Go West: Lakeside Layover

Traveling, Camping and Hiking My Way Westward

#51 of my 2023 52 Hike Challenge

Trail/Park: Utah Lake State Park, Provo, UT

Trash Collected: 0.34 pounds

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The morning broke bright and sunny again. While it had gotten chilly overnight, I’d slept soundly. which wasn’t surprising after the previous day’s events. A whole day lay ahead of me to get my tire situation solved before I spent the evening with a friend who lives in Salt Lake City. Breakfast was my first priority, along with coffee. Thankfully I had everything I needed in the camper kitchen.

Once breakfast was done, I started making more phone calls, including finally giving into the voice in my head to call the local dealership. During that call a comment the service person made flipped my perspective on the needed tires. I was trying so hard to find two tires that simply weren’t available. I needed to look for four tires that would fit my car instead. Buying four tires in addition to the first two was just a reality I’d need to accept. But I wasn’t going to do that with just anyone.

I called Burt Brothers again. As I spoke with the same person from the day earlier, I explained I’d changed my search. I wanted four tires to would fit my car. Good all-weather tires for a variety of conditions I listed off. He quickly found a set of four. They’d be more expensive, but he could take the first two back under the satisfaction guarantee the company offers. Most importantly, he’d have them by lunchtime or a bit after and could get them installed same day. Problem solved.

I breathed easier, took a walk and read for a bit. One of the park staff stopped by asking if I was staying for another night. They couldn’t locate my reservation. Thankfully I’d printed a copy before I left home so I dug it out and confirmed I was good to stay for the night. Before long it was time for lunch.

Tires and Treats

I decided to head into downtown Provo to get lunch wander around while I waited to hear the tires had arrived. I found a place to park and started walking. Before long I came across Bianca’s La Petite French Bakery & Cafe. The variety of baked goods was amazing. I took it all in, reminding myself I really needed to find lunch, not just sweets. A savory croissant fit the bill. They warmed it for me while I picked out two boxes of macaroons. I was finishing up my croissant when the shop called. Tires were ready.

I walked back to my car, armed with the treats and headed to the shop. Pulling in I asked for my contact and handed over the keys. I walked inside, sliding a box of the macaroons across the counter noting I hoped there were enough in the box for those working in the shop. He went through the paperwork with me, then pointed me to the waiting area.

I sat down near the TV looking up to see a show about a Provo custom car shop. I watched, reminded of watching shows like this with my son when he was in high school. A little while later, I got a run-through of the tires being installed, how grippy they would be on the sections of highway which have grooves. I appreciated the tips and the fact that, again, the customers were primarily women. At no point during my experience in Coalville or Provo did I feel like I was being taken advantage of, no sense of my being anything less than a capable traveler in need of tires. An hour later I was set and, on my way back to the campground.

Evening Raiin and Stars

With the tires installed my stress level dropped again. In a few hours my friend Micaela would join me with her pup Raiin for a hike and dinner. She’d hadn’t yet been to the park and was excited to check it out with me. They arrived a bit before sunset. We quickly fell into easy conversation, catching up while we walked toward the marina and out to the jetty. The evening was cool and the sunset spectacular. Each night on the trip I was in awe of the sunsets. To share it with a good friend made it even more sweet. I enjoyed getting to meet her dog Raiin and hearing about her life changes as we walked.

We headed toward downtown Provo after our walk to get dinner at Guru’s Cafe. The restaurant has a great selection of food, including vegetarian options. It seemed we could have talked for hours. Eventually though we needed to part ways. The time with this good friend was so very good for my soul. As I settled in for the night I reflected on the day with gratitude. I’d been just where I needed to be in the moment of challenge, buoyed by the kindness of strangers and a valued friendship.

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This travel, hike and camping took place on the traditional territory of the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Newe Sogobia (Eastern Shoshone), Shoshone-Bannock, Goshute, Timpanogos and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) who have stewarded this land for more than 5,000 years. I respect the histories, languages and cultures of these peoples, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant and changing communities. Join me in learning more about the tribes and these lands, by following the links provided.

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Next Post Preview: Another reminder to keep up maintenance on my car comes before I find my way to camp near Zion National Park.

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME: My adventure camper is a lovely little teardrop made-to-order by the incredibly talented people at Vistabule in St. Paul, MN.

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GEAR: Granite Gear Crown2 38 Pack,Marmot Kompressor Pack,Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof,Oboz Katabic Low,Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Light Jacket, Mountain Hardware Stretchdown™ Pant,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket,REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie,REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Pants, Gnara Go There™ Pants, Chickfly Merino Eucalyptus Leggings,Icebreaker Women’s Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Leggings, SPOT GEN3 Satellite GPS Messenger, Dueter Dirtbag, Kula Cloth, Leki Women’s Micro Vario Cor-Tec TA trekking poles, Nemo Dragonfly™ Ultralight Backpacking Tent, Nemo Sonic™ 0 Down Sleeping Bag,Paria Thermodown 30 down quilt, Exped Ultra 7R Mat,REI Flash 3-Season Sleeping Pad, Thermarest Z Seat™,MSR Pocket Rocket Stove, TOAKS Titanium 450ML Cup with Lid, MSR® IsoPro™ Fuel.

Want to know more about my gear selections? Head on over to Gear & Gadgets or check out my posts titled “Gear in Review”.

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