Under a "Bucking Horse Moon"

That's the title of a Zarzyski poem, sung by Whylie Gustafson,,, Though we didn't drive at night with the moon above us, it sort of felt that way,,, Before leaving Elko, we still bought some provisions for the flight tomorrow at Albertsons and noticed that "spiritual nutrition" was, what we mostly had for the last couple of days. Grabbed a coffee and a muffin or a sandwich or burrito in the Convention Center, and ate peanut butter out of the jar (me) or respectively Goldfish (Peter) as supper after a long day. Well, didn't miss "real meals" ,,,

Not only is the NCPG an "eye-opening event", but also the landscape is an eye-opener. So rugged, rough, sparsely populated. Wide open land with a couple of mountain ranges (like the Rubies on the pic), high dessert with sagebrush, endless horizon. I assume that only people with strong family roots can live here, no timid souls. From a viewpoint before Wendover (pic below) - approximately half-way - it's said that the curving of the planet earth can be noticed. We stopped, but couldn't really see the curving, but view extended many miles. Lots of Utahns seem to drive over to Wendover to gamble and get their booze, both available here because most of the town is still in Nevada. Shows again, how stupid strict religious (or other) rules are - like the ones the mormons set up (no stimulants of all kinds, etc.)!

On a casino's parking lot (where we stopped for a pit stop), we observed a scene which gave us to think: There was a rider on horseback on Main Street Wendover, riding on the walkway and stopping at traffic lights. A rather young man, his head covered by a hood, hunched and a bit unsteady on his legs, asked the rider something, but he didn't react (first) and rode on. After a certain distance he called out to the man and turned his horse so that they met half-way. The cowboy pulled out his purse and gave some dollar bills to the man. Then rode away again.

Smooth drive, 80 mph (135 km/h) is the speed limit most of the time. Arrived to SLC, and checked in the Microtel closeby the airport. We have stayed here last year, too. It's rather new, a little studio with fridge/microwave etc., bright and friendly and good value. From the window we see planes starting and landing. Out again soon to watch the Superbowl and grab a bite to eat.

Back from Squatter's in downtown SLC. Great bar, good beer & food, but lousy Super Bowl atmosphere. It's the third year in a row we are in SLC for Super Bowl, and, each time it was boring. The pub was crowded, but even at the bar no cheering, no talking,,, Next time we'll probably fly into Vegas or Reno and hope for better atmosphere.