UTAH

March 6-11, 2009

After 10 days off, I was granted another 10 so I decided to take a trip to Utah to meet up w. some friends and go snowboarding. I flew out Friday night where I met up w. a friend at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. This is probably one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever been to. It is a European "boutique" hotel of American Scale...truly five stars.

 (View from the Grand America)

Walking into the hotel I saw Carmelo Anthony and I wanted to say hello since I had flown him when he got back from Beijing from the summer Olympics. Of course I got to nervous and continued on my way. Getting out of the elevator I was faced w. the Denver Nuggets, Chauncey Billups. That's when I realized that the team must be staying here. The bellman told me that most of the NBA teams stay at this hotel when they are in town. Later that day I actually got to meet Chauncey and that night I got to go to the Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz game. We had amazing seats, 15 rows up from the court.

(Chris Paul, myself, Carmelo Anythony)

 Evan LeFebvre picked me up the next morning and we made the trip up to Park City to go snowboarding. There was a contest going on in which Sean White won...what a surprise. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had a great time riding the park. After riding we were blessed with the most amazing hot tub on a balcony that overlooked a golf course covered in snow. Sushi and then Harry O's later that night... I hate Utah and their silly alcohol % laws. 

 

Brighton was the next stop on my journey. My friend Clark, from APU, was taking up a group from Cal Lutheran up for their Spring Break and invited me to come along. It snowed Sunday night and all day Monday so we got 2 days of powder, the 2nd day being the best. It was sunny out and there was about 2 ft. on the ground. Joe Mertes had just arrived from Minnesota so it was great catching up and watching talented snowboarders ride. The last day was sunny and I rode a little powder that was left over and then the park. Being my 5th day in a row, I was extremely sore and tired so I didn't last too long...I guess I'm getting old! Overall it was a great trip. I got to see a lot of my friends, had great snow, and best of all, I got to snowboard!