if you need a photographer!! 

Trolleys Cars. Cable Cars and...The Fray??

Intermixed with wedding festivities, Nick, Allie and I were able to see some beautiful SF sights and of course have so much fun while doing so. 

After getting my new outfit we made our way to Goff's for burgers per Nick's request. 

Anything to make our Bardi happy. 

Other Saturday sights included...

The Bay Bridge. Pink Ladies. Golden Gate Bridge. 

{I feel like Nick is about to propose to me in this one...}

Nick sadly left pretty early on Sunday morning. He made the rest of us feel like sinners by making his way back to SD to go to church. Allie and I immediately felt like our dad had just left us. We weren't totally sure what to do without him!

We did figure out how to make our way to Fisherman's Wharf via the trolley car. Unfortunately, half way through our car broke down forcing us to walk the rest of the way. Fortunately, this allowed for ample time to have a mini photo shoot with as many trolley cars as we could imagine in the middle of the city.

{Trolley Car photo shoooot!!!}

We walked the Pier and then met Trent and Drew for lunch at Boudin.

{Bread bowls and chowder!} 

Allie was the next to take off for her flight back home. Leaving me friendless in the city! 

I took the plunge and went solo to Alcatraz. 

{Yes. I had to ask someone to take a photo of me by myself}

{view of the city from the island}

{before the island was used as a high security prison it was used as a Army base and used to house army prisoners. Those prisoners literally reformed the island to what it looks like today, making it more rocky than it was; for instance--the hill pictured above was recreated by prisoners. The prisoners also built all the barracks that they would live in and many other prisons that came to the island later}

{view of the Golden Gate Bridge}

Honestly, I felt a little lame going by myself, but it was still really fun and I am glad I was able to still take advantage of my little vaca and enjoy the warm sun that Ive been lacking in SLC. 

It was a really fun trip. And of course went by way too fast. I loved spending a weekend trip with Allie and Nick. We had such a great time. I love that we can still get together and have so much fun after leaving the Lanai so many years ago. So grateful for my amazing friends. 

Now just cant wait till we go to Seattle! or...a cruise!?