A TACKLEBOX, A FISHING POLE, AN AUGER AND A PARKA

A good friend of mine, once asked me in an online chat if I was a fan of ice fishing. My reply was succinct and without hesitation.

“I’m the guy other guys bring on fishing trips to provide off-colored jokes and drinks all of your koko Samoa while you catch my dinner.”

To put it lightly, I’m not a good fisherman unless I’m holding a spear gun in one hand while standing in a stocked wading pool. I do however, love the outdoors and whenever there is an opportunity to sit in a boat or stand on the shore of any of Utah’s scenic mountain lakes, I’m going to take that chance every time without pause.

But ice fishing is a beast of a different breed. When most people think of fishing they envision exactly what my Southern California born, island bred mind conjures up in my subconscious: a calm tropical or a Mediterranean breeze, water lapping at my feet and a sturdy rod being tugged by a celluloid line anchored by a hook and some power bait or an ornate fly. Ice, snow, wind chill and an auger are hardly the things that pass through my mind when the word ‘fishing’ is mentioned.

Yet here in the Beehive State there are a number of fisherman who can’t wait for the sleepy and languorous days of summer to cast. Instead, they trudge out on frozen lakes and ponds to try their luck at catching Trout, Walleye, Crappie or Bluegill. There are even ice fishing competitions throughout the frigid winter months. But be aware, just like fishing in the ‘normal’ sense of the sport, ice fishing has its own inherent risks and dangers so it’s important that you use caution, especially if you are a novice. In fact, if you are thinking of giving the sport a try one rule of thumb you don’t want to overlook is, make sure you bring along an experienced and seasoned veteran.

Before you go:
1. Ask a professional. Walk in to your local Cabela’s or your preferred, local outdoor sporting goods store and ask a veteran about the intricacies of ice fishing. Doing your research should always be your first item of business and whenever possible, as I mentioned previously, go with a pro who can show you the ropes.

2. As a side to #1, be sure you know what your fishing. Your guide and local experts will show you the necessities for your tackle box and what to expect depending on what spots you plan on fishing. If they’re really nice, they may even give you a quick rundown of the auger, sharpen the blade for you or instruct you on the how-to’s, the weight of your line, how and when to properly use an ice scoop as well as the length or size of your ice pole (usually 18 – 36 inches).

3. Watch the weather reports. Obviously you don’t want to be stuck out on a lake when the weather is unseasonably warm but you also don’t want to be out there in the middle of a snow storm. Watching the weather is also critical because of the number of intangibles the weather presents when you are vulnerable to its improbability so its nice to be prepared for any and all conditions.

4. Dress appropriately and comfortably. Being on the ice can be miserable even for experienced ice fishermen. Layer your clothing so that you can either shed layers or put them back on with little effort. An extra pair of socks and glove liners are always a good suggestion.

There are a number of variables to consider when you are preparing for an ice fishing trip so visit some of the sites listed below for suggestions and more information on ice fishing. I’ve fished Strawberry and Deer Creek in the winter, of course with very little success due to my lack of fishing skills but your experience will be totally different so be prepared and have fun!

For more information visit:
Utah.com
Wildlife.Utah.gov

AN EXPLORATION OF THE CLASSICS ON THE RAPIDS

Southern Utah is noted for many outdoor activities and as the long cold winters slowly ease into spring, the locals and visitors to the State get the urge and the itch to get out and enjoy the incredible outdoor activities offered here. There are areas here that are emblazoned across tourist pamphlets and brochures to attract people from across the globe to visit Utah, but there are some lesser known activities that are just as fun and affordable that you might want to take a look at as well.

A rare treat is the annual Classical Music River Journey. In its 26th year in operation under the direction of Dvorak Expeditions, this mild saunter down the majestic Green River set to a backdrop of sheer red cliffs and a soundtrack offering professional performances of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Dvorak (the owner of Dvorak Expeditions is a descendant of the music pioneer) is bound to take your breath away. The journey down the river is an eight day excursion filled with laughs, beautiful scenery, stimulating conversations and of course awe-inspiring classical music.

The classically trained musicians come from symphonies and theatres all across America including Chicago, New York and Los Angeles and the river guides are seasoned professionals in their own right. The quaint town of Green River, Utah is nestled smack dab between the Canyonlands and Arches National Parks off I-70. But as you’re making your plans, keep in mind that no one under the age of five is permitted on the trip and dress for the weather. Temperatures drop slightly even in the summer months but during the day the sun beats down on the cool river water.

It’s a trip and a destination that is worth the marginal cost of airfare, a rental car to get there and of course the additional cost of floating the river.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINING CHOICE: THAI CUISINE

In keeping with my self-imposed theme of doing something out of the ordinary for Valentine’s Day I thought something out of this country would be more appropriate than your usual Valentine’s Day fare. Because seriously, nothing sends mixed messages like giving a lady a card that says “I Love You” and shouting, not whispering, your undying devotion to your love, while standing in line at the all-you-can-eat buffet.

Dining out in Utah has become a much more diverse and a gastronomically appealing prospect than it was just a decade ago. Though many who have never visited or know much about the Beehive State might find it hard to believe, Utah has a much more diverse population than our last census numbers reveal. That change in the demographic landscape of the State can be attributed to a number of contributing factors including the influx of corporations in a number of different industries who now call Utah home, the close proximity of its major colleges and universities and of course the large population of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who come from far and wide put down roots here in part because of the church’s headquarters here in Salt Lake City.

As its population becomes more diverse, the variations in cuisine become more disparate. As an avid, rabid fan of all types of Asian fare, I’ve narrowed my field of events in my own Palatal Olympics to region known as Southeast Asia.

I’ve highlighted in a previous post, my insatiable appetite for Vietnamese Pho. But to ensure that my dear Valentine knows that I’ve reserved a special place in my heart for her, I’ve carved out an exceptional spot for her in my heart right next to my disgraceful yearning for Thai food.

Located in the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City, Thaifoon serves up American adaptations of Thai cuisine and an amalgamation of Asian cuisine that is suitable for those who are new to Thai recipes. For a true sampling of authentic Thai treats you’ll need to venture farther out of town to a little hole in the wall (actually I think it was once a Taco Bell or a Kentucky Fried Chicken in a previous life) to Mekong Café in Midvale (7725 South State Street). The service varies depending on the hour of the day but generally speaking it is decent. What is above average is the curry, the Pad Thai or the Spicy Pad-Ped. I can count on my hands the number of times I’ve eaten at Mekong but my experience has been nothing short of pleasant.

There are a dozen or so great Thai places throughout the Wasatch Front (from Ogden in the north to Provo in the south) but my new personal favorite is located in Lehi, a town just 27-miles from downtown Salt Lake. Thai House Cuisine is located in “Old Lehi” just off Main Street and 288 West in a quaint old building that may have been someone’s home back when Lehi was first established. There is limited seating and parking, but the interior is comfortable and the food is excellent. I have a very difficult time deciding which curry is my absolute favorite here because everything under that heading on the menu is heavenly. I’m salivating as I think of the Masman, the Pineapple and the Panang curries, but I can almost guarantee that if you’re a lover of curry, the green curry with thinly sliced pieces of beef and an assortment of vegetables keeps me going back for more. Of if prefer a salad you can’t go wrong with the Papaya Salad. And if your thing is noodles, try the Pad Se-Ew. Yummy!

Valentine’s Day is a holiday for lovers, so why not spend it eating something that you will love the moment it touches your tongue? Try it and you’ll agree Thai food in Utah will carve out a niche in your heart too.

SAY I LOVE YOU ON A MOTORIZED SLED

How many years of chocolates, roses, lingerie and bad dinners do you think you can string together before you finally say enough is enough? I mean honestly, do we all need a holiday to say “I love you” to that special someone the same way that a card at Walmart says it in seven different languages for a buck-fifty?

When are you going to decide as a couple that you’re going to do something that doesn’t involve a last minute run to the Hallmark store, a cheap box of candy hearts or a long, agonizing perusal of the menu just so that you can tell the waitress, “I’d like the Moon Over My Hammy, over-easy, wheat toast and a side of ranch please and can you also get my husband a life?”

I’m declaring this the year that we “Do Something Atypical on Valentines Day” and I’m not referring to your private-private life, because I’m really hoping you will still keep that behind closed (locked) doors (we don’t want to scare the kids), but rather a time for you to break out of the usual Valentine’s Day monotony and get into something that both of you will remember twenty Valentines Day’s from now.

If you’re in Utah and you’re fresh out of ideas – hit the fresh powder. Utah is known as a skiing and snowboarding, after all we did host the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. But if you’re not a fan of sliding downhill (or pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion on cross country skies or snow shoes) than I can definitely see a snowmobile in your future.

Utah has some of the most scenic, absolutely spectacular snowmobile trails in the world. There are guided tours, groomed trails and back-country trails with fresh powder to choose from up and down the Wasatch front. The Uinta Basin is a gorgeous place any time of year but imagine riding a snowmobile through pristine white country, the only sound you hear for hours is the hum of your snowmobile’s engine as you traverse nature’s beauty.

There are trails at Mirror Lake in the east, in the West Desert past the Great Salt Lake, Fish Lake in Central Utah and a stunning ride in southern Utah near the Cedar City through Brian Head, Cedar Breaks and Duck Creek. Daniels Summit near Park City is a popular destination if you want to get out of the city but don’t have time to venture too far out.

Before you go
• Dress appropriately. Nothing spells frostbite and/or hypothermia like the guy who wears a pair of Nike Air Jordan’s to a half-day snowmobiling excursion. Layer your clothing so that you can shed a few layers if it gets too warm, and put them back on when the temperatures drop again. If you’re starting to feel a bit loopy, you can’t stop shivering or you just feel like there are ice cubes forming in your chest cavity, its time to alert a friend or your guide.

• If you’re a beginner or novice, make sure you are accompanied by someone who is familiar with the machines and knows the trails by heart. Many nightmares in the mountains of Utah started with people who bit off more than they could chew. So pack a beacon, stay close to your guide and listen very carefully to their instructions.

• Pack water and a light snack. Just because you’re surrounded by mountains packed with dozens of feet of snow doesn’t mean that you will be okay to chew off a bit of snow to stay hydrated. Eating snow lowers your core body temperature and opens you up to a whole mess of bad scenarios. Stay hydrated, take some chapstick to keep your lips moist, have a snack to give you the energy and strength to maintain control of your machine and alert your guide or a buddy if you’re starting to feel lightheaded or drowsy.

If you’re interested in spending a wonderful time with your sweetheart on an experience of a lifetime, check out some of these tour operators for more information: danielssummit.com, deervalley.com or rockymtnoutfitters.com

ADDICTED TO PHO IN UTAH

Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a healthy appetite. Let me amend that statement. Anyone who has seen me knows that I have a healthy appetite. I love all types of food but in the last four or five years, I have developed a special fondness for Vietnamese cuisine that borders a bit on fanaticism. My wife doesn’t get it but then again I think it would be safe to say that she is a very finicky eater. I on the other hand have no qualms about stuffing my face full of anything that goes down and stays down.

A co-worker and I stumbled upon Vietnamese cuisine while looking for something out of the norm. a place that provided something appetizing and filling that did not have the words ‘flame-broiled’, ‘secret sauce’ and ‘eleven-herbs-and-spices’ in its marketing campaigns or slogans.

West Valley City is Utah’s largest melting pot and the 3500 South corridor is an international potpourri of Mexican, Chinese, American, South American, Japanese, Polynesian, South-East Asian and other cultures as well as their distinct flavors and foods. You’re bound to find something interesting to eat while wandering along this main artery of the city as far west as the 4000 block to as far east as Highland Drive.

Pho Hoa, located off 3460 South and Redwood Road in West Valley has become my absolute favorite hole-in-the-wall. Its no longer the best kept secret in Utah but rather a teeming, bustling café filled with people from all walks of life who enter its doors to enjoy the establishments main dish: Pho. A steaming bowl of beef broth with thin slices of meat (and a lot more if you’re so inclined) and rice noodles are about as close to taste-bud heaven as I will ever get. A squeeze of lime, a handful of sprouts and a bit of hot sauce to give it a little ‘go’ and there is nothing more satisfying that I can think of for my diversified palate. Prices are reasonable and the helpings are hearty enough to leave you content.

Just up the street on 2000 West and 3500 Soth is Pho Green Papaya where the fare is every bit as appetizing as Pho Hoa and reasonable priced. In either joint try the spring rolls. La Cai Noodle House (961 South and State Street) is a little pricier but they have a wide variety of specialty dishes that keep bringing you back for more.

WAYS TO ENJOY SUNDANCE RESORT

Actor-Director Robert Redford lost points with me when he lured Demi Moore into his bedroom in exchange for cash in Indecent Proposal but he’s more than made up for it over the years each time I visit his tranquil and absolutely stunning Sundance Resort.

Nestled on the eastern slope of Mt. Timpanogos in the Wasatch mountain range, the Sundance Resort is a bastion of idealism and nature. It’s a place where one can literally leave the rest of the world behind and find solitude and serenity to enjoy the company of family and old friends or make new friends.

What to Do

During the winter months when powder is plentiful and the lifts are operational, you can wander the majestic mountainside on the resorts 41 runs on alpine skis or a snow board, take the scenic route on cross-country trails or take lessons from ski instructors. Ski and snowboarding lessons for children ages 6-12 are $70 and include an all-day pass.

In the spring, summer and fall months when there’s no snow on the ground the lifts are still operational to give visitors a beautiful view of seasonal foliage and wildlife. Because of the resorts committed and conscious effort to preserve as much as possible, nature groups are offered to inform the public and resort visitors about their conservation efforts. Nature art activities, guided hikes and children’s nature camps are available through the resort and can be organized for individual and large parties.

Horseback riding, fly fishing and mountain biking are some of the alternative activities you’ll find at Sundance and every January the sleepy little resort is buzzing with activity as Redford welcomes new and old friends to Sundance for the annual Sundance Film Festival. One of the most popular film festivals in the world, Sundance plays host to celebrities and film fans from around the globe who descend on the resort to witness the birth of new technologies, new writers, directors and stars.

Shopping, spas and more are all at your fingertips but it’s the calm and serenity of Sundance that brings you here.

Where to Stay

There are a number of options for guests who chose to book a room in the resort. Options range from the more modest studios to mountain lofts and the more pricier but roomy mountain homes. All of the guest rooms offer the amenities you would find in a luxury hotel but give you the privacy you need in such a wonderful setting.

If you choose not to stay at the resort, the Provo-Orem area offers a wide range of accommodations to choose from and is just a twenty minute (one-way) drive from the resort. Or if you need more nightlife to go with your ski package, Salt Lake City is a 45-minute drive north on Interstate-15 and gives you more alternatives and a shorter drive to the airport. Park City is a 30-minute drive north on Highway-89 and is a larger scale in terms of ski towns with more to offer in terms of dining, nightlife and accommodations.

What to Bring

During the winter months the temperatures can dip below freezing so be sure to bring enough to layer your clothing. In the spring and fall the temperatures are relatively cool so a light jacket, sweater or a sweatshirt would not be bad idea. If you’re planning on hiking or enjoying the outdoors a pair of durable hiking shoes or boots would be appropriate for the rugged terrain but if you’re planning to stay in or around the resort a good pair of sandals are as good as your favorite walking shoes.

Dining

The Creekside and the Bearclaw offers guests, skiers and snowboarders a quick bite to eat during the winter months in between runs down the mountain. But during the summer months these two rooms are only available by reservation to private groups.

The Foundry Grill and the Tree Room are open year round but if you plan on dining in either of these beautiful rooms be sure to consult the schedule. The Tree Room is closed on Sunday and Monday and there are certain hours on Saturday and Sunday that you won’t be able to get into the Foundry Grill. Its also important to note that the Foundry is a casual dining room while the Tree is a fine dining experience. Probably a good idea to dress appropriately to avoid any uncomfortable stares.

Sundance is one of the premier destinations for outdoor fun in Utah so if you’re planning on visiting the State, be sure to make this a stop on your travels. For more information about the resort visit sundanceresort.com

5 REASONS TO VISIT MOAB

Seti Matua

Mention the word Moab and you get one of two reactions: "Huh?" or "Dude!"

Located at the base of the La Sal Mountains in southeast Utah, the quaint little town of Moab was established in the mid-1800's by Mormon settlers to take advantage of its strategic location along the Old Spanish Trail. The town was incorporated back in 1902 and experienced a boom in its early history thanks to the mining industry. By the 1950's Moab was a bustling little community with its population swelling with visitors to the mines, tourists and an occasional film director and his entourage of movie folk.

That all changed in the mid-1960's when the demand for uranium, Moab's main source of income began to dwindle. Fortunately for Moab, there was more to the place than just picks and shovels. The town's close proximity to some of the most breathtaking, scenic natural wonders opened it up to a whole new industry: Tourism. In recent years, the town's other little secret began to surface - Its recreational activities.

These days, mining is distant thought in the minds of Moab's steady population of 5,000. During the summer months Moab is teeming with activity, but you can enjoy it just as much during the winter months. Here are five reasons to keep coming back to Moab.

1. National Parks - Visit the area just once and its a safe bet that you will want to come back and explore Canyonlands National Park and the nearby Arches National Park. The scenery is breathtaking miles and you'll be in awe of the miles and miles of incredible rock formations, arches carved into the rock by the wind and rain, awe-inspiring cliffs cut over millions of years by the Green and the Colorado Rivers. When you come here, bring your camera, a gallon of water and sunscreen, because you’re going to want to see everything that these two beautiful parks have to offer. Delicate Arch and Dead Horse Point are by far the most popular names you’ll hear, but there are a number of areas you will want to visit during your stay.

2. Recreation – If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just a regular Joe who wants to try something outside of your run-of-the-mill vacation, Moab is the place for you. There are miles and miles of scenic bike and hiking trails for every level of experience from beginner to downright crazy! If dust and sand aren’t your thing, then maybe water is your ticket to enjoying the outdoors. Just like biking and hiking running the massive Colorado River has different levels of expertise as well but be sure you hire the right outfit to fit your needs. There are also a number of ATV trails, horse trails, dude ranches and more. You name your recreation fancy, Moab can just about cover them all.

3. Creature Comforts – Whether you plan on staying in a tent, an RV, a cabin, lodge, condo or hotel, Moab caters to the needs of every type of visitor. There are a number of spas in the area that allow the women folk to relax and be pampered while the men are out playing with their 4-wheel toys or swinging a club at a local golf course. Relax by the pool with a book or take a stroll through the town to visit its museums and one-of-a-kind shops. You can find just about anything you need within a five-mile-radius.

4. Events – All year round you can find something of interest happening in or around Moab. From the Moab Arts Festival in May and the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo in June to the ever popular Easter Jeep Safari that takes place every year in April, this town is always hopping with good fun. The Moab Music Festival takes place in September and the whole town looks forward to strange local activities like the Annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in the fall. If you like a wide range of activities and events, plan a trip to Moab.

5. Food & Entertainment – Moab offers a slice of the old west and the eateries here provide visitors with unrivaled local and international fare. Establishment’s like Eddie McStiff’s, the Slick Rock Cafe and Frankie D’s are popular for people in just about any walk of life and provide a fun atmosphere in which to unwind in the evening. If you’re looking for something with a bit of romantic charm you may want to venture out to one of the nearby resorts where you can enjoy Ahi Tuna or Chicken Piccata at the Sorrel River Grill or Barbecue Pork Ribs at the Red Cliffs Cowboy Grill, both of which offer beautiful views of the surrounding red cliffs and the Colorado River.

Moab has charm, amusement, history and culture all rolled up into its breathtaking topography. For more information about this popular Utah destination, visit DiscoverMoab.com or Moab-Utah.com today and book plan your next vacation to this beautiful destination.