Good morning friends!
It is bright and early, and I’m looking at the gorgeous Utah mountains. I’m sad to have to leave this morning and return to reality, but oh my goodness what. a. fun. trip!
We may have only been here for a long weekend, but boy, did we make the most of it!
Kind of like when we went to Iceland…sleeping was the last on our priority list! Haha –Too many fun things to do!!
This group of girls is seriously so much fun to travel with. We’ve been friends for over 20 years!! Seriously so blessed!
So we had so many adventures. That’s kind of the theme with this group — the higher the “danger factor,” the better — like when we went snorkeling in the glacial 34 degree water, between the active tectonic plates. haha yeah…
Our first day, we went hiking on the beautiful Guardsman Pass. It was so beautiful — there were 2 breathtaking mountain lakes along the way. We stopped and had lunch at one. And then we hiked to the top! It was 10,000 feet!
Afterwards, we were pretty tired, so we stopped at the Montage, which is an exquisite resort along the way. We had beers (wine for me) and nachos! So great. Perfect after a long day.
That night, was awesome. After a quick regroup session, we went to The Wallflowers concert in City Park! It was so fun! It felt like all the locals turned up at this picturesque park, with the sun setting over the mountains. We were definitely the youngest people there by about 25 years, but hey — with this group, we have fun wherever we go!
Following the concert, we stopped at High West Distillery, with is a must visit when you go to Park City! We had craft whisky cocktails, which is their specialty, and delicious apps!
The next was our “dangerous high adventure” day, a la Iceland. We went…BOBSLEDDING! It was the coolest experience ever. It was at Olympic Park – one of the sites of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City, as well as where future Olympians train for ski jumping, bobsled etc.
But this was a CRAZY experience. Our sled went 71.8 mph! You could feel the “G’s” pushing down on your shoulders and chest and your head all of a sudden felt like 500 pounds as the sled whipped around the corners. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I don’t think I’ve ever screamed as much as I did that day. I like couldn’t control the noises coming out of my mouth! Haha
The video will be up tomorrow! I can’t wait to share it with you!
Ok that night we went to this beautiful Italian restaurant on Main Street: Grappa. It is the most picturesque restaurant. In fact it was rated the most romantic restaurant in Park City of 2018! Granted I was there with my best friends and not Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome, but hey — it was amazing!
Ok — next…was one of the best days of my life. Literally. We went to the Stein Eriksen Spa. (After church of course!)
Holy Cow. It is one of the few Forbes 5 Star spas in the country. It was seriously incredible. My parents treated the four of us for my birthday. The word I would use to describe it: plush. Yummy. Luxurious.
We got massages. And let me tell ya, after a day of hiking, and that 80 mile walking pilgrimage in Spain, it felt amazing. The masseuse was like, “Wow, you really work your feet hard, don’t you?!”
It was magnificent.
But the pinnacle, was after the spa: we went to their famous Sunday Brunch.
When I tell you it is a gourmet experience, it is an understatement.
It’s a five star restaurant. And they had every type of incredible brunch option. All you can eat crab legs! And the most beautiful salads and fruit and seafood and hot entrees and an ENTIRE ROOM of just delectable desserts.
They even made me this beautiful rainbow salad of all foods that are on the Specific Carb Diet (for my Ulcerative Colitis) — it was the best meal we’ve had in a long time, if not ever. (So thank you Mom and Dad!! We had the day of our lives!)
After luxuriating at the Stein and enjoying all the amenities that come with the spa — sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, pool, etc — we took a leisurely stroll around Main Street.
There are so many beautiful art galleries and little boutiques. We all got matching dream catchers for like 7 bucks. A perfect little trinket to remember this trip by!
And that night we ended the trip by getting in our cozy robes, drinking white wine and watching none other than Moana! Yes – as in the Disney movie!!
Walking away from this beautiful weekend, yes we did some awesome activities and adventures that I will remember for probably the rest of my life, but more than that, I’m walking away with an intense gratitude in my heart.
Friends are truly such a blessing. And I could not be more thankful for these incredible women in my life.
You all know the journey my life has taken. And the toll my anorexia had on my relationships.
There is nothing more beautiful life than friends. Honestly, I think that’s one of the big reasons why I’m still single, is that I just value my friends so much, after spending all those years in isolation, clinging to ED.
I now have an intense appreciation for those sacred bonds. Friends are worth fighting for. And worth the effort to maintain and grow those relationships.
So that’s all for tonight.
The plane literally just took off and I’m doing this via GoGo Inflight, so shoutout Delta!
Like I said, the videos will be up tomorrow and Wednesday. I took some awesome footage – including the ski jump aerial show at Olympic Park! So be on the lookout for that!
So put down the computer. Call your friend. Set up a coffee date. And remember how lucky we are to have people who love and care about us!
See ya tomorrow morning on the Podcast!
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95 responses to “That Time I Went Bobsledding”
What a beautiful post!! I agree that friends are everything and more!! One of God’s greatest gifts to us, for sure!! I’m so glad you had such a fun time!!
Thank you so much Meg! Yes! It was really a beautiful weekend. Friends def are! Hugs and love xox
Excellent article. Sounds like a great time. Wish I was there…lol
Thanks Dennis! Definitely put it on your bucket list! Hugs and love xox
Been to Park City about twelve years back during summer. Beautiful place.
It really is so beautiful! Hugs and love xox
What a great crew Caralyn! Lovely photos, the dress your wearing in the first photo is gorgeous! 💕❤️😎🤗
Thank you so much John! It was fun to wear! Haha Hugs and love xox
It is so much fun to see a fun lady have so much fun, and to have great people to do it with. My only time on a bobsled was in Lake Placid, New York. It was fun. It was not Iceland although I have been to Iceland, but it was fun. Lovely dress by the way.
Aw thank you JB. It was a blast! And that’s cool that you went too! Hugs and love xox
You are very graciously welcome. Hugz and luv to U!!!
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It is fun to see a fun lady having fun. I went bobsledding in Lake Placid many years ago. I loved it. Lovely dress by the way.
🙂
Awesome, what a great time! You would do great out here in Colorado! Blessings sister!
Thank you so much Ryan!! I went to college in Colorado! Loved it 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Cool! Did you go to UNC?
No I didn’t go to unc
I went to UNC from 1996-2000. Met my wife there too! God bless!
oh awesome!!! that’s so great!
It looks like it was an amazing trip, and a lot of fun. But, one of the things that you said struck me with sadness. “I think that’s one of the big reasons why I’m still single, is that I just value my friends so much”. Friends and relationships with males are not mutually exclusive. The right male(s) will BE a friend, will embrace your friends, and will blend in seamlessly in the fabric of your life. If you’re (subconsciously) choosing one over another, step back and look at the picture differently. Ask your friends if they see someone who could possibly be a male friend to you, and more, open yourself to possibility, and run with it. Expand your horizons–what a joyous picture it will be.
Hi Lisa, thank you for this powerful insight. There’s a lot of truth there. You’ve def given me a lot to think and pray about! Hugs and love xox
Life is just for living. Continue to enjoy life, my friend.
Thank you Noel. Yes it is! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful blessing for you to be with your friends. 🙂
It really is. Thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
Awe so happy for you 💛 friends are a gift. We were never meant to spend life alone! Thanks be to God that He’s always with us and He leads the right people into our lives at the right time. Blessings xoxo
Thank you so much, Laura! They really are! Hugs and love xox
This s like an adventure! Reading this whirlwind you have experienced is nice. Because being a friend to those you have with you is very important, I just know. That’s got to be nice, along with the best of everything else that you handle doing!
Thank you friend. A whirlwind is right!!! Now back to the daily grind! Haha Hugs and love xox
Looks like so much fun! Love that dress!
Thanks so much Jessy! It’s super fun to wear 🙂 Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome! Love and hugs to you! Xo 😊
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Looks like a great vacation and great friends. What wonderful blessings.
Thanks friend. It was marvelous. God is good Hugs and love xox
Amazing!!
Thanks so much Emily! Hugs and love xox
Looks like it was a great trip! Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh gosh it really was! Thanks! Hugs and love xox
Ah Caralyn: you are blessed to have such good friends, and they are blessed to have you for a friend.
Friends are such a necessity to a happy, fun filled, life.
We have one couple who we have been friends with for 42 years, and another couple for 35 years. We introduced them about 30 years ago, so now there are the six of us. We have gotten oldER together, had trips together.
Being all Christ followers, we also have that strong bond, and have done ministry together. The difference in us, the other two guys have been singers, and sorry to say, I lost my singing voice and musical talents, just before I was born. 😀.
Thanks for sharing your fun times, Caralyn, it is always a pleasure to read of your experiences. You are a BLESSING!
Luv, 😀❤️🌹😘
Thank you so much George. Friends really are such gifts and blessing from the father. Wow that’s amazing – 42 years! How wonderful 🙂 thanks for taking the time to read 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Looks like a lovely trip with some lovely girls (and I know who the loveliest of the group is 😉 ) On this front, I’m almost ready to start my new venture (my full time position). I worked alot to transition to my new office this summer while my daughter was taking Drivers Ed. Now its down to a lot of little things before opening day (which falls right on my big 5-0, next Wednesday, the 5th. I actually STARTED school, Kindergarten, right on that day. This past weekend we went to the NYS Fair in Syracuse and I got to see 2 Latin groups. One was Merenguero Zaki Malave, and then an awesome Salsa Band from Rochester, Orquesta Antonetti. I still have and play a classic LP of theirs from the late 80s, that was recorded when Victor Antonetti Sr lead the group (and Jr was part of the band). Now Jr leads them and I have one of their cds they’ve released. Ayyyyy girl, this Catholic abuse crisis is getting worse by the day. They need to act. I hope Pope Francis acts. The sad part is, most of all this did NOT happen on his watch as Pope, but on the past Popes, John Paul II and Benedict. But everybody’s coming down on Francis as if HE covered it etc… I really hope he acts. Lets pray for action to help these people and show that The Church cares, and not covers more. Love and Hugs!! xoxoxoxo
Thanks Miguel! Oh it was so fun. Sadly you’re right about that. There needs to be action. A.c.t.i.o.n. Yes I will join you in that prayer. Hugs and love xox
xoxoxoxo
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I am pleased to see that you seem happy and on the right track toward complete healing. However, I have found myself covered up with subscriptions these days–yes, I know it is my own fault, but do you mind unsubscribing me at least for a time? I can find you again.
Thanks Beth! It has def been a journey. God is good! Hugs and love xox
Sounds like you had a fun and exciting adventure! God bless you, hon. 🙂
Oh gosh it was marvelous. Thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
God bless you, sweetie! Hugs and love xoxo
xoxoxoxox 🙂
Sounds unbelievably amazing, especially the spa!
thank you! oh my gosh it was! add it to your bucket list for sure!!! Hugs and love xox
This looks like a blast! Thanks for the reminder that friendships are totally worth all of the effort. Calling my bestie now to set up a coffee date 🙂
thank you so much! aw yay! enjoy your friend date! friends are the best 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Woowww Very Nice Post 🙂
One complement for you, You are very beeautifull <3
thank you so much Jassi! awww, what a kind thing to say 🙂 xox
That dress! *heart eyes*
haha thank you! it was fun to wear 🙂 xoxo 🙂
Wow! What an amazing trip! Pictures are beautiful! Girls just wanna have fun! Thanks for sharing ⚘🌷🦋😃😃😍
thank you so much! haha yes! that was our theme song for the weekend 🙂 Hugs and love xox
LOL! LOVE Grappa!!! Went there with my daughter when we were at Dear Valley this past winter. She was tagging along on a business trip mom couldn’t make. We went to Grappa and had another great meal. And the big surprise was that she had it prearranged to pay for the meal. Ted
Oh fun! Isn’t it so beautiful!? Thanks Ted! Hugs and love xox
Sounds like a great trip 👍👍
Oh gosh it definitely was! Thanks David!
I know the feeling about friends!
This weekend, my wife and I are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary. We’ll be having a special lunch at LH on 22 at the top of the London House Hotel in downtown Chicago. Then picking up my mom at the airport.
Saturday night I’m singing with The Master’s Voice at the Chicago Dogs baseball game. We’re singing the National Anthem. Then Sunday, my wife and I are renewing our vows in church.
The Master’s Voice are four of my best friends in the world. We all went to college and seminary together and now serve as pastors in Wisconsin, Illinois and Virginia! They were all at my wedding and will be there for the renewal (I’ll be writing all about this – with pictures – over the next couple of blog/devotions).
Thanks for sharing your adventures with your friends and thanks for letting me share mine!
Oh congratulations! That’s so beautiful. I hope you have an amazing time. And WOW! What a cool opportunity! Sounds like it will be an incredible weekend. Hugs and love xox
How on earth did you end up bobsledding 😂😱 did you watch the Olympics and think ooo that looks fun 😂 those photos of you and your friends is so adorable! Sorry haven’t been around much be dealing with a few things
Hahah I know right!! So crazy but so fun! Hope you’re doing okay Benny. Good to hear from you 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Please tell me that there’s video of it 😂🙈 doing a lot better lovely
There is!! Working on it right now! Hugs and love xox
Time with friends is so special! Glad you had such a nice time xo
Thanks Tessa! It really is. Hugs and love xox
That looks like so much fun. And, that dress is adorable! I usually feel too short to wear a summer maxi!
Thank you so much! I know the feeling — but hey, life’s too short to not wear a summer maxi! Haha Hugs and love xox
Wow! So happy for you. In a way, I follow you because you reveal so much of yourself to us and you have managed to build a bond between us and you. For that reason, your joy is my joy.
Thanks so much friend! Aww that seriously is one of the nicest things ever. I am so touched by that 🙂 Yay for shared joy! Hugs and love xox
Looks like you had fun!
Oh gosh it was SO fun! Thanks Rajiv! Hugs and love xox
Omg! You girls are very brave….I would be so scared! You look like you had a great vacation with a very close group of girlfriends! It’s very hard to find a friend that you have a lot in common with…much less a group. You are blessed!❤
Haha it was definitely a thrill! Thank you so much 🙂 yeah I feel so grateful to have them in my life! Hugs and love xox
wow I always love the pictures! Friends are the best!
Yes they are! Thanks friend!
A collection of beauties having fun. I hope you gave Bob’s sled back to him when you’d finished there. 🙂
Thanks 🙂 haha Bob…
[…] with my best friends to Deer Valley in Park City, Utah https://beautybeyondbones.com/2018/08/27/that-time-i-went-bobsledding/ Instagram: […]
You all look so beautiful and what a FUN trip! Yay!!!! 🙂
Thank you so much! It really was fun! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for liking my blog “I Believe I Can Fly.” I like all of your content! 🙂
you’re welcome! glad you stopped by! hugs xo
I enjoyed travelling with you guys to Utah through the post, pics lol etc. That’s so true, friends are truly to be cherished and to share great memories with 🙂 thanks for sharing with us.
well done, enjoy the next fifty too, amen
Thank you so much! Hugs and love xox