A Browncoat Bash

Science fiction is my favorite entertainment genre, which is why I gobble up good sci-fi faster than the Crystalline Entity chomps organic life. Therefore, it should shock no one that Jason and I are Firefly fans, tasty sci-fi to be sure, and count ourselves among the rough and nerdy followers of that series commonly referred to as “Browncoats.” Also not surprisingly, we opted to attend the Browncoat Ball in Salt Lake City this fall like others with similar tastes in outerwear.

Although we were the only ones in our rail group to do so, Jason and I wore attire befitting the 'Verse.
Although we were the only ones in our rail group to do so, Jason and I wore attire befitting the ‘Verse.
It was fun to see a different side of Deer Creek Reservoir.
It was fun to see a different side of Deer Creek Reservoir.

The Browncoats put on a national shindig annually that happened to be in Utah this year. Even though I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this event, I signed us up. After all, sci-fi is all about going daringly into the unknown and I am nothing if not daring… except when it comes to small places, high places, germs, swift water, sun exposure, meat, insects, crooked lines, movie gore, and so forth.

I love this picture of Jason except his oddly-placed arm.
I love this picture of Jason except his oddly-placed arm.

Not only did we decide to attend the actual ball, a black-tie evening full of great food, singing, heists, auctions, and dancing, we also opted to do a day activity with some of the Browncoat crew, a three-hour outing on the Heber Creeper. Yes, clearly a reference to “The Train Job.”

The Heber Creeper stopped at Vivian Park to switch the position of its engine.
The Heber Creeper stopped at Vivian Park to switch the position of its engine.
We enjoyed chatting with this bunch of fan strangers while our train ambled down the track.
We enjoyed chatting with this bunch of fan strangers while our train ambled down the track.

The Heber Valley Railroad, AKA Heber Creeper, runs from Heber to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon primarily on the power of steam locomotives over 100 years old. We had never gone through Provo Canyon on these bygone tracks before so we thought we might as well give it a whirl with some Firefly friends.

Because of the Asian influences in Firefly, I chose to purchase my dress for the ball from India. Claustrophobics of the world take note, Indian dresses do not have zippers. You have to wiggle your way out of them.
Because of the Asian influences in Firefly, I chose to purchase my dress for the ball from India. Claustrophobics of the world take note, Indian dresses do not have zippers. You have to wiggle your way out of them.

The Heber Creeper has been accurately named, in case you are wondering. Our train definitely crawled unhurriedly but the scenery we passed was pretty and we had a shiny time chatting with a group of people, most of them out-of-towners, with whom we had an instant commonality.

We did both old-school and run-of-the-mill dancing at the ball.
We did both old-school and run-of-the-mill dancing at the ball.

I’m glad that exploring unusual pursuits with strangers does not intimidate me. Perhaps I am ready now to journey to the stars or tackle touching food without washing my hands.

Meanwhile in Midway…

I had to attend a conference in Midway recently for an industry group. Per his habit, Jason tagged along. We were only there for a day and a half but we still found a little time for fun on four wheels.

In the few afternoon hours we had free between my seminars and board obligations, we rented a Polaris RZR. We took this hardy vehicle on a 30-mile jaunt across backcountry dirt roads and trails that started in Wasatch Mountain State Park and twisted around to American Fork Canyon before coming back along Deer Creek Reservoir, a journey that took nearly three hours.

Impressive outlooks were frequently encountered during our drive.
Impressive outlooks were frequently encountered during our drive.

This ride contained an ideal mix of roads that bounced and scenery that struck. We crossed creeks and dodged furrows while yellowing leaves clinked their decaying percussions in a pleasing breeze.

We rode a mix of trail types.
We rode a mix of trail types.

The downside? Dirt. We were so dusty when we returned that our schnozzles were literally black. After I washed my hands a few times, they still left grimy smears on the hotel towels. (Sorry hotel!)

Jason did most of the driving because I couldn't reach the pedals comfortably.
Jason did most of the driving because I couldn’t reach the pedals comfortably.

What a quick and dirty yet enjoyable escapade. Incidentally, I would recommend a RZR ride around Midway to families and adventurers alike. The RZR felt safer than other ATVs I’ve ridden and more appropriate for all types of passengers.

Taking a Cedar Break

With the start of school looming ahead, I decided that I needed one more summer vacation before giving up my fleeting freedom. (Apparently, Europe, Vegas, Steamboat Springs, etc. weren’t enough for me.) Jason and I hadn’t been down to the Utah Shakespearean Festival in years so I thought it would be nice to spend a couple days in Cedar City to catch some culture and nature. Predictably, I was correct.

Between that dot, AKA Jason, and the amphitheater bottom tumbled 2,000 feet of unforgiving rock.
Between that dot, AKA Jason, and the amphitheater bottom tumbled 2,000 feet of unforgiving rock.

We saw two productions during our stay. Cocoanuts, with its frequent sticking and slapping, was quite entertaining but the Utah Shakespearean Festival’s take on Henry V was outstanding. Jason had a bit of difficulty understanding the play’s fancy English, as usual, but he did grasp enough of its plainer parts to not completely drowned in that sea of fine language.

The views at Spectra Point are astounding and a little frightening.
The views at Spectra Point are astounding and a little frightening.
This bristlecone pine is over 1600 years old and has the widest span of any known in Utah.
This bristlecone pine is over 1600 years old and has the widest span of any known in Utah.

Following our play day, we opted to take a detour through Cedar Breaks National Monument on our way home. Although Cedar City was a little hot, Cedar Breaks was not. Instead, a storm threatened to put a swift and electrifying end to our hiking. Thankfully, it grumpily passed us by and singed the ridges to our north.

Bristlecone pines live thousands of years, to which our lifespans are measly blinks.
Bristlecone pines live thousands of years, to which our lifespans are measly blinks.

Thus, we made the four-mile roundtrip trek to Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook without becoming rim fries. This trail, a section of which we hiked years ago, was full of dizzying panoramas along the perimeter of Cedar Break’s half-mile-deep amphitheater. It’s not a path you’d take a young child on unless you have a few of those to spare.

At Spectra Point, color plummets in every direction.
At Spectra Point, color plummets in every direction.

Afterwards, we had time for a casual romp over the Alpine Pond Nature Trail, a two-mile loop. Although the wildflowers that grace this route during parts of the summer had already died and the outlooks were blocked by trees, it was a pleasant wander.

The trail connecting Spectra Point to Ramparts Overlook takes a surprising dip through a quiet forest full of wildlife.
The trail connecting Spectra Point to Ramparts Overlook takes a surprising dip through a quiet forest full of wildlife.

Traveling to Cedar City was a great idea; I have lots of those. Even though we were down there and back again in less than 48 hours, we still succeeded in witnessing some of man’s and nature’s best material. Good thing I’m needy and demanded one more pre-school break.