Utah - July 10, 2021 - Day 9

 

When we left Logan, it was 61 degrees. It was beautiful riding to our first stop - the Golden Spike National Historical Park. 

Golden Spike

When the railroad coming from the west met the railroad coming from the east in 1869, the golden spike connected the two lines and created a transcontinental railroad. It was an enormous boost to the economy of a young nation and opened the West. 





This is a pic of the track:




I really like the National Park Service. They do a terrific job, and did an exceptionally good job at the Visitor Center and the many programs provided in a very remote location. We spent a lot of time at the Site, and very much enjoyed ourselves - which is especially true for the two old railroad guys. 


There are two steam trains at the site. They move them so the noses touch, to simulate the railroad coming from the west, and the railroad coming from the east. They also have a diesel engine, as the steam trains are prone to breakdown and often need to be pulled back to their barn. The diesel engine is called "Buttercup," as you can always depend on Buttercup!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCKiSYp3dSE










The Great Salt Lake - Antelope Island

Given that we are in Salt Lake City, we felt compelled to visit the Great Salt Lake. We went to Antelope Island, which is the largest of the ten islands in the Great Salt Lake.

The seven mile causeway was over land, with there being no water in sight. When we reached the island, the marina was dry. It smelled like an outhouse (rotting brine shrimp) and as such, we didn't stay long. 

With that, we rode to our Hotel and our final night in SLC.

On the way, we had to feed Magellan. We stopped into a place where the food sizes were enormous. This is a picture after Magellan ate half of his hamburger and half of his milk shake (it stood inches above the top of the cup). As you can see, Magellan was in a food coma. I'm not sure what Buttercup did to revive him. 

Did I mention my Root Beer Float? 

Temple Square

I returned my rental Harley to the Dealer, and despite a long drive while only turning it off once, it failed to start at the dealership for the return inspection. The Dealer was shocked, had never seen this happen before and commented that he was surprised that I made it through the week. It is slated to go out on a new rental Monday, and I told him that no way was this bike in the condition be driven. He explained to the head of the Service Department that they have a "911." No kidding. 

We then went to Temple Square. Regardless of your spin in religion, it is impressive.

This is the Administration Building. The Temple is being renovated to make it earthquake proof. The design will allow five feet of movement.  

Snubbed

The three of us showed up early on on our dinner reservation, asking to sit in the bar to have a cocktail before dinner. Not uncommon. Given that we've been knocking around the canyonlands of Utah and were in our going-home clothes, we were clean, in blue jeans (like the desk attendant) and were wearing tee shirts. Not uncommon in SLC either. 

The lady at the counter told us that we might be better off at the bar across the parking lot. The supercilious counter attendant (a Chris Farley look-alike) wearing a jacket which was far too small, told us that he might be able to find a table for us in the empty bar. After 15 minutes and nothing, the boys explained that we had just been snubbed. That has never happened to me before.

I selected this restaurant because it was local, despite having much lower ratings than some of the chain steak houses. I was trying to give a hand to a local spot in this post-pandemic world. All I can say is that I hope they are very profitable as they clearly have no problem turning away a large check. We went to the Hotel restaurant and had a great meal. 

Oh, I may have left a one star restaurant review that was not flattering. Buttercup said my review was accurate, and Magellan thought I was harsh. A little role reversal?

Taps

This, our final day of riding, totalled 174 miles. It is breakfast in the morning, and we travel our separate ways. 


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