First off just let me say my photographic skills, such as they are, failed me completely on Sunday. Every picture taken was over exposed as I had set the camera to take some indoor photos and hadn't reset it. Damn, it was such a great day! Maybe Mim and Laurie will have had better luck. Michaele, Mim, Laurie, Gwen , Janise (a new member to our SnB) and I headed up to Silver Fork for breakfast on Sunday. It was Michaele's last weekend in Utah (she's moving back to Colorado) and we had to show her what she'll be missing. It was great to have 5 grrls along who had never been to Silver Lake. It was a pleasure to introduce them to the beauty just a few minutes out of the Salt Lake Valley. The sky was a deeper blue than the water in this photo and not the washed out color you see here.
It was a magical day as if the lake knew we were coming. It just shimmered in the sun and made an exceptional showing of flora and fauna. As we rounded a corner we spotted a moose across the lake and ran to find a spot nearby. It turns out there were 5 moose dining around the lake yesterday but, we only saw...FOUR. Two bull moose were feasting on willows right off the trail and the one we could see best had a small (just starting to grow) rack in full velvet. It was too easy to get up close and we did our best to stay out of their way and watch in safety. Directly across the lake from the large beasts, we saw two calves, surely the two Smith and I spotted a couple of weeks ago.
Later in the day we met up for Sunday Stitch 'n Bitch and then went on together to the Gilgal Garden. This is one of Salt Lake's most unique spots and is known by very few. We wandered throught the sculputres, relaxed in the shade and read about the wonders built by Mr. Child and even took some time to knit. It is a strange and kitchy place.
It was a fabulous day with grrlfriends but I did miss my Smithy.
We will miss you Michaele and wish you the best in your new home. Don't be a stranger!
My favorite photo is the one with the five women slightly spread out on the rocks -- "Contemplation." Excellent.
Posted by: Norma | June 26, 2006 at 05:46 AM
I'm with Norma - excellent photo. Those cameras will bite you in the ass everytime. I can't tell you how many times I have forgot to adjust my settings. But shhhh. Don't tell any of my clients.
Posted by: Cara | June 26, 2006 at 05:55 AM
sounds like a wonderful weekend with wonderful friends. how fortunate you are! that sculpture garden is so cool.
Posted by: Kathleen | June 26, 2006 at 06:10 AM
What a great send off to/from good friends!
Posted by: Chris | June 26, 2006 at 06:35 AM
sounds like a great day to me! Moose are soooo cute! I wish I could take them home.
Posted by: Kelly | June 26, 2006 at 07:05 AM
It was a terrific day.
Posted by: Gwen | June 26, 2006 at 07:29 AM
I cannot believe that you saw moose this weekend! It's a friggin' conspiracy against me seeing moose, I think.
As for the rest of it, sounds wonderful. I love seeing the photos now and knowing everyone personally. And the photo of Miriam on the stack of books is fantastic! Next time I come out, I want a picture of me up there!
Posted by: Carole | June 26, 2006 at 08:33 AM
Sounds like the perfect Sunday!
Posted by: Nonnahs | June 26, 2006 at 08:42 AM
Yesterday was so much fun! It was perfect!
Posted by: eliza | June 26, 2006 at 09:12 AM
MOOSE! How awesome. I have yet to see one, despite many visits to Maine.
Posted by: Beth S. | June 26, 2006 at 09:19 AM
My desktop picture is one I took at SL. That way I can visit the lake and the mountains whenever I turn my computer on.
Posted by: wool winder | June 26, 2006 at 09:27 AM
MORE moose??? I am so jealous.
Posted by: lisa Co. Springs | June 26, 2006 at 10:47 AM
Are you technically a virgin if you've done it once before? Years ago?
The day was da bomb! So much fun, and amazing! And some of my photos did turn out, so I'll get them up ASAP.
Posted by: green-eyed grrl | June 26, 2006 at 10:50 AM
I *heart* Gilgal Garden - excellent kitsch! It sounds like you're sending Michaele off in style.
Posted by: Chris | June 26, 2006 at 11:25 AM
I'm with Carole on the moose... one of the animals I have never seen, still! What a great, fun time all of you had.
Posted by: Birdsong | June 26, 2006 at 11:26 AM
It all looks glorious, the lake, the sky, the friends and the moose.
Posted by: Lucia | June 26, 2006 at 11:36 AM
You always find the coolest weekend wanders.
Posted by: Laurie | June 26, 2006 at 11:40 AM
A wonderful trip up to the lake. It must be so cool to see the Moose... meese... ummm... heh Best wishes to Michaela - I'm sure she'll miss you all but there are some great Colorado grrls to knit with. :)
Posted by: Laura | June 26, 2006 at 11:51 AM
That sculpture garden looks very interesting! What a great place to take some unique pics.
Posted by: amanda | June 26, 2006 at 02:05 PM
Wish I had been able to come too, dagnabbit. Glad you guys had so much fun though.
Posted by: Katherine Allred | June 26, 2006 at 04:32 PM
I wish we had meese in southern California!
Posted by: monica | June 27, 2006 at 03:17 PM
If all this gorgeous scenery wasn't enough to convince me to move to Utah, 11% humidity IS :)
Posted by: Debi | June 27, 2006 at 11:27 PM
That's a great send-off! You will miss Michaele, but so have we. Sounds like an awesome day with lots of wonderful spots to see.
Posted by: Wanda | June 28, 2006 at 02:23 PM