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High Flying Moon & Cool Nights: The Calm Of Wolf Creek Utah
By Tim Wassberg
Hidden away in a lost valley two hours outside Salt Lake City by rental car, the rising vision of Wolf Creek (wolfcreekutah.com) is surrounded by a reservoir filled with boats and light. As a weekend getaway, in terms of an alternative to Park City, it speaks to the activity and affordability of this hidden gem.
Rentals abound within the Wolf Creek Resort as Trapper's Ridge offers massive houses with four or more bedrooms and inlaid outside hot tubs grand for late nights with symphonies of wine and moon. After a hamburger overlooking the club house, the carts envelope the distinctness of the valley's golf course with an exceptional Par 5 on Hole 3 extending the front nine and a Par 3 at near a 45-degree angle on a slope at 6. The rolling hills and long fairways make the drivers sing (especially the 1 wood) as drop-off traps test the skill. Fun can be had as water traps encourage precision and putts from beneath pines judge distance with mirth. Losing balls within the high reeds promotes head hits from grasshoppers breeding in the wisps giving song to the afternoon. Later, the back nine, forested within the development, is narrow and challenging in its layout with Hole 15 being particularly daring. Afterwards at late night on the terrace of the Member's Grill, a White Russian coupled with a tender beef filet and grilled shrimp tests the inevitability of a soft bed while the Jacuzzi tub stirs memories of aches from the swing.
Early morning at the adventure center finds breakfast burritos prepared with consistence and salsa. The developments of Wolf Creek have home theater system areas built in and second home gateway investments are a definite plus with many possibilities under 500K. However the new Powder Canyon project, in the building stages, offers ownership and rent share opportunities incorporating interlocking and controlled cut-off doors built into the structure which are some of the best deals for the LA portfolio mind.
Later that morning, the Causey Reservoir, low but brisk, lures the bees with mud-drenched fun as kayaks disappear with racing speed into the depths of the canyon while the cliffs rise up beside. Disappearing into the shadows as tales of adventures past sing, lunch replete with chocolate chip cookies and turkey anchors the boats. The afternoon continues as the Pineview Reservoir permeates speedboats with inner tubes racing across the waves at full throttle. Hot Damn with its cinnamon burst made the Devastator brew go down smooth before the boats beckoned with high-end turns. Flying off into the water provided refreshing chill and essential rejuvenation. A twilight grill at a bungalow in Pineview Park replete with stacked hamburgers gave solace as the mountains glowed in violet tones.
The second 18 holes at the same course provided next day morning action offering a quieter but more determined focus than the first play. The front nine offered more clarity of vision and visibility with Hole 7, a Par 5, offering the most challenge. Breakfast again offered bacon, egg and cheese burritos from the clubhouse whilst the play was more staggered because of more players traversing the course. Hole 13 on the back nine offered a peace and tranquility as the mountains stretched out behind the houses.
Caesar Salad at lunch overlooking the 18th Hole with iced tea relaxed the arms as the wi-fi offered a bit of work before the next adventure. Traveling to the Weber River in the lowlands, the water is peppered with the banks of cars that provide ebbs in the flow for the rafting enthusiast. Heading into a Class 2 rapid at full speed while in the front allows for full immersion if needed while not overtaking lesser riders for the experience. Paddling is required especially when reversal is imperative for splashing. The river zips beneath the freeway in high turns as rattlers simmer on the concrete.
In the early morning light, the air crests the large behemoths of lore as gigantic balloons jump up in a glaze of fire. The night before had brought the beauty of darkness while rejoicing the cooler with the sounds of The Rolling Stones. Lying on the ground as the baskets lift away in the silence of dawn, the grandness of the valley permeates in full view. Eggs and home fries smothered in biscuit gravy bring home down giving credence to the brimming light. As the floating love comes in, champagne is popped and the earth receives penance in reward for its consistency.
Driving away from Wolf Creek as the reservoir stretches vastly into infinity, the peace of the area is reflected by the ease of its personality. From its relaxing and persistent golf course to the numerous adventure angles and appeasing and comfortable rentals, this hidden diamond creates a possibility, one that might draw new eyes to its beauty.
Thailand's Remarkable No Matter Which Way You Go
By Rita Cook
Wondering where your first trip to Asia should be? Try Thailand. From the never-ending sights and sounds of Bangkok to the slower pace in areas such as Phuket or even up north where tourists are harder to find, this is one country that will definitely stir up your senses.
Start in Bangkok and don't miss the must-sees such as the night market and at least a few of the 400 Buddhist temples. Bangkok is often called "Venice of the East" with canals winding through the city offering a chance to glimpse the splendor from a whole new light on the water.
Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. These days, it is the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. There are a lot of people too (around 10 million).
Located in the central part of the country on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is a tropical climate with long sunny days and high temperature and humidity. There are three main seasons; rainy (May-October), winter (November-January) and summer (February-April) so plan accordingly.
One more must, a Tuk-Tuk ride
in Bangkok. Tuk-Tuk's are three-wheeled, open-air motorized taxis and good for getting short distances quick. The best part too, it's only around 30 baht for a ride, but you can bargain for your fare in advance.
One of the most interesting stops if your heading north in the country is the Chok Chai Farm. Offering Agro-tour programs guests are able to experience a hands-on dairy farm along with wagon and tractor tours and even horseback riding. An 80-acre private forest on 1,000 acres of ranch and spending a few nights in the luxurious tent accommodations will be a Thailand experience you won't forget.
The northern part of Thailand is considered the birthplace of the earliest Thai civilization with a number of archaeological and cultural sites. The tradition here goes back many generations.
In Isan, one of the poorest regions in the country, you will find two of Thailand's best-loved national parks; Khao Yai, Phu Kradung and Phu Rua in Loei. Also visit the villages of Khorat and Khon Kaen where local silk is woven by hand.
There are many festivals in this area too and one you won't want to miss is the Elephant Festival in the fall held in Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village. The locals in this village raise and train the elephants to perform in Surin Provinces' Annual Elephant roundup. As well, visitors who come to the festival can feed and even ride the elephants.
While in the village also visit the Elephant Museum with elephant skeletons, information about past elephant ceremonies in the village and an explanation of what is known as "merit making" for the elephants that have died.
Heading closer to the Lao border, check out Pa Taem National Park in Khong Chiam district and pay special attention to the two steep cliffs that overlook the Mekong River. The Mekong River, a spectacular view in its own right, is worth a trip on a boat just to take in the fishermen dotting the area fishing for their day's meal. You can also see Laos just on the other side of the river too. At the cliffs take special notice of the prehistoric paintings that date back 4000 years depicting this once ancient way of life including buk fishing and rice farming. Figures of people, animals and geometric designs are all clearly visible.
For a real Thailand experience, discover the northern region of the country known as the Surin Province and you will definitely experience what seems like stepping back in time. One of the oldest provinces, the old Cambodian temples and traditions still remain a strong part of everyday life.
One more thing you don't want to miss is the foot massage - very inexpensive - very good for the soul. Get one every day as this pampering alone will hold Thailand forever in your mind.
Where to stay:
Sofitel Grand Bangkok 999/99 Rama I Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
66-02-769-1234
www.centarahotelresort
Torsang Khongjiam Resort
251 Palochai Road - Muang District
Ubon Ratchathani 34000
Thailand 6-45-245-531 www.tohsang.com
Going to the Phuket area for a few days to unwind, do it at The Sarojin, where the lush tropical grounds and white sandy beaches are conducive to the relaxing way of life in Thailand overall.
The Sarojin
60 Moo 2, Kukkak, Takuapa
Phang Nga, 82190 Thailand
66-076-427-900-4
www.sarojin.com