Utah Saints

Since Icelandic volcanic ash is not my friend, instead jetting over to Berlin, I will be heading westward to Utah. Yes, Utah. We'll be flying into the mecca of Mormons (or LDS, as they are called now), Salt Lake City, to check out the church and dip our toes in the Great Salt Lake before driving south to the alien lanscape of multiple state parks.

A little background on the 45th State:

• "Utah" is derived from Ute tribe, meaning "people of the mountains."  I'm not sure if there are any Utes left, but would not be surprised if they have been wiped out.
• Nickname is the "beehive state." Utahans relate the beehive symbol to industry and the pioneer virtues of thrift and perseverance. The beehive is their official state emblem.
• 80% of the state population (2.7million) lives in the Salt Lake City area, making it one of the top most urbanized areas.
• The Great Salt Lake is the largest lake west of my beloved Great Lakes.
• It is one of the most religiously homogenous (and I'm assuming racially homogenous) states--somewhere between 40-60% are Mormons. However, Mormonism did not start here--Brigham Young moved them from Illinois after some conflict in the 1840s.
• Utah was not granted statehood until the Mormons "banned" polygamy--the U.S. government was not down with big love.
• There are weird drinking laws here:  In certain establishments you must order food to be able to order alcohol (I do not have a problem with this as I love to eat when I drink.) No more than 3.2 beer unless it's a "private club" in which you have to join or be sponsored by a member. No more than 1oz hard liquor at a time--doubles do not exist in Utah. You have to order a "side car", or a shot of alcohol you can add to your drink.  CORRECTION: there WERE weird drinking laws. They were repealed last year. Whew.

And finally, a little bit about the weather...Being a Minnesotan who likes to know the weather forecast at least 10 days in advance, it's looking pretty damn hot over there. I am not one for extreme temperatures, hot or cold.

Salt Lake City: Highs in the 80s (fine)
Moab: Highs in the low 100s. (not okay)

I believe this is hotter than when I went to Egypt. Next to the Sahara Desert. I'm scared.