THE CABIN

I told Sharon that she was almost a member of our
family.  She along with Andy, Joe, Mike and Jeff were brave enough to finish the 100 mile Panguitch bike run.  When they arrived back at the cabin Saturday afternoon, they all took well deserved naps.


L>R:  Sharon, Andy, Joe, Sherry , Mike, Katie, Bev





"Look, I can spread my toes."


Sherry, Katie, myself (Grandpa Zucc) plus all the kids stayed at the cabin, enjoying good books, resting, talking, visiting the salamander pond, etc.  It was great.  I even caught Katie hiding under a blanket.  It seems that she is a little camera shy.  I don't know why. 


Afternoon napping is good.




"Please don't take my picture."



Greg and Jeff reading.



Kids at salamander pond.

 In the early afternoon, Greg and I ventured to the top of Brianhead peak.  At 11,307 feet, we had great views of the countryside below.  The cabin sits at almost 9,500 feet.  On top is little block building constructed in 1932 by the CCC.  It had an official survey marker in the floor dated 1957.  In 1995 it received a remodel upgrade.  It is really cool. 


Looking towards Cedar Breaks.



Shelter at Brianhead peak.


We played a lot of board games:  Go Fish, Quidler, Five Crowns, Old Maid, Greed, etc.  Katie was the Queen of the Quidler game.  She won twice, mainly by coming up with big words, but the third time, I won.  This made my day.  Ha-ha. 

Matthew really likes Old Maid.

I believe that the major attraction for the kids was using the motorbike, and the four wheelers.  They all wore helmets for which we were all grateful.  The only injury was to Erin.  She got a nice little burn on the inside of her knee. 


Matthew at 4 years old, can ride by himself.




Bells is ready to ride.

I worry about the kids, especially the younger ones when they ride by themselves, but I must say that Matty is really good at riding, especially for his age.  Erin told me that she didn't know how to put the brakes on in order to stop.  This perhaps could be the next lesson on of the adults could teach at the cabin.


Jason activates the chopper.



Jeff brought a little automated helicopter.  The kids really liked to fly it.  They actually got it to rise all the way to the upper loft. 



Flying high!

Now for the guy who made this little vacation possible, Jeff Davis!  He owns the cabin, and was gracious enough to lend the use of it to us.  On Friday he drove from Vegas to Brianhead in an old school bus with a bunch of boy scouts.  He stayed with them in another cabin just down the mountain a-ways.  I wish we all could be as kind and gracious as this gentle man.


The owner of the cabin.



A MOST INSPIRING EVENT



The organ at the Cathedral of the Madeline

Last evening, Grandma and I attended a most inspiring event, "Organ Fest IV."  It was sponsored by Classical 89, a local FM radio station, and featured six of the area's premiere organists. 


I had beforehand heard that the Cathedral's organ was a good one, but the artists' were able to exploit the full power of this immaculate musical instrument.


"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting."  (Acts 2:2)  I realize this verse refers to the Holy Spirit, but truly the mighty sound of the organ caused mouths to drop in amazement, eyes to light up with admiration, and legs to straighten for a standing ovation.


I especially liked Eugene Gigout's Toccata in B Minor as played by Bonnie Goodliffe.  During this piece I envisioned the rising of the sun, brilliant and moving with a dramatic lightning ending.


Clay Christiansen, played the exciting Tu es petra, from Esquisses byzantines by Henri Mulet.  I have heard Clay play this many times before on the Tabernacle organ, but I must say he really showed what the Cathedral organ was made of as he brought this piece to a spectacular ending after playing what seemed like 10 million notes.


Now, organ music can be all encompassing.  This was the case with Choral, from Symphony No. 2, Op.20 by Louis Vierne.  This piece seems to want to dive into the inter sanctum of one's subconscious mind, in a dramatic, emotional, and maddening sort of way.  The ending was spectacular as Andrew Unsworth played with brilliant chords and heavy bass.  He really showed the versatility of this organ.


I would be amiss if I didn't mention the program's opening number, Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, by Bach.  I don't believe Douglas O'Neill missed a note. 


The concert went out live on satellite radio.  For those of you who would like to just relax a little, it will be rebroadcast Sunday 28 August, at 3pm on Classical FM 89.


Try laying flat on you back, closing your eyes, block out all distractions, and letting your mind open as you listen.  You may be surprised at what will come into your mind as you listen to this great organ.
 

  



STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj-366oM6dk

Have you ever been to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport?  Who really gets a kick out of a 5 hour layover in a gigantic airport?   For me, this stop was one of the highlights of our trip to Mexico.  I suppose my natural desire to experience new things, attributes to the forgoing statement.



Stairway to heaven!

 Let me explain why I liked this stop.  SKYLINK TRAIN!  This was awesome.  I had no idea this even existed before arriving, but almost immediately, upon entering terminal D, I noticed the highly visible skylink directional signs.  As Bev and I made our way to our assigned departing gate, we came upon the longest escalator I have ever seen.  I jokingly called it a "stairway to heaven."



One minute ride!

 After we got seated, I got the wander urge and decided to take the escalator.  I timed the ride at one minute, from bottom to top.  It took me to the third level where Skylink was located.  Feeling adventurous, I boarded the car and off I went, but got off at the first stop.  I made my way back to inform Bev of my discovery. 



Skylink is located way at the top.

 I soon realized that Skylink connects 5 terminals together, and if a traveler has a flight transfer, he must use this service.  After a little rest, Bev encouraged me to explore some more, so I ventured back up the escalator, and again boarded the trax-like train.  I ended up traveling past all 5 terminals, and crossing a freeway perhaps 3 times.  I don't know how far I traveled, but I'm guessing at least 5 miles.

When I got back, Bev was amazed that I had been so far from her without her realizing it.  But hey!  The warder lust!  Right?  In the meantime, Bev discovered a shop where we could buy a hot dog for about $2.00.

Dallas/Fort Worth International is like a little city with lots of restaurants, shops etc, but everything is really expensive, so we enjoyed our hot dogs, and with grateful hearts, counted our blessings. 

After returning to this airport from Mexico, Bev didn't mind at all pushing a cart of luggage.  She seemed so happy to be back in America where pushing shopping carts is taken for granted, by all happy consumers.



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